Are dive computers overkill for most recreational divers?

[Chad Carney]

most computers alarm if your ascent is too fast.

Give the lady a prize!

I skimmed the previous pages pretty fast so forgive me if I missed somebody else saying this, but I was looking for it and didn't see it.

Ascent rate monitors and alarms are huge reasons why computers beat the heck out of watches, depth gauges and tables. (You can get an air computer for dirt today, at least as cheap as a reliable watch, depth gauge and table.)

The average new diver is not usually very skilled at ascents and the old methods certainly don't help much.
There is no question a slow ascent is key to all divers safety, no matter how basic.

The new computers even have built in safety stops.

I've been teaching students wearing computers since the Suunto SME ML debuted, about 1985/6. Wouldn't want it any other way. I had an Edge a year or so before.

Chad

 

[bowlofpetunias]

I started diving with a computer shortly after I finished my OW. A number of posts here have adequately addressed the benefit of multi level calcs, bottom times and deco/safety stops so I will stay away from those aspects.

1. Computer beeps are annoying but helped me develop better control on ascents.

2. Computer beeps are annoying but have reminded me of turn around times when I got distracted trying to get a picture of the pretty fish.

3. DM's are handy "tools" (pun intended) but I don't trust my life to their judgment. If DM is leading the dive the DM is another redundant system at best. I try to stay slightly higher than the DM to be conservative anyway.

4. If I get separated from the DM or they have to deal with an emergency (or have one themselves) I still know what my personal status is.

5. Compass attatchment can be quite helpful.

6. My computer has the capacity to "recognize" my normal consumption rates and calculate based on my individual needs.

7. Downloading the dives allows me to monitor, evaluate and develop skills and notice changes or trends in my diving.

8. Should I get into trouble my computer will provide valuable information to those treating me.

9. My Computer will never be distracted or nark'd but it can have a glitch so I view it as a valuable redundant system. If in doubt I will go with the most conservative.. in other words Computer says "go up" brain says "a little longer should be ok" I still go up and vice versa.

10. Some places require you to dive with computers. If you don't have one they will provide it I think that says a lot in itself. I would rather dive with my own than try to learn how to "run" someone else's.

Is a computer necessary for safe recreational diving NO. Is a computer worth the money to help with safe recreational diving ABSOLUTELY. Would I dive without one... sure but I preferr not to!

 

[Kern]

Give the lady a prize!

I skimmed the previous pages pretty fast so forgive me if I missed somebody else saying this, but I was looking for it and didn't see it.

Ascent rate monitors and alarms are huge reasons why computers beat the heck out of watches, depth gauges and tables. (You can get an air computer for dirt today, at least as cheap as a reliable watch, depth gauge and table.)

The average new diver is not usually very skilled at ascents and the old methods certainly don't help much.
There is no question a slow ascent is key to all divers safety, no matter how basic.

The new computers even have built in safety stops.

I've been teaching students wearing computers since the Suunto SME ML debuted, about 1985/6. Wouldn't want it any other way. I had an Edge a year or so before.

Chad

Many bottom timers/watches have ascent rate indicators.

 

[bowlofpetunias]

Many bottom timers/watches have ascent rate indicators.

Interesting but my dive watch is just a basic one. I put my money into the computer and everyone I dive with dive with computers.

I have no experience with the watches you are talking about so would you mind going into a bit more detail for me? In particular I would like to know do they have audible alarms as well or do you have to be looking at them? If they do sound alarms... how loud are they compared to Computers?

I am thinking of replacing my dive watch so this info could be helpful. Are there any specific watches that are recommended? I don't mean to Hijack here as this does seem to be on topic... this sounds like a different type of dive computer to me...

 

[Kern]

I have no experience with the watches you are talking about so would you mind going into a bit more detail for me? In particular I would like to know do they have audible alarms as well or do you have to be looking at them? If they do sound alarms... how loud are they compared to Computers?

Alarms, no sorry can't help. They're very low on my list of priorities. I pay very little attention to whether a device has them or not. I have an Uwatek BT that has an ascent rate indicator but no alarms. (I had to go through the manual to be sure.) My X1 has alarms but I have them all turned off.

I am however willing to bet that with a little googleing you'll be able to find a dive watch with loud alarms. Of course that may come at a price. Although, in today's world of cheap, small, digital, consumer electronics such a thing may not be too expensive.

 

[bowlofpetunias]

Thanks.. don't get me wrong... I don't believe in relying on Alarms but I think they can be a good safety measure.

 

[tarponchik]

Do yourself a favor, get a dive computer. This is especially useful for multiple dives, nitrox....

My son and I just returned from a dive trip to Turks & Caicos. In six days we did 13 wall dives off West Caicos as well as an additional day dive and night dive in Grace Bay. Our wall dives ranged in duration between 59 and 70 minutes using 32% nitrox at average depths between 52 and 63 feet and we effectively used all our available air. Try that with tables.

Good diving, Craig

I tried. My last trip: 12.5 days, 49 dives, max depth 132 feet. Most often I use air to 500 PSI. I think it is all about confidence. You are more confident with a comp? Fine, but thank you, no. I'll stick to my Timex and Tables. I know divemasters who dive w/o comps all their lifes.

Save bubbles ;-))

 

[I Dive]

EVERY dive IS a DECO dive that is WHY you do a STOP @ 15 ft for 3 minutes ...

SO YES YOU SHOULD USE A COMPUTER!

If every dive is a Deco dive, what are No Decompression Limits?

 

[rmc77]

NDL refers to the limit of time you can stay in a certain depth without the need for decompression stop (deco stops), the decompression will (in theory) occur naturally on your way to the surface if you respect this limit... That’s why AquaPixie said, and I agree, that all dives are decompression dives. The fact that it occurs naturally doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

In the other hand, I would disagree on the reason being the 3-minute stop... The 3-minute stop is not mandatory, is a way of increasing the safety of the dive - That's why they're known as Safety Stops and not Mandatory Stops.

 

[Blackwood]

NDL refers to the limit of time you can stay in a certain depth without the need for decompression stop (deco stops), the decompression will (in theory) occur naturally on your way to the surface if you respect this limit

And the maximum ascent rate
And the associated surface interval