In terms of diving safety, why is it important for divers to stay within their training limits when using enriched air nitrox?

Staying within training limits when using enriched air nitrox is critical in preventing oxygen toxicity and other associated hazards. Enriched air nitrox contains a higher percentage of oxygen compared to regular air, which increases the risk of oxygen toxicity if divers exceed their no-decompression limits and the depth limits defined in their training.

Oxygen toxicity can lead to serious health issues, including central nervous system effects that may impair judgment, affect motor functions, or even result in convulsions underwater. Moreover, exceeding training limits can also increase the risk of other diving-related incidents, such as decompression sickness. Therefore, adherence to training limits is essential for maintaining safety and ensuring a healthy diving experience.

While other aspects like equipment integrity and buoyancy skills are important, they do not directly relate to the critical health risks associated with the higher oxygen levels in enriched air nitrox.