What is a potential consequence of not setting your enriched air computer correctly before a dive?

Setting your enriched air computer correctly before a dive is crucial for managing your exposure to nitrogen and optimizing your dive profile. If the computer is not set to reflect the proper mix of oxygen and nitrogen in the gas you will be breathing, it can lead to the wrong decompression calculations.

A potential consequence of these errors is that the computer may determine the need for longer surface intervals due to perceived higher levels of nitrogen in your body. This can mean that you may indeed have to wait a longer period, potentially up to 12 hours, before conducting another dive. This precautionary measure is necessary to minimize the risk of decompression sickness, which is vital for any diver to understand and monitor.

In contrast, while there may be scenarios where dives appear to be successful despite settings errors, this does not follow safe diving practices and can increase risk. Dive computers do not automatically adjust for incorrect settings; they require user input based on the diver's breathing gas to function correctly. Lastly, an improper setup does not enhance the dive experience, as it could lead to hazardous situations rather than improve enjoyment or safety.