Scuba Diving International (SDI) Computer Nitrox Practice Exam

Diving with Nitrox, specifically enriched air Nitrox (EANx), is advantageous because it contains a higher percentage of oxygen compared to regular air. This increased oxygen content allows for a reduction in the amount of nitrogen absorbed by the body's tissues during the dive. Since nitrogen is the gas primarily responsible for decompression sickness (DCS), using Nitrox can decrease the likelihood of experiencing DCS compared to diving with regular air at the same depth and time.

It's essential to understand that while diving with Nitrox does help in reducing the risk of decompression sickness, it doesn't necessarily allow divers to go deeper without risk. Each Nitrox blend has a maximum operating depth that must be adhered to prevent oxygen toxicity, particularly in deeper dives. Additionally, diving with Nitrox does not require less training than diving with air; in fact, specific training is crucial to understand the effects, safety measures, and proper handling of Nitrox. Finally, Nitrox is not exclusively for shallow dives; it can be used at various depths as long as the dive plan respects the operational limits of the specific Nitrox mixture being used.

Thus, the statement about reducing the chances of decompression sickness accurately describes a significant benefit of using Nitrox for divers.