What must divers ensure about their tanks and equipment before the dive?

Divers must ensure that their tanks and equipment meet specific standards when planning to dive with enriched air (EANx), which is a gas mixture that contains a higher percentage of oxygen than normal air.

Having all equipment compatible with EANx is crucial because enriched air contains higher oxygen levels, which can create new risks, such as increased fire hazards. Some materials and lubricants that are safe with regular air may not be safe to use with enriched air. Therefore, divers need to check that their gear is rated for use with higher concentrations of oxygen.

Proper labeling of tanks is equally important for safety. Clear labeling helps divers identify the contents of the tank, ensuring they know what gas they are about to breathe. This prevents any risk of accidental mixing or misusing gases, which could lead to dangerous situations during the dive.

This comprehensive approach, requiring both equipment compatibility and proper labeling, emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety standards in the use of enriched air during diving activities.