The Diver’s Best Friend: A Scuba Diving Computer
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
Any diver knows that his or her ability to enjoy a dive is dependent on managing the oxygen, nitrogen and compression. The introduction of the Scuba Diving Computer has made this task much easier for experienced divers. A dive computer (scuba diving computer) can replace the more traditional watches and dive tables in many instances. As in any task, having the appropriate tool makes the job easier and more fun.
* What Does a Scuba Diving Computer Do?
A dive computer manages the nitrogen for the diver. Consisting of a timer, depth monitor and highly advanced software, the scuba diving computer helps to compute absorption of gases. The diver still needs to use dive tables to be aware of his or her remaining nitrogen and decompression; however, this tool automatically manages the nitrogen flow. For this reason the scuba diving computer has become a standard with professional and experienced divers. The scuba diving computer is so valuable because it can greatly improve the dive experience through automation of the management of nitrogen.
* Planning to Make the Scuba Diving Computer Work
Rather than handing the diver’s responsibilities for planning over to the scuba diving computer, this is a tool that facilitates an important task. The diver is still solely responsible for correct and safe planning in conformance with health guidelines. However, the scuba diving computer can track the depth, time spent underwater, the amount of nitrogen that the diver’s body contains, and alert the divers when these levels become too high. This will all help the diver to function in a safe and efficient manner. These scuba diving computer functions can also help the diver to take suitable decompression stops whenever necessary.
* How the Scuba Diving Computer Works
When the diver performs a traditional scuba dive there are just two variables that are used to describe the dive: maximum depth and time. In calculating the amount of nitrogen absorbed, the diver must work on the assumption that a diver plunges immediately to maximum depth and remains there for some time and later returns to the surface. If plotted on and X-Y axis this would look like a square and is referred to as such.
In reality the dive is not like that. Divers typically descend slowly, swim about, and change depth to find their way around reefs or bottom formations. Then they return slowly back to the surface. The square profiles must be based on very conservative estimates. Since a scuba diving computer allows for longer bottom lines, it enables a curved profile and allows the diver to stay submerged for longer periods of time.
If you are considering purchasing a scuba diving computer, the best place to start would be at your local dive shop. Seek out others who use or own their own scuba diving computers and inquire as to which models they like, and what the benefits of each are. Then, compare prices. A scuba diving computer is a great investment for any diver who wants to increase his or her bottom time, and focus on other aspects of the dive.
Technorati Tags: scuba diving computer, dive computer, purchasing a scuba diving computer
