What should you do before using a Nitrox blend in your dive planning?

Confirming the percentage of oxygen in the blend is crucial before using a Nitrox blend in your dive planning. This is important because different mixtures of Nitrox have varying levels of oxygen content, which affects not only the maximum operating depth but also the potential risks involved, such as oxygen toxicity. Knowing the exact percentage allows divers to calculate appropriate limits for their dive and ensures they manage their exposure to oxygen safely.

Adjusting dive computer settings is an important next step after confirming the nitrogen blend, but it relies on the accuracy of the oxygen percentage first. Recreational air tables are not suitable for planning dives with Nitrox since they are specifically designed for air, which has a different composition than Nitrox. Planning to exceed maximum depth limits goes against safe diving practices and can lead to serious risks, including oxygen toxicity, which is why it's essential to establish the accurate oxygen content before proceeding.