What is the gas-mix tolerance for NAUI Nitrox dive tables?

The gas-mix tolerance for NAUI Nitrox dive tables is plus or minus 1%. This level of tolerance is crucial for divers when preparing and using gas mixes for their dives, as it allows for slight variations in the actual oxygen content of the blend being used.

This means that if a diver plans to use a specific nitrox blend, the actual percentage of oxygen could fluctuate by 1% from what has been calculated or expected, while still remaining within safe operational limits for the dive profile. Maintaining this precision helps ensure that divers manage their exposure to oxygen and can plan dives safely, considering factors such as oxygen toxicity and decompression limits.

Other options reflect wider tolerances that could not be safely accommodated within the diving practices supported by NAUI. For instance, a tolerance of plus or minus 2% or higher could lead to increased risks during a dive, due to potential miscalculations in oxygen exposure and its physiological effects on the diver’s body. The strict limit of plus or minus 1% therefore helps mitigate such risks and supports safe diving practices.