What does the 'oxygen clock' indicate for EANx divers?

The 'oxygen clock' is a critical concept for divers using Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) because it tracks the exposure time to oxygen at partial pressures that exceed safe limits. When diving with higher concentrations of oxygen, there is a greater risk for oxygen toxicity, which can occur when divers exceed recommended limits of exposure time at specific depths.

The oxygen clock helps divers manage their exposure by providing a time limit that corresponds to the partial pressure of oxygen they experience during their dives. This ensures that divers stay within safe limits and avoid the risk of adverse effects associated with elevated oxygen levels.

By monitoring the oxygen clock, divers can effectively plan their dives, including how long they can stay at a chosen depth without exceeding safe oxygen exposure limits. This is essential for maintaining safety and health when utilizing EANx mixtures. The focus is on keeping the dive safe rather than the quantity of dives or surface intervals between them, which are related to other safety protocols but not specifically to managing exposure to oxygen.