SUUNTO Stinger User Manual

Page 17

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15

1.1.3. NITROX

Diving with nitrox provides the diver with an opportunity to reduce the risk of

decompression illness by reducing the nitrogen content in the breathing gas mix.
However, when the gas mix is altered, the oxygen content of the mix is generally

increased. This increase exposes the diver to an oxygen toxicity risk not usually

considered in recreational diving. In order to manage this risk, the dive computer

tracks the time and intensity of the oxygen exposure and provides the diver with

information to adjust the dive plan in order to maintain oxygen exposure within

reasonably safe limits.
In addition to the physiological effects of enriched air on the body there are operational

considerations to be addressed when handling altered breathing mixes. Elevated

concentrations of oxygen present a fire or explosion hazard. Consult with the

manufacturer of your equipment about its compatibility with nitrox.

1.1.4. FREEDIVING

Freediving, and particularly freediving in combination with scuba diving, may have

risks that have not been researched and are not commonly known.
Any person who engages in any form of breathhold diving is in danger of shallow-

water blackout (SWB) i.e. the sudden loss of consciousness caused by oxygen

starvation.
Any breathhold diving results in some nitrogen build-up in the blood and other fast

tissues. Due to the short time spent at depth this build-up is generally not significant.

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