Have training standards "slipped"?

[MikeFerrara]

The "average" dive destination probably has a computer for rent. If you are dumping a TON of money into a vacation, then a battery and an extra computer might be of value.

For the cost of the two computers you can get at least one more dive vacation. After a vacation or two diving without a computer, you realize just how little value there is to the computers and you can do something better with your money.

 

[TheRedHead]

Of course I use the tables. I use my own modified version, more conservative than any of the published tables, designed in accordance with DAN recommendations. My dives are planned, or outlined, in conjunction with my tables.

If you are diving wrecks with square profiles, why not dive tables and why not cut custom tables with V-planner and throw in some deco gases?

I think divers should use the tools that work for their particular dives. If you don't want to dive a computer, the GUE method is a better one for making simple recreational dives. You can get as much or more bottom time than with a computer.

 

[Marvel]

I have a set of tables with me at all times to use as a backup, should my computer take a dive. That being said, I am always going to look for a backup pc- from my buddies or to rent until I get my own back again. Tables, even the wheel, don't give credit for multilevel dives. I'll always validate as much as my profile (with my buddies) as possible to plan the next dive, should I have to.

I've also got no problem with diving air tables (or pc) when diving nitrox to minimize my risk. In fact, even when diving nitrox, I will gladly dive with a diver on air (or an air hog) to minimize my risk & am a strong advocate of multiple deep stops with risk minimalization in mind. Face it, we, the average diving population, are a bit older than we'd like to admit. :shakehead

 

[bookboarder]

I have a set of both dive tables, but we use the NAUI. We were asked to use PADI tables on our most recent dive trip, and were given the PADI dive table. I prefer to be on the 'safer' side, so I'll stick with the NAUI tables, but now I do know how to use both, and know that they are not interchangeable.

 

[SparticleBrane]

If I might ask, why did someone request you change what tables you dive?

 

[MikeFerrara]

So why aren't you typing this on a typewriter? Sheer laziness on your part! My God man! Get off of your lazy butt and get out the Smith Corona! Spell checkers will just rot your brain!!! As for me, I think I'll have a liquid Corona! That's about as dangerous statement as I have ever heard. You are actually advocating to NOT TEACH them how to use the very tool they are going to be diving with and teach them the tool that very few actually use??? That's like making the NRA teach how to shoot a rifle with just a bow and arrow. Now they will REALLY understand where hunting came from. Shoot a rifle? Oh just read the user manual. You don't REALLY need an instructor to help you with that safety, or how to carry it, clean it, store it and all the rest. If you understand bows, you're BOUND to understand rifles... HEY DON'T POINT THAT THING AT M......................

Pete, I don't know where you get these analogies. LOL

Both tables and computers come with short, simple and easy to read instructions...no instructor needed. The instructor should be teaching decompression theory and how to apply it to diving. I don't know about you but I've owned and used many dive computers (I don't use them anymore because they're a waste of money and I have enough things that need batteries) and I have MANY different dive tables and several pieces of decompression software. I didn't need a class for each one. Did you?

 

[bookboarder]

The DM wasn't familiar with the NAUI tables and said he thought we'd get more time with the PADI tables. This was true, BUT, we decided to go back to the NAUI tables after the experience. In retrospect, we should have told them to take their PADI tables and stuff 'em but, you live and learn.

 

[MikeFerrara]

Why not say "dude, if you are going to get into diving you are going to need some equipment and a computer should be part of that equipment". Just as an alternate air source should be.

Because it would be a lie.

 

[MikeFerrara]

I haven't met any diver who hasn't eventually bought and extensively used a dive computer. I've even dived with ops which require them.

Hi Red. My Name is Mike. Now, you've met one.

I dived with tables for a while and then I did buy a computer. Not because my diving dictated that I need one but because I thought I was going to need one. I found out that the computer didn't add anything for the type of diving I was doing. Later when I started doing more complex dives I baught a more expensive computer. I found that it wasn't flexible enough and didn't readily give me the information I wanted when I wanted it. All in all, I didn't use computers very long and it doesn't limit my bottom time at all.

 

[The Chairman]

Both tables and computers come with short, simple and easy to read instructions...no instructor needed.

So do regulators and BCs. What a dangerous concept: learn how to use your Scuba Gear with no instructor!

No need to cover ascent rates, deep stops precautionary stops and the like. "You just read them thar instructions, kiddies! No need for no steenkeeng instructor to help you use them thar tools!"