I was looking though scuba diving related articles on Ezine Articles and came across an interesting article about the safety of dive computers. The author argues that dive computers can make scuba diving safer. The article is a good one about the benefits of dive computers to recreational scuba divers. However, as I read through the article, the author failed to discuss ascent strategies and general decompression knowledge to make computer diving safer. The article is called Diving Computers Make Diving Safer.

Certainly, we can see that dive computers do have some benefit. The flaw in our thinking is that the majority of scuba divers have no idea how these devices work. Most recreational divers do not need to have complete knowledge of decompression theory or decompression algorithms. All divers do need to have an understanding of what is going on inside their bodies in order to make safe decisions regarding their ascent profiles. The author is hinting that the diver does not need to think about their exposure to decompression, because the dive computer will continually calculate a diver’s no decompression limit.

The flaw in relying on dive computers isn’t within the calculations for no decompression limits. Of course one could argue differently. But the flaw is that most dive computers do not give recreational divers a tool to create an ascent strategy. Some dive computers, like Suunto’s Vytec DS now incorporate deep stops. However, most computers still do not recognize the benefit of addressing both free phase bubble AND dissolved gas models in the tissue compartments. Therefore, the dive computer can penalize the diver for doing deep stops with stops up to the safety stop.

Don’t get me started on how the software is written for the dive computer. Coming from a software background, I’ve seen software development shipped to a “low cost” facility, where software “engineers” work for $10 a day and no bathroom breaks. You can’t expect superb quality. Here is a link to an article where UWATEC covered up a known defect in their products. It’s a little dated, but you can see what happens when people put profits ahead of common sense.

So if you are going to dive with a computer, know how that computer works and understand the limitations that computer diving represents.

As always, I welcome your questions and comments.

Dive Safe,
Duane
Precision Diving

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