How is the equivalent chamber decompression time calculated if oxygen is lost while using a 50/50 mixture?

The calculation of equivalent chamber decompression time in the context of losing oxygen while using a 50/50 mixture involves understanding how the change in gas mixture affects the decompression profile.

When oxygen is lost, particularly in a mixture that is half oxygen and half another gas (usually nitrogen), the diver has to account for how this loss impacts the total time required for safe decompression. The remaining oxygen provides part of the necessary pressure and partial pressure required for the diver to safely breathe and off-gas the absorbed nitrogen.

By multiplying the remaining oxygen time by two, it effectively compensates for the reduced availability of oxygen that would normally assist in the decompression process. In a 50/50 mixture, there's a significant reliance on the oxygen component to facilitate elimination of nitrogen and ensure safe ascent. Therefore, when oxygen is lost, doubling the time allows for the necessary adjustments in the decompression schedule to reduce the risks of decompression sickness.

This reasoning is crucial in managing the diver’s state and optimizing safety during the decompression phase, ensuring that divers are not exposed to the inherent risks of inadequate decompression due to a reduced oxygen supply.