What effect does enriched air have on ascent rates?

Enriched air, typically defined as air that contains a higher percentage of oxygen (usually between 32% and 40%) compared to ambient air, does not significantly change ascent rates. The primary focus of diving with enriched air is to allow divers to extend their bottom times at certain depths while reducing nitrogen absorption, which can lead to decompression sickness.

Though enriched air has a different gas mixture, the physiological principles governing ascent rates remain the same. Divers are trained to follow specific ascent rates to minimize the risk of decompression sickness, which is primarily associated with nitrogen levels rather than oxygen levels. Therefore, the established ascent rate guidelines based on depth and time remain applicable, regardless of the gas mixture used.

Understanding these principles ensures that divers utilizing enriched air can safely ascend without altering their established ascent strategies, maintaining a standard practice for safety in all diving scenarios.