Banned from diving for a locked out backup computer?

[Snowbear]

...I carry a computer for one reason and one reason only, it gives me more bottom time.

Mine "gives" me more bottom time in guage mode than it ever did in Nitrox mode. The best part is it will never "lock me out."

Here's the problem, I don't get fewer calories with the computer. I get an increased risk of being bent, however small that risk is.

I agree here - trusting the computer to keep you from being bent is a much surer way of getting bent than trusting your brain.

Someone said that computers can fail. My DI's TUSA failed a few weeks ago in Florida on a dive trip. Not a lock-out, but a sensor error. Should that cause him to miss dives?

No, if my computer (in guage mode of course) fails for any reason, I keep diving anyway. I have a cheap computer I keep in the save a dive tool box so I can still keep track of my depth and time.

Finally, If you use the more conservative computer as the primary, mixing the brands shouldn't be problem.

No computer is as conservative as I am. None "gives" me enough bottom time either.

I for one would hate to admit to myself I got bent because I didn't listen to the device I paid good money for.

I for one would hate to admit to anyone that I got bent because I did listen to a device such as yours

 

[serambin]

Mine "gives" me more bottom time in guage mode than it ever did in Nitrox mode. The best part is it will never "lock me out."

I agree here - trusting the computer to keep you from being bent is a much surer way of getting bent than trusting your brain.

No, if my computer (in guage mode of course) fails for any reason, I keep diving anyway. I have a cheap computer I keep in the save a dive tool box so I can still keep track of my depth and time.

No computer is as conservative as I am. None "gives" me enough bottom time either.

I for one would hate to admit to anyone that I got bent because I did listen to a device such as yours

I have to agree, then best computer avaliable is our brain. When we fail to use it, we have no other court to hear our case.

Stan

 

[lamont]

I for one would hate to admit to anyone that I got bent because I did listen to a device such as yours

=)

 

[shooter226]

I beg to differ on a few points...and I also agree with you on some points.

I see in your dive profile that you are a manager of a dive shop. Do you have rules and policies at the shop? Well, so do dive boat operators. You want to dive with a shop, you play by their rules or you go somewhere else...simple as that. So in that respect, yes, they can and do have the business of enforcing their policies, whatever they may be. You choose to disrespect those policies and disrespect the crew because you "have more experience and you know more" you'll most likely be taking a taxi back from the dock.

Furthermore, you should know as well as any other instructor that those releases only protect you to a certain extent...and it doesn't immunize you from being sued or held liable.

As a dive professionals we are supposed to be positive role models, not arrogant and condescending to those with less experience.

I agree with you that getting your computer into a deco obligation in itself is not the end of the world...not fulfilling that deco obligation is another matter.

When contracting with a boat operator we read their rules. If we don’t agree or like them we ask the owner. It is always his choice if he wants our business or not. Always hash everything out before paying. There are other boats that you can go out on.

As a dive professional I am not arrogant to anyone, especially someone with less experience. I learn something on every dive. I also try to dive with divers that are better divers than I am. I just object to other “dive professionals” giving out wrong information, or just flat out lying to me, “its against the law to do deco dives” “you can’t dive nitrox in without a big sticker on your tank”

 

[fpsndiver]

Why don't you eBay the Aeris, and buy either a second SUUNTO, or just a bottom timer? Then plan your dive, dive your plan, and if the Suunto fails, you just continue your plan with the bottom timer.

 

[Xman]

Because, like it or not he said that he uses his computer to control his dives rather than preplanning them and sticking to the plan.

Whilst you and I might think that isn't a good idea, I don't think ignoring his comments when trying to answer his question is going to help at all.

I think a number of people have given good answers so far.
I will restate what they have said.
If you decide to use computers to control your dive, then do one or more of the following:

*Use the more conservative computer (in this case the Suunto) as your primary computer and the other as a backup.

*Don't ride the limits...that way neither computer should get violated and you will be a lot safer.

*Set your Aeris to a higher level of conservatism.

*Just subtract a few minutes from the NDL that your Aeris gives you.(Treat it as 1 minute NDL when your computer tells you 4 for example)

Like others above, I suggest that the safest way to dive is to plan your dive and dive your plan using your computer as a backup.
However, you are perfectly entitled to dive how you see fit.
The chances of you having a problem when diving with two seperate computers and following the above guidelines are IMO slim.

Xavier

 

[Web Monkey]

Mine "gives" me more bottom time in guage mode than it ever did in Nitrox mode. The best part is it will never "lock me out."

I agree here - trusting the computer to keep you from being bent is a much surer way of getting bent than trusting your brain.

While it sounds good, and goes along with several minimalist philosophies, for many tasks, the "best" computer is not a brain, the best computer is a computer.

Doing multiple simultaneous partial pressure and tissue saturation calculations is one of these cases. While anybody who chooses to can dive with or without a computer, saying you get "better bottom time" using your brain and a bottom timer is just saying that you're willing to stay down longer than the computer manufacturer believes is safe for most people.


Terry

 

[Christi]

When contracting with a boat operator we read their rules. If we don’t agree or like them we ask the owner. It is always his choice if he wants our business or not. Always hash everything out before paying. There are other boats that you can go out on.

As a dive professional I am not arrogant to anyone, especially someone with less experience. I learn something on every dive. I also try to dive with divers that are better divers than I am. I just object to other “dive professionals” giving out wrong information, or just flat out lying to me, “its against the law to do deco dives” “you can’t dive nitrox in without a big sticker on your tank”

Hashing it out and discussing your expectations and desires ahead of time is understandable...that's not how I interpreted your original post...perfectly reasonalable put this way.

I agree about the "lying." Many ops will lie to people or tell them what they want to hear to get their business...all too common. I've lost business from being "too" honest and because Dive Op "X" has made certain promises (that I knew good and well they couldn't/wouldn't keep), but at least I knew I had been honest...and the truth would come to light later.

Anyway, thanks for clearing that up...have a great day!

 

[shooter226]

Christi,

Are you going to be at DEMA?

Mark

 

[Christi]

Christi,

Are you going to be at DEMA?

Mark

No, I decided not to go this year...I will probably go to Beneath the Sea in March instead.