How necessary is it to have a dive computer for ocean diving? I'm pretty new at scuba, and the SPG I have is relatively simple with analog gauges.
Thanks for your input!
2007-02-20 08:28:11 · 5 answers · asked by lachicadecafe 4 in Sports ➔ Water Sports
Computers are really a luxury item. Nice to have but not needed if you know your way around your RDP, have your console and a timer.
You CAN extract a little more bottom time using one and they're great for dives with an up and down profile as they will calculate for you on the fly, so if your plan changes a bit, you're covered. They're also useful in that if you're doing several dives in a day, there's no need to run to your log book before you forget your numbers. Most will log at least 10 separate dives with the times, depths, nitrogen loads, surface intervals and temperatures. Some allow a download to a PC, others will just store 10 dives to memory for later review.
2007-02-21 05:59:44 · answer #1 · answered by scubabob 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure exactly, but you might want to check with who you got certified under. Currently, I'm just an SSI OW diver, but I am going to get Certified for AOW & Nitrox with a local NAUI dive shop hopefully within the next year, and I think the max depth for an AOW diver is 120-130 ft. Which is around 40 meters. If you are with a certifed AOW instructor or higher on the guided dive, I wouldn't really see any harm in it since you are already AOW certified. Just watch your air and bottom time very carefully if you are on air. Remember, there are no scuba police, so nothing is really illegal. Just remember to stay within your limits at all times. Hope that this helps, good luck and happy diving!
2016-05-23 23:35:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not necessary, but very useful in determining your decompression limits, else you have to calculate it manually. I've been diving since 1992 and still use analog. If you can afford a computer, then why not, takes away the manual effort and records multiple dives so you can log later. There are also computer interfaces that can upload your dive information to keeping your log up to date is easier and you don't have to bother with it during a dive trip. That's my .02. Good luck with your decision.
2007-02-20 19:54:09 · answer #3 · answered by Wake Cobra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Computer adds another layer of safety especially if you are doing multiple dives per day. Also, it takes a lot of guess work out and increases your bottom time as most of the diving you are doing is multilevel. Besides most of them will also be a backup to your depth gauge, watch, bottom timer, and in some cases, your pressure gauge! I travel with two computers!
2007-02-22 03:41:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessary at all. I've made hundreds of dives in the open ocean with nothing but a watch and pressure and depth gauges to keep track of nitrogen load.
The computer does make multiple dives and multi-profile dives much easier to keep track of, however. It also could come in handy if you inadvertantly stray outside of the sport diving limits portrayed in your dive table as I did one time to retrieve a buddy who'd gotten badly 'narced'.
2007-02-21 07:18:51 · answer #5 · answered by Bob G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋