Dive tables take a back seat in SSI training

[ZenDiver.3D]

And I teach tables and computers. I have found that if I connect the two, and students work both together, they get a much better understanding and respect for both. I also very carefully teach tables as part of my nitrogen loading section so they understand just what those pressure groups really mean to them, as opposed to being just a letter.

Redundancy, understanding, and a firm base for further learning makes me teach both tables and computers. They enjoy and understand my notrox, adv nitrox, etc... classe better if they have gotten the base to begin with. I should not have to introduce tables in the nitrox class.

Funny, SDI, who has mandated the use of computers for OW on, from 1999 has in their manual, complete sections explaining dive tables with sample problems and a copy of the Navy DiveTable in it, while other agencies who are just now espousing the use of computers, are taking them out. Interesting.
IMO, we need to understand and be able to use both, though we always have a computer.

 

[Wy145]

I'm certified naui/padi (79) USCG , I learned on the tables ,I've never used a dive comp. I stick to the tables .I just signed my son (11 years old) up for OW SSI. Its good that they learn on the comps. He will dive with me for a long while anyways, so he'll learn about the tables no matter what from me using them. I'm sure he'll bug the instructor "why not " what if "

 

[drbill]

The only times I've used dive tables were in the 60s when I was certified and when I started (and eventually terminated) a DM course. Most of my early diving was single tank and I know my profiles. When I started doing a lot of repetitive diving, I got my second dive computer (had an Orca Skinny Dipper earlier).

Despite this, I still feel the dive tables are good to know as backup. I've had computer batteries die on me mid-dive (while in significant deco). For years now I've dived with two computers as backup (one has a low battery as of last night). I still keep the tables as backup.

 

[KP3S]

Two months ago I finished my OW certification and my instructor taught us how to use the tables, and he was very hard on us about learning to use the tables 100%. He told us that a computer is a tool but the real diver do not forget how to use the tables because as everything that is electronics sometime they fail.

I have a computer and I use it but I also use the tables just in case, just to check the readings of the computer. As NASA astronauts do, the computers do all the calculations but they also use the old fashion method to make sure everything is OK.

 

[diversdream]

SSI still teaches the dive tables if the instructor so chooses. But they do make it availible if anyone wants to learn. In the AOW it becomes standard and is taught then!

 

[diversdream]

Heres a question for you? If you teach the tables for SSI it will be a different table than the Navy and Padi has there own, So why don't they get togeather and just settle on one?

 

[diversdream]

SSI still teaches the dive tables if the instructor so chooses. But they do make it availible if anyone wants to learn. In the AOW it becomes standard and is taught then! My manual chapter 4 has now changed completely from what it was

 

[mainediver8169]

I think computers have their place but just like morse code is rarely used I bet those that have learned it and have used it in a time of trouble are glad they had that knowledge. I hope most instructors will take the time which is not much to teach the tables even if the diver gets a computer they will at least be familiar enough with them to save a dive vacation if their computer craps out....

 

[KP3S]

You have hit the nail on the head, you are absolutely right. Everybody should learn how to use the tables, no matter if you use a computer. Like all electronics they often fail when you need them the most.

 

[Potapko]

My son just completed the JOWD course with SDI. The instructor gave a nod to the tables as he explained that the vast majority of divers never use them. Then he gave all the students the same model computer for the duration of the course.

Like it or not he is correct. The vast majority of divers that DO learn to use the tables go right out and buy a computer, or rent one when they go diving. I learned the tables in my OWD class, reviewed them in each following advanced class to this point, and choose to dive with the computer as my primary means of following my gas loading. I understand the tables, I plan deeper deco dives using the tables, however for me it isn't necessary to spend the time on it for each dive. Someone mentioned luck. 3 people bent out of 15,000 dives is not luck.
Some people have problems with new technology and insist the old ways are better. Isn't it great that each of us can dive as we see fit?