Prior to a Nitrox dive, divers should ensure they are proficient in?

The importance of being proficient in using dive computers prior to a Nitrox dive lies in their ability to manage the complexities associated with different gas mixtures and their effects on dive profiles. Dive computers are designed to calculate no-decompression limits and track nitrogen absorption based on the specific gas mixture being used, including various percentages of oxygen.

As Nitrox divers utilize mixtures with higher oxygen levels and lower nitrogen levels than air, dive computers can help divers maintain awareness of their maximum operating depth (MOD) and adjust for oxygen exposure and related effects. They also provide real-time data throughout the dive, which is critical for safe ascent and determining appropriate surface intervals.

In contrast, while traditional dive tables, reading water currents, and managing surface intervals are important skills for divers, they do not specifically address the unique aspects of Nitrox diving and its requirements. Traditional dive tables are less commonly used with Nitrox and can be less accurate in accounting for the specific gas mixture calculations needed in these dives. Understanding water currents is essential for overall diving, but it does not relate directly to the technical aspects of utilizing Nitrox. Similarly, while surface intervals are important for all diving, dive computers provide the most effective method for managing decompression on Nitrox dives.