An Introduction to Dive Computers

Dreaming of purchasing dive computers, scuba certification and then roaming the depths of the Caribbean? Is the blue of the ocean beckoning to you? Did you watch Finding Nemo recently and get excited to see all those gorgeous fish? Perhaps a recent Discovery channel program on wreck diving has you thinking about scuba diving. Whatever the reason for your interest, there are some important things to know before you set out on your dive vacation. You'll want to know the safety risks, of course. Additionally you will want to own, rent and learn how to use the best equipment for the type of diving you'll be doing.

Scuba diving equipment begins with the air. You may want to use standard air. If you're more adventurous, and have had the training, you may even want to carry a small canister of nitrox for nitrox diving, and, for deeper dives, a more oxygen rich air canister. You can read more about what nitrox diving is, on my other lens. The enjoyment of a dive is dependent on the ability to feel secure and safe while at different depths. You will feel more secure with the right air and the proper dive computer.

Most divers rent their tanks and fins, while carrying their mask, computer, and BCD. When entering the water the diver begins his or her decent in the ocean at a relatively slow pace. The reason for slower paces is to allow pressure equalization in the inner ear. As pressure increases, nitrogen is absorbed into the tissues in the body. During the ascent, a diver will need to make frequent (or infrequent, depending on the air type), stops to avoid decompression sickness. You may recognize the term "the bends", which is the generic name for decompression sickness. This illness can develop when the pressure in the water begins to release gas bubbles in the body. The bends can develop on the skin, and/or joints and can result in death if not treated properly. This is why dive tables, and a dive computer are used to notify a diver that a stop is needed to decompress. Having a complete and accurate timetable for stops, will make a dive safer. To have a complete and accurate timetable, it's important to run the tables, and also to invest in a dive computer.

Previously, the only options divers had to avoid decompression sickness was to determine their dive depth beforehand and then create decompression stops by hand. A dive computer makes the calculations during the dive. The computer detects gases and depths automatically and will notify a diver if they are ascending to the top too fast. Another great feature of dive computers is they can give the divers other important information. For instance, there are computers which show the current temperature, the gas left in the canister and will keep track of the oxygen toxicity.

The best part about wearing a dive computer is having the information directly on hand without having to make calculations before the dive. This allows the diver to remain under water longer and adjust their dive behavior off the cuff. Variety is the spice of life, so they say, and being able to add variety, while diving safely, can make a more enjoyable dive.

Dive computers come in different styles and have many different functions. While I spoke about dive computers which show the temperature, and other features, not every dive computer has these features. Additionally, a diver on vacation has no need of an expensive and fancy dive computer, unless they plan on diving many more times in the future. Renting the equipment will suffice for one or two times.

If you're planning on doing diving more often, for instance many separate vacations, it would be wise to invest in a top notch dive computer with as many safety features as possible.

A typical dive computer will have a monitor which notifies you when to stop. As you dive, the computer will compute the depth and automatically configure the decompression stops. Many offer diving profiles that don't require stops at all- by carefully monitoring your time at depth, you can avoid stopping altogether. Dive computers have different basic styles; air integrated, and wrist watch style, and even heads up displays in your mask.

Dive computers also have great safety features such as audible warnings. If you have an air integrated dive computer, you can monitor gas pressure and air time on your canister. Should you be using nitrox for diving, you'll want to invest in a computer which integrates the information from the nitrox canister as well.

Dive computers are not 100% effective, so it is always wise to use conservative estimates when calculating the computers profile information. Although the computers will provide very detailed information, and are useful, it is still helpful to calculate your decompression stops manually before you dive, as well as using the computer.

You can find dive computers for as low as $199.00 or as high as $1500. Buying spare batteries for some computers makes changing them more convenient, however, most computers need professionals to change the battery. Be sure to check if the battery is user changeable.

Find your zen at the ocean floor, with the peace of mind knowing you can explore safely and just enjoy the deep blue calm of the ocean depths with a dive computer.