Why is a buddy system recommended for nitrox diving?

The buddy system is strongly recommended for nitrox diving primarily for safety and assistance in emergencies or monitoring gas levels. Having a diving partner ensures that each diver can keep an eye on the other, which is crucial in the event of any complications such as equipment failure, gas management issues, or health problems that may arise during the dive.

In the context of nitrox diving, where divers are using gases with higher oxygen content than air, monitoring each other's air supply and ensuring proper adherence to dive plans becomes even more important. This helps prevent situations such as going too deep or exceeding the recommended limits for oxygen exposure, thus minimizing the risk of oxygen toxicity.

While there are benefits to sharing equipment or completing dives more quickly, these factors are secondary to ensuring diver safety and effective communication in a potentially challenging underwater environment. The buddy system enhances situational awareness, allowing divers to enjoy their dive while remaining vigilant about safety considerations related to enriched air nitrox.