What does the term 'blender' refer to in Nitrox diving?

The term 'blender' in Nitrox diving specifically refers to a technician trained to fill dive cylinders with specific gas mixtures, including Nitrox. This role is crucial in ensuring that the gas composition meets the appropriate specifications for safe diving practices. A blender must know how to calculate the correct proportions of oxygen and other gases in order to produce Nitrox mixtures that can be used for various types of dives.

While other options like tools for mixing gases or devices that analyze oxygen levels may be related to the broader context of gas management in diving, they do not capture the specific training and responsibilities associated with the blender role. A software for dive planning, although useful for calculating dive profiles and managing dive plans, is not directly related to the act of filling dive cylinders with the correct gas mixtures for Nitrox diving. Thus, identifying the role of the blender as a trained technician reflects the importance of safety and precision in preparing gases for divers.