Computer instead of Dive Table?

[H2Andy]

dang, forgot to mention that...

yes, very important ommission

 

[triton94949]

Triton,
Thanks for the reply. Just wanted to be clear that NAUI does not endorse dive planning without tables anywhere along the line, even into Tech. As to the second sentence above, I can't imagine why a diver would ever need to be table independent, whether computer-generated or plastic. I mean, what's the issue here? Plastic melt-down? It might be a nifty thing to be able to do, but not essential.
Whether or not a really proficient instructor teaches table "independence" is a matter of opinion, in MY opinion.

Divers seem to go through phases. Normally they first learn tables. Then they graduate to a dive computer. Ultimately they may end up with deco software on a P/C or palm device. And finally, they usually develop a system by which they can keep track of NDLs and residual nitrogen mentally.

A really good instructor can teach all these methods, however the issue would be how much could a new student absorb without getting confused?

I have no particular reservations about TDI-SDI's computer approach. It makes the divers dependent on a gadget, however most divers with computers are dependent on the gadget anyway. Tables represent a simplified algorithm, however the table's greatest weakness is that you cannot interpolate with it. (You can, but you are taught that you should not, therefore you are taught to round up.) Most people forget how to use tables before very long however. There are pros and cons both ways, like anything else on Earth and in scuba.

 

[Uncle Pug]

the more time you spend shallow ANYWAY is good for offgassing, so i wouldn't
abort the dive. i'd just go above 33 feet if possible and continue the dive.

Just remember it isn't time at 33 feet... it is time above 33 feet and as I've explained that means more time at 20 feet than at 30 feet and more time at 10 feet than at 20 feet.

In other words: slow the ascent the shallower you get. For shore based dives following terrain this is a piece of cake and an interesting part of the dive as well.

For open water ascents where there is micro-life in the water column this can be fun if you have an U/W magnifying glass and good buoyancy control.

 

[H2Andy]

thanks for the clarification, Pug

 

[sweatfrog]

IMO, tables were cut by SDI to bring more money quickly to that agency. Thats a mistake, but only when their Insurance Company pays out future settlements.

Tables are the hardest thing for a student to grasp in a beginning academic class and by eliminating them that lazy Instructor is lowering the frustration of teaching/learning them. However, they are doing a disservise to the students. When a diver starts to progress, the tables will need to be understood (EAN, DM, Tec) for example.

You're not allowed to use a calculator to learn the multiplication tables, how can you feel comfortable diving without understanding the tables? Thats a certifiable diver, not a certified diver.

 

[BigJetDriver]

For open water ascents where there is micro-life in the water column this can be fun if you have an U/W magnifying glass and good buoyancy control.

You know, folks, if you keep an open mind and listen to people, you can ALWAYS learn something.

I had not thought of doing as Uncle Pug suggests before, but I am going to drop a magnifying glass into a pocket for the next off-gassing interlude.

Thanks, Mon tres amable Oncle Pug! :yelclap:

 

[sweatfrog]

You know, folks, if you keep an open mind and listen to people, you can ALWAYS learn something.

I had not thought of doing as Uncle Pug suggests before, but I am going to drop a magnifying glass into a pocket for the next off-gassing interlude.

Thanks, Mon tres amable Oncle Pug! :yelclap:

I started doing that after a dive with Dee Scarr at the Town Pier on Bonaire, back in the early 90's. Later I found a magnifying glass that closes up and takes up very little space in my BC.

The dives I've made with Dee have been wonderful and very instructional. Don't pass it up next time you're there. It's worth the extra buck$.

 

[GrierHPharmD]

What a wonderful first post! BlueBlur, you know how to cut right to the meat of a very important issue.

Let me chime in with the others: Learn the tables - and try to get a feel for what they're telling you about the effect of depth and time on NDLs. I dive with a computer on every dive, but I plan my dives with tables, note the NDLs for 10 ft above and below (and any deco obligation that those depths might incur), and I log all my dives using tables. Never had a computer quit on me yet, but I try to have as much redundancy as possible, so I set my watch when I descend, just like they teach you in your OW class.

As far as following the Divemaster or trusting resort profiles, it really comes down to one issue: You are responsible for your own safety. I prefer to plan all of my own dives, then discuss profiles that seem a little cavalier with the DM. Then I make my own decisions about depths and bottom times. Ultimately, I want to give myself and my buddy the best possible chance of having a fun dive that ends with us back on the boat safely.

Incidentally, if any of your classmates need a little extra table help, there's a great little table tutor available for free download at http://www.scubatoys.com/store/Education_Materials.asp

It gives you lots of versions of different tables and many, many exercises.

BTW, welcome to the board and good luck with your course. Sounds like you're well on the way to an addiction...

Safe ascents,
Grier

 

[Uncle Pug]

I am going to drop a magnifying glass into a pocket for the next off-gassing interlude.

The refractive index of most glass is so close to that of water that little magnification will be achieved.

To trap air on both sides of the glass lense I sandwiched it in Lexan. This is a small version that I leave clipped off on my right D-ring.

 

[boomx5]

The refractive index of most glass is so close to that of water that little magnification will be achieved.

To trap air on both sides of the glass lense I sandwiched it in Lexan. This is a small version that I leave clipped off on my right D-ring.

Great idea...I'm all over this one!