What should be avoided when planning dives with EANx?

When planning dives with Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx), it is crucial to prioritize proper gas management and meticulous planning to ensure safety. Diving without these elements can lead to serious risks, such as exceeding the maximum operating depth for the specific blend of nitrox being used or running into issues related to decompression and oxygen toxicity.

The use of EANx introduces different considerations compared to standard air diving, notably concerning the percentage of oxygen involved and its impact on allowable depths and bottom times. Failure to plan properly could result in either inadequate gas supply for the dive or potential violations of safe exposure limits to oxygen.

While there are other important practices during a dive, such as following a well-defined schedule and monitoring depth, neglecting proper gas management and planning is particularly critical because it directly affects the diver's safety and overall dive effectiveness.