Tables vs Computers

[stimpy4242]

This post is a result of a thread in the instructors forum that has turned to the basic question as to what is more reliable and what is best. Computer vs Tables. I have posted a poll and I am curious to find out what divers use most. I want to know how many divers truly plan their dive using a table before they dive. Or do you jump in and check out your computer during your dive to see where you lie? Is there a happy medium between the two? Please let me know what you think about this topic.

 

[fisherdvm]

You don't have a choice: I am a PADI OW diver, I plan my dive by what ever my buddy do. Just kidding..... I can't flame anyone else, might as well flame myself...

 

[stimpy4242]

I am not sure I follow what you just said...haha. But seriously, what do you do?

 

[ucfdiver]

Depends on the situation. If I'm going to rainbow river doing a 15ft deep drift dive I don't plan it, if I'm going to Orange Grove sink that's 130ft deep, I do.

When I can afford a computer, I'll have one. Unfortunately that's the lowest of my priorities.

 

[danclem]

I assume that predive planning with a computer (electronic tables), then diving with the computer is the same response as planning with tables, then diving computer.

 

[stimpy4242]

I assume that predive planning with a computer (electronic tables), then diving with the computer is the same response as planning with tables, then diving computer.

When you say electronic tables, do you mean an eRDP or using your computer during the SI to see what your max times are? Because those are two different things. The computer is providing that information because it followed your exact diving profile, where a table is based on the actual bottom time you spent at your max depth. So if you are talking about using an eRDP and then use a dive computer that is table then dive computer. If you use an actual dive computer that is computer only.

 

[Charlie99]

A wise diver uses multiple tools.

• Standard tables.
• Fudging tables using averages
• using the PADI RDP with zero SI to emulate the wheel
• Memory of previous dives of the similar profiles
• Computer

If you are doing a square profile dive (most of the dive is at or near the max depth), then at least for the first dive your computer and tables are going to give similar limits. (Virtually indentical limits for PADI RDP and Oceanic/Pelagic/Aeris/Sherwood computers that use the same deco model as the PADI/DSAT table).

If you are doing multi-level dives, and for repetitive dives, tables and computers will start getting further and further apart.

I use a combination of memorized tables, some rough depth averaging and tables, my memory of similar profiles, and my computer. For a few common multilevel profiles and repetitive multilevels with my standard 60 minute SI I have reviewed them, and various alternative ascents, using PC-based decompression programs.

During the dive, I dive my intended plan while also monitoring my computer. Just as before looking at my SPG I have an idea of what it should be saying and any signficant discrepancy alerts me to a possible problem; before looking at my computer I already have an idea of what it should say.

It's not a choice of EITHER tables OR computer. Use everything available.

Charlie Allen

 

[seaducer]

I basically plan the dive using tables, to figure out what mix I want, how long I can stay, etc. Then I dive the computer, and would like to say I ascend on the more conservative timetable, but usually it's when the computer tells me it's to go up.

I like using tables, I think they are still relevant, and a great skill for all divers to know. Computers are also a great tool, and one that can both extend bottom time and add a measure of safety to a dive.

While they do the same thing, computers and tables are not mutually exclusive and both have a place in my gear bag...

 

[String]

No answer on there that i can select.

I use my computer but always have backup tables with me on a dive to switch to if needed.

 

[seaducer]

A wise diver uses multiple tools.

• Standard tables.
• Fudging tables using averages
• using the PADI RDP with zero SI to emulate the wheel
• Memory of previous dives of the similar profiles
• Computer

Can you elaborate on that point a little? I got the wheel for Christmas and have been playing with it off and on since. Maybe the RDP is easier?