It seems the DIR aversion to the use of computers has mostly to do with how it seems most divers use them - as something to tell them how much time they have left before they run out of "NDL" time so they don't have to figure it out before or during the dives, especially multilevel and multi day diving.
I realize one of SB's most respected DIR posters' line, "Computers Rot Your Brain," tends to be a bit inflamatory to a lot of folks. But my understanding is the reason behind the statement is that divers who rely on their computers are not using their brains to run the dive. A brain not used tends to atrophy.
Another problem is no computer, even the air integrated ones can't manage your gas for you. How many stories have we read on SB where the writer states something like, "we had XX minutes of NDL left" or "we were 'only' XX minutes into deco"? These folks are "riding" their computer and letting it dictate the profile of their dive. I wonder how many of the divers with "XX minutes into deco" have any contingencies in mind as to how to deal with it other than ascending to whatever 'ceiling' the computer tells them and staying there for however many minutes it tells them? Do these divers plan their dive in any way other than to follow the numbers the computer told them? Do they plan their gas needs? Do they plan a rock bottom turn pressure in case of a gas loss problem? And the big question that comes up a lot - what if the computer (lets call it an Air Integrated one for this scenario) craps out? If this happens at some deep depth (say 110'). Say the diver hadn't looked at it for a few minutes (lets say they check every 5 min, since that's how often I check my guage and SPG
), then noticed it was not working... How many divers, especially newer ones, when used to "riding" their computers, narced at 110', are going to remember what those numbers on that dead computer said 5 minutes ago - I mean ALL of them - depth, time so far, time of NDL left or 'XX minutes into deco', gas remaining. How many will know how much deco they need to do at what depth and do they have the gas to do it?? A few might, however I would wager most don't.
I would also wager most of the DCS hits deemed "undeserved" based on a computer profile forgot to factor in such things as dehydration, alcohol the night before, sudafed taken to assist with clearing, working against a current or trying to keep up with a buddy who wants to swim a marathon, anxiety, been a year or two since the last dive vacation and unfamiliar with gear, etc... etc... etc...
Those are just a few of the rational for the DIR aversion to computers. Despite the claim of lemmingness, rigidity, inflexibility, one thing that was stressed in the DIR classes I've taken and observed is the developing of
thinking divers :11:
As one who used to ride my computer (though I was in denial, as I didn't use the green bars, I used the actual numbers
) I will say it took me quite a few dives with a computer stashed in my pocket to refer to before I would trust my brain to track a profile safely. Turns out, even though my profiles are more conservative, I was able to get more bottom and total dive time, including multi level and day, by doing it this way than by riding the computer. And to top it off, I am exiting the water feeling way better, not to mention I rarely have the overwhelming need to take a nap before the next dive and don't get those annoying niggles even when the computer said I should not be bent!
Whew!! That was a lotta typing....
This hound's going back to the mutthouse where she belongs
