Generally speaking...
I think that perhaps some more instruction on pre-dive planning and a post-mortem (using tables and computers side-by-side) after the dive for any dive instruction organization would help instill the correct thought/safety processes into new divers minds.
We all know computers have errors - but frankly - if you look at the warnings on your dive tables they specifically state that they do not guarantee that you will be free from DCS. Like most measurements and standards they are simply designed to minimize exposure to risk. Also - a specific and un-named organization had minor errors directly on their tables for which they needed a recall, so in that case even the tables were incorrect.
Also - we cannot forget that there are procedures in place to deal with computer failures but currently most organizations do not teach them because they spend their time on tables. Frankly - most people dive using computers, the industry LIKES computers, so there should be more emphasis on using computers in entry level classes.
Let's not forget that diving is not a solitary sport. We do it for the adventure and commaradre but like any sport it takes time to master. However - it's also an EXPENSIVE sport in which people spend thousands and tens-of-thousands of dollars for trips to far off places. Can you imagine only being able to do a twenty minute dive twice a day in Palau because you went to 90' on tables? Imagine the anger of your dive buddy after spending $3000 plus equipment and miscellaneous expenses to get there.
Also- I am pulling this out of my butt - however I think statistically speaking the number of deaths or injurys caused by computer failures are rather miniscule. If you make the comparision with those using tables you would probably find a fraction of a percent difference.
I think that perhaps some more instruction on pre-dive planning and a post-mortem (using tables and computers side-by-side) after the dive for any dive instruction organization would help instill the correct thought/safety processes into new divers minds.
We all know computers have errors - but frankly - if you look at the warnings on your dive tables they specifically state that they do not guarantee that you will be free from DCS. Like most measurements and standards they are simply designed to minimize exposure to risk. Also - a specific and un-named organization had minor errors directly on their tables for which they needed a recall, so in that case even the tables were incorrect.
Also - we cannot forget that there are procedures in place to deal with computer failures but currently most organizations do not teach them because they spend their time on tables. Frankly - most people dive using computers, the industry LIKES computers, so there should be more emphasis on using computers in entry level classes.
Let's not forget that diving is not a solitary sport. We do it for the adventure and commaradre but like any sport it takes time to master. However - it's also an EXPENSIVE sport in which people spend thousands and tens-of-thousands of dollars for trips to far off places. Can you imagine only being able to do a twenty minute dive twice a day in Palau because you went to 90' on tables? Imagine the anger of your dive buddy after spending $3000 plus equipment and miscellaneous expenses to get there.
Also- I am pulling this out of my butt - however I think statistically speaking the number of deaths or injurys caused by computer failures are rather miniscule. If you make the comparision with those using tables you would probably find a fraction of a percent difference.
