What is a common mistake inexperienced Nitrox divers make?

Miscalculating the Maximum Operating Depth (MOD) for a specific Nitrox blend is indeed a common mistake made by inexperienced Nitrox divers. The MOD is the deepest depth at which a diver can safely breathe a specific gas mix without experiencing toxicity from high partial pressures of oxygen. Understanding how to accurately calculate the MOD requires knowledge of both the dive's planned depth and the percentage of oxygen in the Nitrox blend being used. Inexperienced divers may not fully grasp the implications of the oxygen percentage, leading to potential safety risks, including the risk of oxygen toxicity during their dives.

Correctly calculating the MOD for a Nitrox blend involves using the formula: MOD (in feet) = (Maximum safe partial pressure of oxygen, typically 1.4 ATA) / (Percentage of oxygen in the blend). Missing or misapplying this calculation can result in divers accidentally exceeding safe limits, which is a critical safety concern.

Other options, while they may also pose risks, are less commonly associated with the inexperience specifically attributed to Nitrox diving. For instance, using a non-Nitrox compatible tank or diving without a buddy puts divers at risk, but these are less directly linked to the fundamental understanding and mastery of Nitrox use than the calculation of MOD