What is one critical piece of equipment necessary for diving with EANx?

Diving with Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) requires a tank that is labeled with the specific gas mix. This is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, accurately labeling the tank ensures that divers are aware of the exact composition of the gas they will be breathing. Different gas mixtures in diving can significantly affect the maximum operating depth and the planning of dives, especially regarding narcosis and oxygen toxicity risks. Without a proper label, there would be a higher risk of mistakenly using the wrong gas mix, which could lead to dangerous situations, such as oxygen toxicity or decompression sickness during the dive.

In addition to safety, this labeling practice adheres to best practices in diving operations and is often mandated by diving organizations to ensure that divers have accurate information about their breathing gas at all times. Other equipment, while important in certain contexts, does not directly address the critical need to identify the gas being used in EANx.