Diving tables
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Montana Diver
Contributor
I carry a back up computer as a back up to a failed computer
+2 I used a dive watch to back up my computer until adding a wrist mount vt3 primary computer this winter. I still carry a eRDPML, however I like to review NDL on my dive computer since it is the major determining factor to preventing accidental deco obligation.
Onewolf
Contributor
Ever since my very first OW dive (it was on a liveaboard) I have relied on a dive computer. After my first liveaboard trip I realized that I would miss a day of diving if something happened to my primary dive computer, so I bought a backup dive computer that comes along on every dive. I have never used tables to plan a dive (other than during AOW and Nitrox classes). For my multi-level recreational diving I cannot imagine being stuck using tables.
OP
Thanks, everybody who answered. I'm really amazed at the number of people who still use tables in some fashion. I know that I put mine away shortly after OW and have never looked at them again -- even when DMCing, we used the eRDPml!
Gray, your strategy is almost exactly mine, these days. I let VPlanner run on the X1, but rarely refer to the data it displays, except as a matter of curiosity.
Gray, your strategy is almost exactly mine, these days. I let VPlanner run on the X1, but rarely refer to the data it displays, except as a matter of curiosity.
As far as recreational diving is concerned, I've mentioned elsewhere that I think learning tables even for basic OW is a complete waste of time, and I applaud SDI for abandoning them for basic OW. More agencies should follow suit.
All the anecdotal stories folks use on the board to show how bad & incompetent people are in understanding what their computers are displaying do NOT make for an effective argument for using tables - but they do make a GREAT argument for why more time should be spent training on their particular computer and less time learning a technology they will not use in the real world.
The FCC now no longer requires learning Morse for a basic radio license. Lots of old-timers continue to berate that decision. But I think it was a good one, and over time the old-timers are largely being ignored. You simply don't need Morse to run voice or Packet. Same should happen with dive instruction for basic recreational dive certification and tables - ditch the old tech, leave it for more advanced enthusiasts to learn later if they want.
Techies and decompression divers are a completely different animal and might prefer tables for certain operations. But most divers are strictly recreational.
All the anecdotal stories folks use on the board to show how bad & incompetent people are in understanding what their computers are displaying do NOT make for an effective argument for using tables - but they do make a GREAT argument for why more time should be spent training on their particular computer and less time learning a technology they will not use in the real world.
The FCC now no longer requires learning Morse for a basic radio license. Lots of old-timers continue to berate that decision. But I think it was a good one, and over time the old-timers are largely being ignored. You simply don't need Morse to run voice or Packet. Same should happen with dive instruction for basic recreational dive certification and tables - ditch the old tech, leave it for more advanced enthusiasts to learn later if they want.
Techies and decompression divers are a completely different animal and might prefer tables for certain operations. But most divers are strictly recreational.
I agree completely with You on this
Leading manufacturers of recreational dive computers agree with You too and we have partnered with them to develop online classes for their products.
Alberto (aka eDiver)
I'm all for computer diving but see absolutely nothing wrong with teaching tables also. They aren't that hard to understand, don't take that long to teach to students who are actually applying themselves and make a great backup in a pinch if needed.
They are an excellent "graphic" approximation of what dive computers are doing for you so it also helps with understand in that regard.
I see no downside to teaching them.
I dove my first 6 years on tables, (or yipee the wheel!) I got a used oceanic datamax computer and was in heaven. Actually I used that computer up until 2 years ago. I am a sport recreational diver. NDL. I teach computers and I will show students how to use the RDP during logging. The table NDL's are stuck in my brain forever taking up valuable storage space...
I think I'm right at the 10 year mark, so I'll throw my 2 cents in.. (that includes an 8-year hiatus from diving before I rediscovered it.. and moved to a coast..)
I learned on tables, and dove tables until I got my computer, which I use pretty much exclusively now. I "somewhat" use the tables to plan, but generally have the key figures memorized so don't necessarily consult it.. I don't really push limits anyways, so I'm not overly concerned. If my computer dies on me, I'll just abort the dive and go do other outside things until I can get it fixed/replaced.
(though I suppose next time I fly somewhere for a dive trip, I'll bring some sort of backup timer.. A bottom timer is on my list of things to get.)
I learned on tables, and dove tables until I got my computer, which I use pretty much exclusively now. I "somewhat" use the tables to plan, but generally have the key figures memorized so don't necessarily consult it.. I don't really push limits anyways, so I'm not overly concerned. If my computer dies on me, I'll just abort the dive and go do other outside things until I can get it fixed/replaced.
(though I suppose next time I fly somewhere for a dive trip, I'll bring some sort of backup timer.. A bottom timer is on my list of things to get.)
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