What is an essential preparation step before diving with nitrox?

Checking the oxygen percentage of your tank is a crucial preparation step before diving with nitrox because it ensures that you are aware of the specific gas mixture you will be breathing underwater. Nitrox typically contains higher levels of oxygen than regular air, and different blends (such as EANx32 or EANx36) can impact your dive plan, including your maximum operating depth and no-decompression limits.

Understanding the exact oxygen content in your tank is vital for dive safety. If the oxygen concentration is too high, it can lead to oxygen toxicity, especially at deeper depths where partial pressures of oxygen increase. By verifying the oxygen percentage, divers can make informed decisions about their dive profiles and maintain safe practices to avoid potential hazards associated with higher oxygen levels.

In contrast, while filling out a dive log, reviewing dive tables, and practicing emergency ascents are all important aspects of diving, they do not directly pertain to the specific requirements and safety considerations of diving with nitrox.