Deep Diving with Computers.

Dive computers have become almost standard equipment in many environments, and it’s easy to see why.

Computers combine time and depth gauges (and air supply, in some models)

and calculate your theoretical nitrogen uptake and release throughout a day of diving.

 

They can extend your no decompression time on multilevel dives by giving you credit for slower nitrogen absorption as you ascend to shallow depths

(like The Wheel does).

Various models provide a range of information that may include ascent rates, temperature, emergency decompression and more.

When diving with a computer, there are six basic guidelines to follow,

along with the instructions in the computer’s instruction manual. First, use the computer as a no decompression device.

Stay away from required decompression stops – they greatly complicate the training and equipment requirements.

 

Second, you and your buddy should have individual computers. Never attempt to share one between two or more divers.

Third, always follow the computer with the more conservative readout, yours or your buddy’s.

Fourth, if your computer fails, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If there are none, make a normal ascent at 18 metres/60 feet per minute (or the computer’s rate, whichever is slower)

and a safety stop, perhaps as long as your air supply permits if you think you’re close to the no decompression limits.

 

Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine when you may dive again; you may have to wait 12 hours or more.

Fifth, whenever feasible, back up your computer by calculating your profiles with tables.

This gives you a way to keep diving if your computer fails,

plus it can help give you some idea of how much no stop time you’ll have when planning repetitive dives.

 

You’ll find that The Wheel, with its multilevel ability, is the best choice for this.

Sixth, when diving in a group in which most divers don’t have computers (not unusual in a few areas),

be sure the divemaster knows you and your buddy do have computers and

may have more no decompression dive time available than the rest of the group.

For more information on dive computer use and multilevel diving, see the Multilevel/Computer section.

Check out the PADI Multilevel Diver course for more about diving with computers.