What is a primary advantage of diving with nitrox?

Diving with nitrox, which is a gas mixture that contains a higher proportion of oxygen than regular air, provides a primary advantage in the form of more bottom time at certain depths and an increased safety margin related to nitrogen absorption.

When divers use nitrox, the increased oxygen content reduces the overall percentage of nitrogen in the breathing gas. This reduction allows for longer dive times at a given depth without exceeding no-decompression limits due to nitrogen build-up in the body. Consequently, divers can enjoy extended dives while upholding safety protocols, since lower nitrogen levels decrease the risk of decompression sickness.

This combination of extended dive time and enhanced safety makes nitrox an appealing choice for recreational scuba divers, contributing to its widespread use in the diving community.