| A dive computer is one of the most useful | | | | time, as well as sounding a warning for ascents that |
| accessories available for SCUBA divers, and it is one | | | | are too rapid. |
| of the pieces of equipment that can identify a | | | | Combined, this accurate and automatically tabulated |
| serious recreational diver from a casual one. Few | | | | information is handy for the recreational diver, |
| divers who have ever used a dive computer relish | | | | especially on long, 3 dive days. This is usually the only |
| the prospect of going back to diving without one. | | | | time where decompression and spending sufficient |
| Dive computers usually come in the form of an | | | | time on the surface will become an issue for a |
| over-sized wrist watch, but some are designed to be | | | | recreational diver following proper procedure. Dive |
| convenient replacements for the pressure gauge on | | | | computers are also of potentially critical importance |
| a regulator. The main purpose of a dive computer is | | | | for the technical diver, who routinely have to plan |
| to replace decompression tables, using its on-board | | | | complicated, multi-staged dive with decompression |
| timer and pressure gauge to automatically calculate | | | | stops. A mistake in the decompression math can |
| the same information, but with much greater | | | | result in a case of the bends, so it is useful to have a |
| accuracy than would ever be possible with mere pen, | | | | computer double-checking those calculations along on |
| paper, and a dive table. | | | | the trip. |
| The most basic versions will always display the | | | | These devices are so useful that most serious |
| following information: current depth; maximum depth | | | | recreation divers don't ask whether to get one, but |
| attained on the current dive; the current "no stop | | | | when. Some choose to wait until after assembling the |
| time," or time until a decompression stop is required; | | | | basic minimal kit of find, mask, wetsuit, and regulator. |
| total dive time; and the actual local time. Most also | | | | Others buy it before, assuming they will always be |
| have on-board thermometers and can read out | | | | able to rent basic gear, but not a dive computer. |
| temperature, a handy bit of information when diving | | | | Prices can vary enormously, depending on quality and |
| across thermoclines. Those that are attached to | | | | the number of functions. Wristwatch versions are |
| regulators will also read the pressure remaining in the | | | | priced between $300 and $1300, but a good dive |
| air cylinder, just as the old analog gauge did. Some will | | | | computer will typically be at least $450. |
| also provide data on required decompression stop | | | | |