What is the primary benefit of diving with enriched air nitrox?

The primary benefit of diving with enriched air nitrox is that it allows for increased allowable bottom time and reduced nitrogen absorption. This is primarily due to the higher proportion of oxygen in nitrox compared to normal air, which contains 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. By increasing the oxygen content and consequently reducing the nitrogen percentage, divers experience a lower nitrogen load on their bodies during dives.

With less nitrogen being absorbed, divers can extend their bottom times without increasing the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). Since nitrogen is the primary gas related to DCS, managing its levels effectively enhances safety and allows divers more time to explore underwater environments at given depths. This makes enriched air nitrox particularly beneficial for deeper or longer dives, where managing nitrogen exposure is critical for diver safety and enjoyment.

Other options, such as improved buoyancy control, enhanced underwater visibility, and quicker ascent times, while they may contribute to the overall dive experience, do not define the primary benefit of enriched air nitrox as effectively as the increased allowable bottom time and reduced nitrogen absorption.