The Dive Otter

Nitrox Analysis & Labeling

Divers Ready | UTD | Dive Soft | Andy the Northern Diver

WARNING-WARNING-WARNING
THIS DISCUSSION IS BY A RECREATIONAL DIVER FOR RECREATIONAL DIVING WITHIN RECREATIONAL LIMITS


Do I Need My Own Analyzer?

A snap answer from virtually every diver who already has one is yes...absolutely. And why is that?
...All technically correct. And at the same time an incorrect risk assessment for most recreational divers.

Why is that? So a nitrox analyzer should be one of the LAST items you buy.

How Do I Label The Tank

You will need:
  • An O2 Analyzer
  • A pen or marker
  • Some tape or a label
Information to put on the tape/label:
  • (Minimum) The O2 content to a single decimal
  • (Recommended) Your initials
  • (Recommended) Date you did the analysis
  • (Optional) Tank Pressure [ PSI ]
  • (Optional) Minimum Operating Depth [ MOD ]

Where Should I Put the Tape/Label?

Under the valve handle. It protects the tape from being rubbed off and it's easy for your buddy to confirm the gas when they double check your valve is open as part of the pre-dive check.

Some people like to have the label on the opposite side of the valve handle, because it is easier to see if you are doing a gas switch. But since, we are doing a recreational dive on a single tank, we won't be doing gas switches...and...on a technical dive, you wouldn't be using this tape label to confirm the gas...there are better labels for gas switches...so I don't understand this preference.

Why is MOD optional on the analysis label?

It's not used for anything before, during or after your dive so I don't put it on my tape/labels.

But if you want it...put it on the tape. It's your tank. It's your tape. It's your dive.

MOD labels on tanks IS required if you are doing gas switches, but that wouldn't be on O2 analysis label and it would not be a recreational dive.