Can any dive computer be used for Nitrox diving?

Not all dive computers are suitable for Nitrox diving; only those specifically designed to support Nitrox settings can be utilized for such purposes. This is crucial because Nitrox, which is a special gas blend of oxygen and nitrogen, requires precise calculations of no-decompression limits, tissue loading rates, and other decompression algorithms that are different from those used for air diving.

Dive computers that support Nitrox settings allow divers to input the percentage of oxygen in their mixed gas (commonly varying from 22% to 40%), enabling the computer to accurately calculate the diver’s exposure to nitrogen, thereby reducing the risks associated with decompression sickness. Using a computer that lacks these settings could lead to incorrect calculations, which could jeopardize diver safety.

While there are many dive computers on the market, not all are compatible with Nitrox, making it essential for divers to choose models that explicitly state their capability to handle Nitrox dives.