Don't use a dive computer?!

[Diver0001]

She said that you guys who use dive computers are too LAZY and STUPID to not learn how to use a dive computer! The audacity to come from her! Can I consult someone who really knows what they are talking about? BTW, this place where the general consensus is to not get a dive computer is Costa Rica, if that helps any.

Sufyries

I don't know what things are like in Costa Rica but as a general rule I would say your Aunt is not keeping up with the times.

Personally i learned how to dive in the days before computers were popular and made about the first 600 dives using tables. You can use them and dive safely but for making a large number of repetitive dives in a short time I do prefer the computer.

IIRC SSI has made using a computer mandatory so if that's how you learned then just buy one and ignore her.

R..

 

[Rhone Man]

Dive Tables give you a ROUGH estimate.
Dive Computers give you a DETAILED estimate.
In both cases ... they are just ESTIMATES

Alberto (aka eDiver)

Like the old saying goes, never confuse precision with accuracy.

 

[VinoBambinos]

I don't have a lot of dives under my belt but I would ask myself "What do I feel comfortable doing?" If you are good with the dive tables then go for it, if not then you should get a computer. I actually use two computers, one air integrated and one wrist mounted and I still plan my dives using the dive tables (training), but then I am borderline OCD.

BTW, some of my dives have been from live aboards that required divers to have a computer (emphasis on HAVE).

 

[spectrum]

Like the old saying goes, never confuse precision with accuracy.

View attachment 103472

However, since they are both estimates and the dive table is rounded to be conservative while the computer calculates the details there is a diminished safety margin.

Don't confuse precision and accuracy with safety either. You can easily get into more trouble riding a computer limit than a table limit.

Pete

 

[Doc Harry]

When I went to the Cayman Islands in March you could not dive without a dive computer.

Personally I don't use dive computers for recreational, deco or cave diving, but I dusted off my old computer and took it to the Caymans to satisfy the dive operator.

The dive profile in the Caymans are square or multi-level anyway, so they are easily planned with the wheel in about 20 seconds.

 

[FuzzyNutz]

A computer is a nice extra tool to have. I think it's poor practice to only have a computer and/or to rely only on a computer. I don't own one, but that's because I'd rather put the money towards a plane ticket, hotel, charter boat, or class. That said, I still want one though - I just don't view it as a necessity, so it'll be a while...

 

[oly5050user]

when some one says they do not need a computer Isay thats fine.So when they do a dive,lets say with a max depth of 100 and have to end the dive after 20 minutes and I can do the same dive for 45 minutes let them just sit it out on the boat and wait with the other non computer divers.Oh wait there will most likely be no other non computer divers. A computer gives you more time in the water.Simple as that.So what you paid for a dive trip with a computer makes the $ spent go further on a per dive basis.Many times in just what it costs you to dive , a computer can almost pay for itself in a week vacation in just what the additional time you get to stay in the water.

 

[phillybob]

I NEVER use a computer. I use TWO !

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

When I went to the Cayman Islands in March you could not dive without a dive computer.

Does a computer in gauge mode count?

 

[Doc Harry]

Does a computer in gauge mode count?

No one ever checked my computer to see whether or not I was in gauge mode!

"IT DOES NOT COMPUTE!"