Before diving with EANx, what is essential to check?

Before diving with EANx, it is essential to check the cylinder's oxygen percentage. This is crucial because the safety and efficacy of using enriched air nitrox depend on knowing the exact oxygen content in the tank. EANx typically contains higher percentages of oxygen than regular air, typically ranging from 32% to 40% oxygen. Having accurate knowledge of the oxygen percentage allows divers to calculate exposure limits to avoid oxygen toxicity, plan their dive profiles safely, and ensure they are not exceeding the maximum partial pressure of oxygen for the mix they are using. Properly identifying and confirming the tank's oxygen content prevents potential life-threatening situations that can arise from incorrect gas mixtures.

Checking the dive location, weather conditions, and dive buddies' experience levels are indeed important aspects of preparation for any dive, but they do not specifically pertain to the unique considerations necessary when using enriched air nitrox.