Although scuba diving is a fun and exciting pastime, it comes with some risks that must be properly managed in order to stay safe. Recreational divers must never violate their no-decompression limits and should always ascend more slowly than generally accepted ascent rate maximums in order to minimize the risk of decompression sickness, sometimes called “the bends. While these devices were once luxury items, today, they are absolutely essential for divers.
Here are a few of the reasons you should dive with a dive computer:
1. Improved Safety
Safety is the top reason to always use a dive computer. In the past, divers would use dive tables to calculate maximum bottom times and reduce the risk of decompression sickness. If you don’t use a dive computer and either don’t know how to use a dive table or don’t have one with you, you’d be reliant an instructor or dive master or dive buddy to determine no-decompression limits and monitor your ascent rate which puts your own safety in someone else’s hands.
Dive computers provide real-time feedback that eliminate human error in calculating bottom times and ascent rates.
2. Often Required
Because of the improvements dive computers make for safety, many dive resorts and shops have begun to require them. You don't want to get ready for a dive and find out at the last minute that you can't go without a dive computer. Even if rentals are an option, it may be difficult to learn how to use the device. If you have your own, you'll be ready to dive and use your equipment confidently.
3. Longer Dives
In addition to keeping you safer, using a dive computer can increase your bottom time. This is because manual calculations using dive tables rely on a fixed point (your maximum depth) to give you your maximum bottom time for any given dive. Dive computers, on the other hand, update throughout your dive, giving you more accurate data and making it possible to stay under for longer.
4. Dive Logs
Logging your dives gives you valuable information, but it can be time-consuming and tedious for the average diver. With a dive computer, recording your dive log is simple. This device tracks and stores your dive profile information and you can upload this data to your computer or smart phone instead of trying to remember the details of your dive and record them after the fact.
5. Additional Features
Depending on the dive computer you choose, you can find additional features to suit your needs. Some advanced features include a built-in digital compass, altitude compensation, gas mixing possibilities, wireless transmission of tank pressure from a transmitter that attaches to the first stage of the regulator and wireless connectivity to your computer or smart phone.
Find Dive Computers
At Paragon Dive, we have a wide selection of dive computers, ranging from introductory models for beginning divers to high-end options with a variety of advanced features. We also have everything else you need for your next dive, with high-quality products from the best brands.
Browse our website to purchase dive computers and more.
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