Dive tables take a back seat in SSI training

[DiveNav]

.....The instructor gave a nod to the tables as he explained that the vast majority of divers never use them. Then he gave all the students the same model computer for the duration of the course. .....

Do you know the dive computer brand/model?

Thanks

Alberto (aka eDiver)

 

[Potapko]

Do you know the dive computer brand/model?

Thanks

Alberto (aka eDiver)

Yes,
they used a Suunto vytec

 

[jar546]

Tables were certainly part of the SSI class that I just took and are still in the test. I see no reason to use a computer until you understand the tables first. I would not want to have to sit out for the day because my computer malfunctioned and could not be used.

I am under the impression that the dive tables are part of the ABC's of diving so why make them optional?

 

[NAM001]

Tables were certainly part of the SSI class that I just took and are still in the test. I see no reason to use a computer until you understand the tables first. I would not want to have to sit out for the day because my computer malfunctioned and could not be used.

I am under the impression that the dive tables are part of the ABC's of diving so why make them optional?

well said

 

[diversdream]

SSI still teaches the tables. What has happen in our age of technology the consentration is on the computer. Chapter 4 has been changed so the instructor has the option to teach the tables or not. I Would always teach the tables but some instructors may not feel the need. I think that learning the tables is smart! Here's the deal though and part of the confusion! PADI has their own tables they teach! Then there is the SSI tables then NAUI has there's and to top it off we have the navy tables as well. All of them different! Try working out a no decompression series of three dives on everyone and you will come out a different group on every one of them. PADI also has the EDRL hand held that replaced the wheel that makes even more confusion. If you use the hand held and then use the RDP you will come up with a different answer as well in most cases. So if someone is diving and happens to pick up the wrong tables to calculate they could be in trouble. At least if you are diving a computer you know for sure that that's where you are. Yes it's true that if your computer is fried or something happens to it your done till the next day. I think we all need to be aware of the challanges the the tables present as well.

 

[rgb1150ms]

As an SSI OWI I can assure you that You will be taught the DIVE TABLES if you want to complete the course as taught by "OUR SHOP"

I have seen computers fail and I stress that everyone should know their table so all the time ,money and effort they have spent on a dive trip is not wasted by a crashed dive computer.

:cool2:

 

[jar546]

There are still plenty of people who routinely rent gear and cannot afford a computer. No reason not to learn the tables.

 

[BedoMedo]

IMO the teaching of tables is not really needed anymore.

1. Dive computers do everything needed and they do it better.
2. Dive computers are reliable - DAN has statistics to prove it.
3. A few years after their cert. classes, most people can't remember how to use the dive tables.
4. Tables are not a good backup strategy because people don't have the needed information or knowledge to make the switch from a computer to tables.
5. Dive tables don't teach you any more about decompression theory than a computer does, they merely present the information in a different - and less flexible - format.

As new OWD i can say that i did my own calculation for surface time based on tables and always done more coffee drinking and sea looking than diving. On my last dive i was given Aladin computer and done more bottom time than in last all dives in past together.
After that im putting money aside for next investment.... COMPUTER...

 

[DeusVerto]

...is about teaching the theories behind getting bent and how to avoid it. The ones debating are mostly very senior divers who at most at risk of it due to depth and time.

The debate focuses on what to tell new divers, assuming that more accomplished divers WILL seek to learn themselves how to not die from enjoying this sport.

For the newbies, I'd say do what I did for the vast majority of my diving career - stay the hell above 40 feet and start your ascent when your PG reads 700 PSI. You wanna know why? Look at these tables here....

 

[NAM001]

As new OWD i can say that i did my own calculation for surface time based on tables and always done more coffee drinking and sea looking than diving. On my last dive i was given Aladin computer and done more bottom time than in last all dives in past together.
After that im putting money aside for next investment.... COMPUTER...

I HAVE NEVER USED A PLANNIG MODE wooops, of any kind on a computer. try yours using the same parameters of the dive you used on the tables. (square dive) what differences are there? i ask this because the tble planned dives are not what is actually done. so the premis is that if you tried the planner and did a surf - 60' for 30 min on both the planner and the computer if you get the same group and data then the computer is as accurate as the table. the difference must be acredited to the actual dive not being what was planed for. in that case the computer is better because it is dymanic. if not then it may be safety factors built into the program. if that is the case you should know what those factors are.