DIR Answer Required

[AaronR103]

I asked this question a couple weeks ago during my fundies class. The answer I got was that the reason computers aren't generally DIR is that they breed stupid divers that can't use tables, and that if you are diving your plan to the T you can calculate a better profile without one. Makes sense. If you know the dive and are able, then plan your dive and dive your plan. On the other hand, if you are doing an unknown profile rec dive, there is nothing wrong with using a computer as an adjunct, so long as you have a working knowledge of your tables and understand the theory behind what you are doing. I.E. plan your dive with the tables, but it's ok to use a computer to get a better profile if you deviate from the plan a bit. Note that my question was for NDL rec diving, not sat diving or any kind of tech/cave.

A

 

[JeffG]

I asked this question a couple weeks ago during my fundies class. The answer I got was that the reason computers aren't generally DIR is that they breed stupid divers that can't use tables, and that if you are diving your plan to the T you can calculate a better profile without one. Makes sense. If you know the dive and are able, then plan your dive and dive your plan. On the other hand, if you are doing an unknown profile rec dive, there is nothing wrong with using a computer as an adjunct, so long as you have a working knowledge of your tables and understand the theory behind what you are doing. I.E. plan your dive with the tables, but it's ok to use a computer to get a better profile if you deviate from the plan a bit. Note that my question was for NDL rec diving, not sat diving or any kind of tech/cave.

A

Who taught this fundies class?

 

[Cacia]

thanks. That is a whole lotta thinkin' for me trying to shoot manual.

I see the point but where "rubber meets the road" I would probably get in trouble...

so DIR will allow computers as an adjunct as long as you can answer the questions about your parameters?

 

[PerroneFord]

Though you've gotten very good explanations for the majority of your question, I wanted to touch on something specific.

We all dove off of computers, and basically just made the dives up as we went along...

In some environments, this can get you killed, or put you in unnecessary danger. Considering the advent of DIR was in the caves of Florida, making it up as you went along was a good way not to make it home.

Since GUE has "exploration" in the name, how does one explore new reefs, walls, etc using the DIR method of planning?

Exploration is meant in the scientific sense. Often a LOT of research is done into a site before it is explored. Local knowledge is used, electronic measuring is used, ROV's and other things are done in their proper environment. As for new walls or reefs, a maximum depth is determined for the dive, a gas is mixed and filled, and people can go look.

I am not a DIR diver yet, but am an aspiring one. Part of that means that I have to show restraint in how I expand my horizons. Strapping on a single 80 with air in it and dropping to 130ft solo to see a wall, is not "exploring". Exploring means finding out all I can about the area, the currents, the temps, the potential hazards. It means selecting the right mix to put in the tanks, having safety gear available, having a buddy or a team that can be trusted to do the same kind of exploring, etc.

This is not to say that every dive has to be a major production. But it does mean that ALL dives, even recreational ones, should be planned and executed. Sometimes the plan is as simple as "dive to that platform at 25ft and practice hovering". Leave the platform in 1 hour or at 800psi, whichever comes first. In that simple plan there is a gas plan, we know our depth, what direction we must go to get to the platform, we have an "itenerary", and hopefully we won't violate NDL limits. Of course a plan to visit an unknown reef at 130ft would involve slightly more planning. Exploring a cave at 300ft involves significantly more planning.

 

[JeffG]

so DIR will allow computers as an adjunct as long as you can answer the questions about your parameters?

First time I heard it. and I don't believe it, but the comments from the GUE instructor needs to be taken in context, which we don't have.

 

[JeffG]

Of course a plan to visit an unknown reef at 130ft would involve slightly more planning.

Yea...like "make sure you bring some beer for the post dive debrief".

 

[PerroneFord]

I know several DIR guys that use computers. I used one today. But I knew my intended profile, and wasn't really all that concerned about that deco the computer was giving me. I knew that with my max depth, and the amount of gas I had on my back, I couldn't approach my NDL. I also knew that I would be doing 10ft stops, and my computer would be LONG cleared by the time I got to 15ft.

I dove without a computer forever. In fact, I just bought my first last week and was certified in 1994. If you understand your tables, and understand your profiles, the computer is simply a backup or sanity check. They are VERY nice for telling you your depth and runtime though!

thanks. That is a whole lotta thinkin' for me trying to shoot manual.

I see the point but where "rubber meets the road" I would probably get in trouble...

so DIR will allow computers as an adjunct as long as you can answer the questions about your parameters?

 

[JeffG]

I used one today. But I knew my intended profile, and wasn't really all that concerned about that deco the computer was giving me.

Then you weren't using the computer.

 

[PerroneFord]

Sure I was. It was the only depth guage I had!

 

[JeffG]

Sure I was. It was the only depth guage I had!

That woooooosh sound wasn't an airplane flying by.