SAFETY continued
the computer adjusts its calculations accordingly. Using a specific nitrox mix as it was designed allows for the diver to have longer no-decompression limits (NDLs). If your dive computer is set to “Air” while you are actually breathing a nitrox mix, the dive computer will give you more conservative no-decompression limits, as the dive computer thinks your tissues are absorbing more nitrogen than they really are. Your tissues absorbing and therefore, having to eliminate less nitrogen provides a potentially safer exposure level from a decompression perspective. For this reason, in many of my seminars and webinars, I recom- mend this practice, especially for the older diver population. Nitrox is so frequently used by older divers that, in some quarters, it has been nicknamed ‘Geezer Gas!’ Nitrox also increases the amount of oxygen you breathe during your dive. Dive computers can track Oxygen Toler- ance Units (OTUs). Many modern dive computers, espe- cially those used for technical and rebreather diving, track OTUs and Central Nervous System (CNS) oxygen toxicity exposure. These computers use the partial pressure of oxy- gen (ppO2) setting and unique algorithms to calculate and display OTU and CNS values, providing divers with essen- tial information about their oxygen exposure during a dive.
If your dive computer is set to “Air,” it is important to note that your dive computer will significantly underesti- mate your oxygen absorption, exposing you to the risk of oxygen toxicity without warning. It is therefore critical that you receive training in the correct and safe use of Nitrox (or any other alternative breathing gas mixture) and be pre- pared to develop your dive plan, limiting the depth of your dive so that you remain shallower than what your computer may indicate is your maximum operating depth (MOD). In my opinion, the true benefit of the use of a nitrox breathing mix with your dive computer set on the “Air” set- ting is that it provides the kind of safety factor that, per- sonally, I am comfortable with. Therefore, divers who wish to take a conservative approach to diving would be well ad- vised to use a Nitrox breathing gas mix on every dive while their dive computer stays firmly on the “Air” setting. References: Rutkowski, D. Hyperbarics International Nitrox Manual: The Use of Nitrogen-Oxygen Mixtures as Divers Breath-
ing Gas. Available on Amazon. Orr, D. and Orr, B. 101 Tips for Recreational Divers. Best Publishing Company. NOAA Diving Manual. 6th Edition. Best Publishing Company.
email Dan Orr
World-Class Diver Education
AVAILABLE FOR DIVE BUSINESSES RESELLER DISCOUNTS
To Order Contact Best Publishing Company +1-561-776-6066 info@bestpub.com
PAGE ELEVEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker