Diving without a depth gauge

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I dive with an SPG and depth gauge on my console and 2 air-integrated wrist computers. On a recent Galapagos dive trip, both wrist computers were crapping out on me (learned later it was a transmitter problem). My DSMB is on a spool and I have knotted the line incrementally at various depth intervals. I like having the console backup for the following reasons:

1) In the Galapagos, I did not want to abort the dive out of concern for shortening my buddy's dive. My console was reliable "backup".
2) If, for some reason, I had to lend my gear to another diver (perhaps in an emergency), the console would provide critical depth/gas information.

I also travel with a "backup" transmitter.

A goal of mine is to learn how to safely/securely change batteries and o-rings for computers/transmitters--I'm such a techno-fossil......can barely manage my cell phone.:(
 
On boat dives or dives with a majority of time below 30' I use a computer, dive watch and analog depth gauge and SPG in my console. 30' or less I don't take the computer.
I get why you don't think it necessary, but why would you not take it anyway? I have never found that a wrist computer gets in the way.
 
I get why you don't think it necessary, but why would you not take it anyway? I have never found that a wrist computer gets in the way.
Likewise. I always have my dive computer on no matter what dive I am doing. Doesn't matter if it is a 10m bimble, 30m drift dive or exploring a prepared wreck. With the DC I can always download and review the dive at a later date (with regards to ascent rates/ SAC/NDL remaining etc). Hard to do with no hard info other than overall time/depth.
 
I just use my dive computer. Recreational diving. My back up is a knot at 15f on my reel in case I need to identify a safety stop.
 
I’m pretty sure I can guess 15-20ft depth and count to 360 if I really had to.

Jim

tying knots on your SMB line are a good plan too.

Three knots at 30 ft, 2 at 20ft and 1 knot at 15ft covers most required stops
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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