Dive tables take a back seat in SSI training

[riddler]

SSI has moved dive tables to the Appendix of the Open Water Diving manual, and given Instructors the option to not train with dive tables. As far as I know, the use of computers has not been mandated, however.

"Just like technology has entered our daily lives with the many advancements at our disposal - i-phones, laptops, etc. - dive computers have also become mainstream in recreational diving. For this reason, SSI has chosen to focus on the use of dive computers in our Open Water Program," stated Doug McNeese, SSI President and CEO.

McNeese continued,"We are not eliminating dive tables from the manual. We are simply placing them in the Appendix. This will allow Dive Centers and Dive Professionals the option to use the tables if they choose."

For the past 2 years, SSI has given Dive Centers and Professionals the option to train with either dive tables or computers. We moved the tables to the index and left the information on the DVD so that divers will still have the information.

The dive tables can still be used as another way to help students understand how we absorb, eliminate and track nitrogen. Then students will have the knowledge they need to complete their recreational dives with a computer.

We hope you are excited about this change as we are! SSI will continue to bring you these types of innovations to help you stay on the cutting edge of training and education.

 

[Brian Sharpe]

While this is probably just recognizing the reality that most divers use a computer and forget how to use tables 5 minutes after finishing their OW training does SSI advocate the use of a backup computer?

With my dive watch on and tables in my log book my diving isn't over for the day if my computer croaks.

 

[BDSC]

Makes sense to me!

 

[ScubaRich]

 

[StreetDoctor]

doesn't suprise me I'm sure PADI will follow

 

[sdiver68]

doesn't suprise me I'm sure PADI will follow

According to 1 PADI instructor I spoke with, tables are already optional.

 

[tomfcrist]

Tables may not be MANDATORY, but if it were me teaching they would be thouroghly covered. If nothing else i've never seen rental gear in the tropics come with a computer......Students need to know the theory behind the tables and have a basic understanding of how to use them.

I teach tables, and even when a student has his/her own gear with a computer they log their cert dives using a table.

 

[riddler]

While this is probably just recognizing the reality that most divers use a computer and forget how to use tables 5 minutes after finishing their OW training does SSI advocate the use of a backup computer?

With my dive watch on and tables in my log book my diving isn't over for the day if my computer croaks.

I can't say I know for sure if the latest manuals recommend a backup computer. My manuals are pretty old. I checked the online training, and no mention. However, SSI does have a Computer Diving specialty, which we include as part of the Open Water Diver course at my shop. I'm sure most of the instructors now talk about the fact that they have a backup (I'm the only one that doesn't dive with two computers).

From my own experience in SSI, training there, and eventually becoming a dive leader, I did not hear about backup computers until an instructor meeting, after I became a dive leader. Then I went out and bought a backup computer. Then I lost it.

Is it necessary to advocate backup computers? I don't think so - unless you are doing some serious diving, my answer would be, after you lose your computer, stay out of the water for 24 hours, and return with a new (or rental) computer. The only place I've dived and not had the opportunity to rent a computer was Fiji and lakes in the U.S. - everyplace I've been in the Caribbean had computers for sale or rent.

 

[StreetDoctor]

I can't say I know for sure if the latest manuals recommend a backup computer. My manuals are pretty old. I checked the online training, and no mention. However, SSI does have a Computer Diving specialty, which we include as part of the Open Water Diver course at my shop. I'm sure most of the instructors now talk about the fact that they have a backup (I'm the only one that doesn't dive with two computers).

From my own experience in SSI, training there, and eventually becoming a dive leader, I did not hear about backup computers until an instructor meeting, after I became a dive leader. Then I went out and bought a backup computer. Then I lost it.

Is it necessary to advocate backup computers? I don't think so - unless you are doing some serious diving, my answer would be, after you lose your computer, stay out of the water for 24 hours, and return with a new (or rental) computer. The only place I've dived and not had the opportunity to rent a computer was Fiji and lakes in the U.S. - everyplace I've been in the Caribbean had computers for sale or rent.

And if you're a vacation diver on a 5 day trip you just ruined 1 out of 4 dive days.

 

[Brian Sharpe]

Then I went out and bought a backup computer. Then I lost it.

Sounds like something I'd do!