Dive computers have revolutionized Scuba Diving since 1957 and have since become an indispensable piece of dive gear for scuba divers the world over. Referred to as a diver’s best friend, dive computers or decompression meters measure a divers the dive time, depth of the dive and auto calculates a safe ascent rate to avoid decompression sickness.
Traditionally diver’s needed a depth gauge, dive watch along with a dive table to safely calculate residual nitrogen and decompression. While it’s still important that a diver know how to manually calculate this, dive computers are compact digital devices that automate nitrogen management for you. (Pictured Above- Aeris Epic Hoseless Wrist Computer with PC Cable)
Dive Tables Vs Dive Computers
Dive tables have two variables required for calculation- namely maximum depth and time. While this method is good, it’s pretty presumptuous to assume that a diver’s dive profile is ‘square’. In other words, it assumes that a dive descends to a certain depth, stays there fr a give time and ascends straight to the surface. It gives very little room for changes in depth and makes the calculation more difficult. The possibility miscalculation of decompression times for multi level dives are higher, if you’re not such a math-wiz. (Pictured Above-Mares Mission Puck 2 Computer Console)
Dive computers on the other hand, are an intelligent piece of equipment which compute not just maximum depth and time but even constant minor or significant changes in depth taking that into consideration while re-calculating based on this changing data. While you can plan a multi-level dive with tables, execution is much easier and flexible with a computer. Another major plus about dive computers is that dive computers feature ascent rate monitors or warning devices that allow a diver to monitor his or her ascent and avoid ascending too rapidly.
How does using a Dive Computer give you a longer bottom time?
Dive Tables are fairly conservative. As they they calculate times for a square dive profile they project exaggerated absorption to be on the safe side. The projection of a higher level of nitrogen in the body is taken as it only takes into consideration maximum depth and time rather than the various depths the diver was at during the course of the entire dive.
Dive computers calculate curved dive profiles and accurate changing depths which tends to give a more precise reading. This is not to say they cut it close. Some dive computers can be pretty liberal with its calculations of residual nitrogen than other computers. The user needs to understand where his computer falls in this regard and take it into account in his dive profile. But overall the automated tracking invariably allows the diver to stay down deeper and longer then when just a dive table is used. (Pictured Above- Mares Nemo Wide Wrist Computer)
Are Dive Computers fail safe and a solution to decompression sickness?
Like all computers, dive computers are not infallible. As great as dive computers are, they are no guarantee against the bends. Dive computers are pretty accurate but they are programmed computers and if not programmed correctly they can be a risk. What you input is what you get, otherwise put as Rubbish in = Rubbish out. In order to get the most out of your dive computer it must be set right and operated right. A wrong setting, incorrect times or challenging environmental conditions can affect the readings of a dive computer.
Another point to note is that dive computers cannot plan a dive for you. A diver should always plan their dive using a dive table to get a general idea of how long it is safe to be at a certain depth. In conjunction with using a dive computer, a diver’s alertness and consciousness about depth, time and ascent rate is crucial in keeping the bends away. (Pictured Above- Oceanic Pro Plus 2, Air/Nitrox, Air Integrated Computer with Compass & Quick Disconnect )
Keeping all these points in mind, dive computers have come a long way and changed the sport of diving, by making it easier to dive deeper, longer and safer! Coming up in our next Scuba Gear Post we’ll look at the types of dive computers today and how to choose the right dive computer for you.
See more Dive Computers available at LeisurePro.com
