What additional safety aspect should be monitored when diving with Nitrox?

When diving with Nitrox, monitoring the oxygen levels in the breathing gas is paramount for safety. Nitrox typically contains higher concentrations of oxygen than regular air, which can lead to oxygen toxicity if the partial pressure of oxygen exceeds safe limits during the dive. This risk is particularly pronounced at greater depths, where the partial pressure of any gas increases.

By keeping track of the oxygen levels, divers can ensure they do not exceed the recommended maximum operating depth (MOD) for their specific Nitrox mixture. This allows divers to safely enjoy the benefits of using Nitrox, such as extended bottom times and reduced nitrogen loading, while minimizing the risk of adverse effects associated with high oxygen exposure.

Other safety aspects, such as weight of diving equipment, depth rating of wetsuits, or underwater visibility, while important, do not specifically relate to the unique considerations presented by the use of Nitrox in terms of potential dive-related hazards. Therefore, focusing on oxygen levels directly addresses a critical safety component of Nitrox diving.