Which statement about Nitrox diving is accurate?

The assertion that Nitrox requires less decompression time than air is grounded in the principles of dive physiology and the effect of nitrogen on the body during diving. Nitrox is a gas mixture that typically contains a higher percentage of oxygen and a lower percentage of nitrogen compared to standard air. Because nitrogen is the primary gas that leads to the risk of decompression sickness, reducing the amount of nitrogen in the breathing gas allows divers to minimize their nitrogen absorption.

When divers breathe Nitrox, the reduced nitrogen content means they can safely spend longer at certain depths without accumulating as much nitrogen in their tissues, thus leading to shorter required stops during decompression. This can enhance safety margins and may allow for longer bottom times or shallower ascent strategies, depending on the specific Nitrox blend used.

While the other options relate to misconceptions about Nitrox diving, they do not convey the correct principles. For example, Nitrox does not fundamentally change buoyancy or dive profiles; its main advantage lies in decompression effects. The suggestion that Nitrox can't be used deeper than 30 meters is also inaccurate, as specific dive tables and practices may vary but many Nitrox mixes, like EAN32 or EAN36, can be used safely at greater depths, provided that a