Is a Computer essential kit?

[Wibble]

Are dive computers mandatory on dive boats?

Not sure that many dive boats would accept a diver without a dive computer, not least because it's "evidence" should anything go wrong, or if diving to the edge of the NDLs. Maybe it could be construed as a duty of care for the skipper to the diver?

 

[Celt]

Are dive computers mandatory on dive boats?

Not sure that many dive boats would accept a diver without a dive computer, not least because it's "evidence" should anything go wrong, or if diving to the edge of the NDLs. Maybe it could be construed as a duty of care for the skipper to the diver?

No bother getting a boat to take you out to a wreck but once the grapple is in your on your own.

 

[Wibble]

No bother getting a boat to take you out to a wreck but once the grapple is in your on your own.

Yes; all (most) skippers are simple taxi drivers and have no responsibility for you.

But...

I was on an individuals boat where a diver really didn't impress me with his kit. Looked stupid in so many ways. I, and everyone else, ignored that with the principle that it's their dive and their life. Not my problem. So I jumped in to almost perfect conditions and had a great 2 hour dive. Came up to discover the diver had drowned, body never discovered.

This incident has mildly bothered me in as far as I keep wondering if I should have taken more interest in that person and their perverse kit config. Was I selfish to not want to dive with them? I certainly didn't want to dive with them as it's not my responsibility to babysit anyone else. I'd like to think I would be more assertive nowadays should that every arise again... Until it happens, I won't know.


Now this is a long way from "Is a computer essential kit" and your point @mac64 is completely valid; a computer isn't essential kit [provided you've done your planning].

To not dive with a dive computer is nowadays a very rare thing. Certainly something a newbie wouldn't be doing.

If you and I were on the same boat and I'd noticed that you've no computer and that I had taken an interest, I'd fully expect you to come out fighting with your reasoning which would put my mind at rest.

If I'd queried a newbie, or I didn't get a suitable response... ? Should I have a chat with the skipper? It's still not my problem, but the consequences of another drowning aren't great.

 

[boulderjohn]

Yes; all (most) skippers are simple taxi drivers and have no responsibility for you.

A lot of people think that is true. Perhaps it is different here in the USA, but boats do have a legal responsibility regarding their passengers.

There was a case a few years ago in Florida in which a boat's crew were unsuccessful in rescuing a distressed diver, and the legal ramifications were significant.

Here is a link to a story about a time a dive boat sank and a diver died. The owners were recently arrested for that after being fugitives for a decade.

 

[jonhall]

Would there have been this much discussion had the OP completed the title of this thread for the dives he was doing:

"Is a Computer Essential Kit for weekend shore diving to a maximum 15 - 18 metres depth. It is anticipated a maximum of 4 dives over 2 days, 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. I live close to the coast so a generous surface time over lunch would be the norm.?"

Interesting stuff otherwise!

 

[Celt]

Yes; all (most) skippers are simple taxi drivers and have no responsibility for you.

But...

I was on an individuals boat where a diver really didn't impress me with his kit. Looked stupid in so many ways. I, and everyone else, ignored that with the principle that it's their dive and their life. Not my problem. So I jumped in to almost perfect conditions and had a great 2 hour dive. Came up to discover the diver had drowned, body never discovered.

This incident has mildly bothered me in as far as I keep wondering if I should have taken more interest in that person and their perverse kit config. Was I selfish to not want to dive with them? I certainly didn't want to dive with them as it's not my responsibility to babysit anyone else. I'd like to think I would be more assertive nowadays should that every arise again... Until it happens, I won't know.


Now this is a long way from "Is a computer essential kit" and your point @mac64 is completely valid; a computer isn't essential kit [provided you've done your planning].

To not dive with a dive computer is nowadays a very rare thing. Certainly something a newbie wouldn't be doing.

If you and I were on the same boat and I'd noticed that you've no computer and that I had taken an interest, I'd fully expect you to come out fighting with your reasoning which would put my mind at rest.

If I'd queried a newbie, or I didn't get a suitable response... ? Should I have a chat with the skipper? It's still not my problem, but the consequences of another drowning aren't great.

That’s a tough one but we’re all adults and it’s easy to be wise on hindsight. I wouldn’t beat myself up over it. If you dived with him ye could both have drowned. It’s a terrible spot to be put in and you have to balance showing concern and sticking your nose in someone else’s business.

 

[Gone for diving]

Don't DIR divers hate computers?
Everything is tables or ratio deco?

 

[lamarpaulski]

G'day, just wanting a broader range of opinions rather than those who will profit from selling me a computer.
I will be weekend shore diving to a maximum 15 - 18 metres depth. It is anticipated a maximum of 4 dives over 2 days, 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon.
I live close to the coast so a generous surface time over lunch would be the norm.
I suppose the question is, do i need a computer to manage the dives or can i track bottom time and use the tables supplied during my open water course.

Not absolutely necessary if you are proficient with tables and obey them and stick to your dive plan etc etc -BUT a really really nice thing to have (things don't always go to plan) and you will almost certainly get one eventually anyways. A basic user-friendly wrist/console model (even used) with easy exchange battery is a smart investment even for beginning divers.

I use an old VEO I bought used for 85$ and it works great for my diving which is usually like your dive profile.

People used to dive without SPGs or BCs so the definition of necessary in scuba is evolving.

 

[Centrals]

Don't DIR divers hate computers?
Everything is tables or ratio deco?

All history.

 

[Gareth J]

Don't DIR divers hate computers?
Everything is tables or ratio deco?

I think they are slowly evolving.