R
redacted
Guest
The ones I have used (EDI, IQ-300, and Oceanic Data+) don't even allow me to vary (add) SI. Tables (and experience) are more useful for multiple dive planning.
Overheard an Interesting Conversation at the LDS
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djanni
Contributor
We learned the tables but haven't looked at them since the written test. We bought computers right from the start and that's all we've used since. I doubt I could read tables anymore. Change that, I'm sure I couldn't.
I'm glad we learned them. It put emphysis on the importance of following the time/depth guidelines.
We got our Nitrox Cert through SSI and while we went over the Nitrox tables it wasn't a detailed review.
We're recreational divers and if equipped with a computer, I think the tables are useless. I can understand why, on some technical dives, divers would want to use tables and it's probably a good idea.
I'm glad we learned them. It put emphysis on the importance of following the time/depth guidelines.
We got our Nitrox Cert through SSI and while we went over the Nitrox tables it wasn't a detailed review.
We're recreational divers and if equipped with a computer, I think the tables are useless. I can understand why, on some technical dives, divers would want to use tables and it's probably a good idea.
Alex Dailey
Guest
Up until my last set of dives, I've used the dive tables exclusively. True, they are conservative time-wise in regards to bottom time with being a square profile, but knowing how to use them and not having to worry about electronic failure is comforting.
That said, using a computer this last set of dives was very nice. Bottom time was increased quite a bit, and having the computer to keep track of surface intervals was nice (even though I kept track as well, never quite trust electronics entirely). I do miss not having the end of dive letter group, and don't quite know if the computer takes into account if the water is cold or you are exerting yourself more (which moves you up a letter on the NAUI dive tables). Computers can also store your dives, but I keep a log book - never know if computer fails and then you loose all dives (which has happened to people I've talked to). Plus, I like being able to flip through all my past dives and see how much weight I used, what I saw, remarks regarding the dive, etc.
I'm of a mixed opinion...I like using the dive tables, but using a computer does allow for more dive time. It is another piece of equipment to worry about, and if it fails halfway into your dive and you aren't familiar with/don't know the dive tables, then what do you do?
I had a conversation about this with a coworker, who stated that he hadn't used the tables in years and didn't think you needed them. Quite a few other people I've asked have a similar opinion. I tend to view it with the same philosophy as my instructor - never use equipment to overcome a lack of skill or inability to perform a skill. If you want to use a computer - fine. Want to use a dive table - fine. Just make sure you know how to use the basics before moving on to something else.
That said, using a computer this last set of dives was very nice. Bottom time was increased quite a bit, and having the computer to keep track of surface intervals was nice (even though I kept track as well, never quite trust electronics entirely). I do miss not having the end of dive letter group, and don't quite know if the computer takes into account if the water is cold or you are exerting yourself more (which moves you up a letter on the NAUI dive tables). Computers can also store your dives, but I keep a log book - never know if computer fails and then you loose all dives (which has happened to people I've talked to). Plus, I like being able to flip through all my past dives and see how much weight I used, what I saw, remarks regarding the dive, etc.
I'm of a mixed opinion...I like using the dive tables, but using a computer does allow for more dive time. It is another piece of equipment to worry about, and if it fails halfway into your dive and you aren't familiar with/don't know the dive tables, then what do you do?
I had a conversation about this with a coworker, who stated that he hadn't used the tables in years and didn't think you needed them. Quite a few other people I've asked have a similar opinion. I tend to view it with the same philosophy as my instructor - never use equipment to overcome a lack of skill or inability to perform a skill. If you want to use a computer - fine. Want to use a dive table - fine. Just make sure you know how to use the basics before moving on to something else.
Most computers have an adjustable safety factor that you can increase.
My point exactly.
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I'm currently taking the DM course and the new eRDPml is required (PADI) in place of the outdated and apparently difficult to use "Wheel" (though their books still refer to The Wheel). You can calculate multi-level dives with this new gadget. It would seem you wouldn't need to be able to use the tables now as long as your eRDPml is working. I do agree, though, that knowledge of the RDP certainly gives you visual help in understanding decompression models. I do one problem every day with either the RDP or Nitrox tables. Takes about a minute. Interestingly, when I took the Nitrox course 3 years ago, the instructor had to spend a lot of wasted time re-explaining the AIR RDP to 2 in the class who couldn't use it.....
There's always three points I make on any charter with new divers:
1.) If your computer breaks, you have to dive tables and you've already paid. If you cannot use tables, you just threw 150 bucks in the ocean to get seasick and sunburned. Plus, you feel like a waterhead because you cannot comprehend something simple, like dive tables.
2.) Dive tables are not "ultra-conservative" on square profile dives. I've dove tables and still used my N2ition on wreck dives, and there is not a marked difference. The models are the models. If you are using the Buhlman model, then it doesn't matter if the computer tracks your NDL or you do. The only reason the computer gives you more bottom time is because it credits you for shallow time (we know this). So if you are diving to one set depth and then returning, there is not a great difference in time. The PADI RDP for example, uses the 6 hour compartment as the controlling compartment. This puts it right up there with many dive computers.
3.) I tutor kids professionally in math who only learned how to use calculators instead of doing it with a pencil. Most of them do math on a 5th grade level, and they are usually old enough to drive. There is something to be said for learning how to do something yourself without the help of a computer to think for you. Waging wars, love making, and dancing are all examples of this. Ask your kid to convert a fraction to a decimal with just a pencil tonight and see what I mean.
1.) If your computer breaks, you have to dive tables and you've already paid. If you cannot use tables, you just threw 150 bucks in the ocean to get seasick and sunburned. Plus, you feel like a waterhead because you cannot comprehend something simple, like dive tables.
2.) Dive tables are not "ultra-conservative" on square profile dives. I've dove tables and still used my N2ition on wreck dives, and there is not a marked difference. The models are the models. If you are using the Buhlman model, then it doesn't matter if the computer tracks your NDL or you do. The only reason the computer gives you more bottom time is because it credits you for shallow time (we know this). So if you are diving to one set depth and then returning, there is not a great difference in time. The PADI RDP for example, uses the 6 hour compartment as the controlling compartment. This puts it right up there with many dive computers.
3.) I tutor kids professionally in math who only learned how to use calculators instead of doing it with a pencil. Most of them do math on a 5th grade level, and they are usually old enough to drive. There is something to be said for learning how to do something yourself without the help of a computer to think for you. Waging wars, love making, and dancing are all examples of this. Ask your kid to convert a fraction to a decimal with just a pencil tonight and see what I mean.
3.) I tutor kids professionally in math who only learned how to use calculators instead of doing it with a pencil. Most of them do math on a 5th grade level, and they are usually old enough to drive. There is something to be said for learning how to do something yourself without the help of a computer to think for you. Waging wars, love making, and dancing are all examples of this.
My argument would be that I still can't do Calc 2 + without my calculator
fnfalman
Contributor
I have TWO dive computers and I still pack my tables with me whenever I go diving. One set (RDP, EANX 32, EANX 36, Air Equivalence, altitude adjustment) stays with my log book and an identical set stays with my save-a-dive-kit.
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