tables vs. computer on upcoming trip

[phoenix09]

Hopefully this thread is in the right place...

I'm going out to the Flower Gardens in the Gulf next week, and wasn't planning on renting a computer, just using the dive tables. I didn't really think twice about it until after a visit to the LDS to rent my gear the other day...I got to wondering if I should rent a dive computer to use on the trip or not.

I'm a new diver, only done OW and AOW so far, haven't used a dive computer before on any dives. I do have a dive watch with a rotating bezel for a timer. The dives are usually between 60-80 ft on the Gardens, I've heard, so apparently a lot of divers tend to use nitrox or have dive computers so they get as much bottom time as possible. Since I've never used a dive computer before and this will be my first time diving in salt water, let alone in the ocean, my feeling is that I'd be better off just sticking with the tables rather than trying to figure out a dive computer for this trip.

I guess I'm really just looking for reassurance that I'm doing the right thing in not renting the computer for this trip...I hadn't thought twice about it originally, but now I'm starting to second-guess myself. Comments/opinions?

 

[Zeeman]

There is nothing to figure out witha dive computer. well, not really -

Put it into dive mode, then keep an eye on the no deco limit number, and make sure it doesn't get to 0. Well, that is assuming you have a dive computer/watch like a Stinger or Atom. If you have a dedicated computer, then you pretty much jump in the water and it works - you may need to press a button to just turn it on.

You will probably spend more time checking you NDL and surface times on your tablesthan you will to figure out how to put the computer into dive mode.

 

[Bbarnes]

Rent the computer! Let it do the work for you. It will help you maximize your bottom time. Being on a live aboard would provide you with lots of time to read your manual plus you will have lots of other divers/dive masters around that would be happy to help you out.
We are going to do the Flower Gardens week after next. I have heard that they spotted some whale sharks there this week! Hoping to see one myself. Have a great time.

 

[RJP]

On a liveaboard - with a chance to do 3, 4 or even 5 dives a day - a computer is almost a MUST HAVE.

A computer will "give you credit" for time spent at shallower depths during each dive. This will...

- extend your bottom time on that dive
- shorten your surface interval to the next dive
- extend your bottom time on successive dives
- effectively make dives 4 and 5 possible where tables might preclude them

Also consider doing a nitrox cert before you go or see if they offer it on board. Using nitrox will also provide/enhance the same benefits as above. Nitrox cert is available through several agencies without doing dives

 

[The Kraken]

I would suggest that you rent a computer, but be very sure YOU KNOW HOW TO USE IT before you dive it.

Read the manual, and then read it 4 more times.

the K

 

[HowardE]

Phoenix09 -

You're looking for someone to tell you to dive the tables instead of a computer? I doubt people will say that you should just dive the tables on a liveaboard, unless you don't want to maximize your diving.

The tables assume a square dive profile. It will limit your time for sure, especially if you're only diving air, and not nitrox. 60-80' range is the nitrox "sweet spot" - where you can really extend your bottom time, and shorten your SI's.

So seriously... Rent a computer - know how to use it, and take the nitrox course if you can.

 

[Jason Ooi]

Make sure clear before use the dive computer, let the computer monitor you no stop time in any depth.

 

[diveborg]

I'm always surprised to see people diving without a computer, at least here in the cold Pacific Northwest.

Get a computer, especially for a liveaboard, no question about it.

 

[djanni]

Get a computer!!!

 

[phoenix09]

OK, I'm convinced...calling the dive shop tomorrow to add a computer to my list of rental gear. I'll still take my tables and timer as backup, but a computer makes more sense the more I think about it, especially since I'm diving on air, so my NDLs are already more limited than those diving on nitrox.

3 days until I leave...:icosm01: