Why should divers never exceed the maximum depth for their Nitrox blend?

Divers should never exceed the maximum depth for their Nitrox blend primarily to avoid increased risk of oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness (DCS). Nitrox is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, and the percentage of oxygen in the blend can vary. As divers go deeper, the partial pressure of oxygen increases, which can lead to oxygen toxicity, manifesting in symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or even unconsciousness. Each Nitrox blend has a specific maximum operational depth calculated based on its oxygen percentage to mitigate these risks.

Furthermore, sticking to the recommended maximum depth helps to prevent DCS, which occurs when nitrogen comes out of solution as a diver ascends too quickly. The increased partial pressure of oxygen at greater depths causes more oxygen to dissolve into the body, raising the risk of related complications if the dive parameters are not adhered to.

While visibility, air consumption efficiency, and temperature considerations are important aspects of diving, they do not directly relate to the risks associated with oxygen toxicity and DCS when diving with Nitrox. Understanding the physiological impacts of depth in relation to gas compositions is crucial for safe diving practices.