According to ADCI consensus standards, enriched-air diving (NITROX) is most effective at what depth?

Enriched-air diving, commonly known as NITROX, is a diving technique that allows divers to breathe a gas mixture that has a higher oxygen content than regular air, which typically comprises about 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. The primary advantage of NITROX is that it reduces the amount of nitrogen the diver breathes, which can decrease the risk of nitrogen narcosis and allow for longer bottom times at certain depths.

The consensus within professional diving organizations, such as the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI), suggests that NITROX is most effective in specific depth ranges. At depths shallower than 30 FSW, the benefits of using enriched air are limited because the increased partial pressure of oxygen can lead to oxygen toxicity. Therefore, while divers can use NITROX in these shallower depths, the advantages diminish as the depth increases.

Between 30 FSW and 100 FSW, divers are better positioned to take advantage of the benefits of NITROX, such as longer allowable bottom times and shorter surface intervals. However, the mixture and increased partial pressure of oxygen in this range must be managed carefully to avoid oxygen toxicity.

At depths greater than 100 FSW, the risks associated