Do you use tables for every dive?

[Robert Gillcash]

I am curious. Do you use the RDP to plan your dives and check afterwards to see if you're still within rec limits?

I am doing this as a poll for recreational (non-professional) RDP users, not for computers users.

In other words, you've been trained to use the tables and have not purchased a dive computer.

 

[Superlyte27]

Back before I got a dive computer, which was a long time ago...
If I were doing a dive beyond 30' in depth. I calculated tables every single time. Unless it was a dive I had done hundreds of times and I knew the depth and run time like the back of my hand.

I don't need to look at tables now to know how long I can stay at 60'.

And these days. I use a computer.

 

[tplyons]

As PADI no longer requires the use of tables for certification, I never learned as part of my training, but worked with my instructor to learn them on the side.

I do not use tables for any dives really, as my computer handles my NDL's (and gives me much more time because my dives very seldom have square profile). I have a full set of tables in the back of my logbook for practice, or as a backup in case both my computers crap out and I still have some diving left to do.

I occasionally work out a few dives with them to avoid becoming complacent, but it's largely a moot point for many new divers with computers.

 

[TMHeimer]

I voted before seeing that it is for non pros. I was trained tables only (Nov. '05 cert.). Many of my shore dives don't exceed 30', so I use the RDP only after those dives to enter stuff in the log just for the heck of it. Deeper dives I have the Air depths NDLs memorized but I do check after the first of 2 boat dives to be sure of my available bottom time for the 2nd dive. Don't have the various nitrox tables memorized. I also use the computer for anything below 40-50'. Most of my dives, shallow or deep, are square profile. The odd time that I wind up doing a true multi level dive I just leave the pressure group entries in my log book blank. The eRDPml is pretty useless when trying to calculate a multi level dive that doesn't see you at specific levels--ei. you are pretty much gradually ascending after reaching the deepest point. But yes, one way or another I use the RDP on every dive.

 

[diverrex]

When I first started to dive I didn't use a computer. My first dives were in Belize and very much multi level. I'd look at table after two dives and realize I exceeded NDL according to the table rules. These were "trust me" dives that the DM with a computer knew what he was doing. Never again I decided and bought a computer. Never used tables again.

 

[AfterDark]

I use tables to plan and a Personal Dive Computer to execute the dive. If the tables and PDC disagree I go with the most conservative of the two. There are dives that I've done so many times I don't need to use either, for those dives the PDC as a backup works fine.

 

[Kevrumbo]

I utilize only a Bottom Timer & SPG and use the following table NDL's along with Ratio Deco Methodology on every dive:

http://dornsife.usc.edu/hyperbaric/documents/hugi.pdf

 

[Centrals]

I am curious. Do you use the RDP to plan your dives and check afterwards to see if you're still within rec limits?

I am doing this as a poll for recreational (non-professional) RDP users, not for computers users.

In other words, you've been trained to use the tables and have not purchased a dive computer.

1. Started with RDP.
2. Switched to The Wheel after AOW.
3. Finally computer.

 

[3D diver]

Yes...for 25 years, but have been using my computer for the last year.

 

[eelnoraa]

Start with table from OW.
switched to computer.
switched back to table and bottom timer, computer becomes back up device.