Thread: Bendy computers
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Old 24-01-03, 04:03 PM
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Re computers vs tables, the following posting by John Bantin on Diverent last May puts the case well, in my opinion:
"No computer manufacturer will guarantee that its product will stop you getting a DCI incident.
However, I believe it is very wrong to say that using a rough table is more safe than using a computer with an algorithm designed to match the sort of diving you are doing.
I have done as many dives as almost anyone. I have dived deeper than it is now recommended to dive using air. I have done six (6) dives a day for periods of up to five days on several ocasions. I have done three and four dives per day for a non-stop period of 20 weeks while dive-guiding. And I have done this now for 22 years and always with the guidance from an in-water diving computer.
In fact, have used a diving computer since the time when other divers used to try to physically tear it off my wrist because they thought it was dangerous. I now use a minimum of two because if I have a failure I do not want to have to stop diving for 24 hours. (I usually use three.)
I may get a DCI tomorrow. However, I have recently had the retinas of my eyes examined for damage and, contrary to expectations, NONE has been found so I have not had a DCI incident yet. I believe that the correct use of the right diving computer has been the single most important contribution to my diving safety.
Computer manufacturers are striving to make them even safer (eg. Suunto RGBM, Uwatec Smart and others).
If you pre-plan your dive using a PC you are using a computer but simply foregoing the opportunity to make changes during the dive. This is all very well if you have the discipline to stick to a strict regime but that is usually out of the question on most leisure-dives (world-wide) because, how can you plan for the effects of an up-current or down-current?
I never had the advantage of youth because I started diving only when I was 33.
I am now an old diver. I never was a bold diver. I am certainly not superman when it comes to fitness.
Use your computer(s) and understand the significance of the information displayed. Understand the concept of continuous decompression. Have perfect control of your buoyancy and always ascend slowly especially through that last couple of metres. Never kid yourself that diving can be without risk."

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