PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

Who should use enriched air nitrox?

1. All divers

2. Only certified EANx divers

3. Experienced divers over 30

4. Any diver after a briefing

The correct answer is: Only certified EANx divers

The selection of "Only certified EANx divers" as the correct answer is rooted in the specific training and certification required for safe use of enriched air nitrox. Enriched air nitrox, which has a higher percentage of oxygen than regular air, allows divers to extend their bottom times and reduce nitrogen absorption during dives. However, using nitrox also involves certain risks and requires knowledge of different gas mixtures and their effects on the body, including the risk of oxygen toxicity. Certification in Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) involves understanding the different limits for oxygen exposure and the importance of analyzing the gas mixture before diving. Only divers who have completed proper training can safely make use of nitrox in various diving conditions, as they are equipped with the necessary knowledge to plan dives, monitor oxygen exposure, and respond to potential emergencies that may arise while using enriched air. Conversely, the other options suggest broader or less cautious approaches towards using nitrox. For example, the idea that all divers should use nitrox fails to account for the necessity of specific training to handle its unique challenges. Similarly, experienced divers over 30 years old or any diver after a briefing do not ensure that all divers possess the required knowledge and skills for safe nitrox utilization, thereby