Fact check: What is the maximum safe depth for nitrox scuba diving?

1. Summary of the results

The maximum safe depth for nitrox scuba diving depends on the specific oxygen percentage in the nitrox mix and is determined by the Maximum Operating Depth (MOD) to prevent central nervous system oxygen toxicity. The recreational scuba community generally recommends a maximum oxygen partial pressure of 1.4 ATA ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

For the most common nitrox mixes:

• EAN32 (32% oxygen): Maximum depth of 112 feet (34 meters) ^{[4] [1] [2] [3]}
• EAN36 (36% oxygen): Maximum depth of 95 feet (28 meters) ^{[4] [1] [2] [3]}
• EAN40 (40% oxygen): Maximum depth of 82 feet (25 meters) ^[5]

The key principle is that higher oxygen percentages result in shallower depth limits ^[5]. Some experienced nitrox divers may use a higher partial pressure of 1.6 ATA in warm, calm water conditions, while maintaining 1.4 ATA in colder, more challenging conditions ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several critical pieces of context that are essential for safe nitrox diving:

• Oxygen mix dependency: The question doesn't specify which nitrox mix is being used, yet this is the primary factor determining maximum safe depth ^{[4] [1] [3]}
• Environmental considerations: Experienced divers adjust their partial pressure limits based on water conditions - using 1.6 ATA in calm, warm water versus 1.4 ATA in challenging conditions ^[6]
• Safety protocols: The importance of analyzing the gas mix, properly labeling tanks, and setting dive computers correctly is not addressed in the original question ^[6]
• Real-world consequences: A documented case shows a diver suffered oxygen-toxicity seizure after diving to 160 feet with EAN32, which exceeded the safe MOD for that mix ^[7]

The diving industry benefits from promoting proper nitrox training and certification programs, as this creates revenue streams for dive shops, training agencies like TDI/SDI, and equipment manufacturers who sell nitrox-compatible gear.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains an implicit assumption that there is a single maximum safe depth for all nitrox diving, which is fundamentally incorrect. This oversimplification could lead to dangerous diving practices, as the safe depth varies significantly based on the oxygen percentage in the mix ^{[4] [1] [3] [5]}.

The question also fails to emphasize that nitrox diving requires specific training and certification to understand concepts like equivalent air depth (EAD), partial pressure calculations, and proper gas analysis procedures ^{[8] [6]}. This omission could encourage untrained divers to attempt nitrox diving without proper education, potentially leading to serious accidents like oxygen toxicity seizures ^[7].