What is the primary benefit of using enriched air nitrox for diving?

The primary benefit of using enriched air nitrox for diving is less exposure to nitrogen. When divers use nitrox, which is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen with a higher percentage of oxygen than regular air, they reduce the amount of nitrogen they breathe. This is important because nitrogen is the gas that contributes to the risk of nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness during dives. With less nitrogen in the breathing mixture, divers can extend their time at depth within no-decompression limits while experiencing a reduced overall exposure to nitrogen. This improved nitrogen management allows for longer and safer dives.

The other options, while related to diving, do not capture the core advantage of diving with enriched air. For instance, increased visibility underwater is influenced by conditions and water clarity, not directly by the gas mixture. Greater buoyancy control is primarily determined by equipment and dive techniques rather than the gas composition itself. Similarly, while enriched air can allow for extended bottom times, the key benefit is the reduction of nitrogen exposure which underpins this advantage.