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The definition for deco must be simple and easy for practical use. If you exceed the NDL for your computer and for your settings, you are in deco and should satisfy your obligation before surfacing. If you do not, for most computers, you will be locked out in violation gauge mode. If you do not like the NDLs for your computer, you can adjust the personal factors or dive a computer that is more liberal in its deco algorithm.Diver 1 runs their dive computer pure DSAT.
Diver 2 runs their computer RGBM with SF 2 setting
Both divers dive together and do the exact same dive. Diver 1 never gets close to his NDL.
Diver 2 racks up 5 minutes of deco time. Both divers do the same ascent and safety stop. By the end of the safety stop diver 2’s deco has cleared.
Both divers did identical dives. So which diver was the deco diver?
Several responders to this thread have described light deco as exceeding NDL with a conservative computer, knowing well that this would not be exceeding NDL with a more liberal algorithm. This is well beyond the knowledge and experience of the majority of divers. I dive very frequently in SE Florida. Not uncommonly, I'm asked by a diver on the boat why their computer does not seem to be working correctly. A frequent response is that you missed a deco stop and are in violation gauge mode. They generally look at me like I am an alien.