What should divers monitor to prevent oxygen toxicity?

Monitoring oxygen levels and partial pressure is crucial for preventing oxygen toxicity during diving. Oxygen toxicity occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen becomes too high, which can lead to harmful effects on the central nervous system, including symptoms such as visual disturbances, seizures, or unconsciousness.

Diving deeper increases the partial pressure of gases, thus making it vital for divers to keep track of the oxygen concentration in the gas mix they are breathing and the depth at which they are operating. By ensuring that the partial pressure of oxygen stays within safe limits, divers can effectively mitigate the risks associated with high levels of oxygen exposure.

While time spent underwater is important for overall dive planning and managing decompression schedules, it does not directly address the toxicity of oxygen. The amount of nitrogen absorbed is relevant for preventing decompression sickness rather than oxygen toxicity. Water temperature can impact diver safety and comfort but does not have a direct link to oxygen toxicity. Monitoring oxygen levels and partial pressure is therefore the most relevant and effective method for preventing oxygen toxicity while diving.