To effectively use your enriched air compatible dive computer, you should set the maximum oxygen partial pressure to what value?

When using an enriched air compatible dive computer, setting the maximum oxygen partial pressure to 1.4 is important for safety and compliance with diver training standards. This value represents the highest partial pressure of oxygen that divers can encounter in recreational diving without significantly increasing the risk of oxygen toxicity.

Oxygen toxicity can occur when the partial pressure of oxygen exceeds certain limits, and 1.4 ATA is a commonly accepted maximum for recreational diving. It allows divers to benefit from the advantages of diving with enriched air, such as extended bottom times and reduced nitrogen absorption, while still maintaining a safety margin against potential toxicity. Additionally, this limit helps ensure that divers manage their oxygen exposure effectively throughout the dive and ascent phases.

Values higher than 1.4, such as 1.6, present increased risks and are not typically prescribed for recreational diving. Therefore, understanding and adhering to the 1.4 partial pressure limit allows for safe diving practices while using enriched air.