Using the compass and computer

[Outlaw14]

Good morning.

I just recently completed classroom and CW portion of certification and am awaiting the opportunity to do my OW cert dives. I took my class through an SDI facility (not knowing that there were other options or how to really evaluate one program over the other anyway). My instructor let me look at his dive computer for about 30 seconds total pointing out the various green/yellow/red indicators and advising to always try and stay in the green. I was not able to work with it at all or to even touch the thing. If SDI is so big on being the first to train totally on the use of the dive computer should my basic training have included actually learning how to use it? (I believe his was air integrated).

Second, my console had a compass built in which I was instructed in a little more. I would say we worked with it for about 3 minutes, mostly him showing me how it would be used, but not having me practice with it myself more than once. I tried to practice with it during my own free pool scuba time, but am still a bit unsure about how to use it correctly.

Basically, I was hoping that the readers here could refer me to some basic online reading about the use of these two instruments (my SDI book just covers the basics of course) so that I will feel more comfortable as OW certs approach. I understand that part of my certification will be to navagate underwater a course using the compass. Not sure what I will be expected to demonstrate using the computer. Is my experience here unique? I really thought I was going to learn to use the computer. I ended up having the instructor all to myself as the other person registered backed out so I don't think it was a time issue.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions on reading materials that can help me feel a bit more comfortable.

Lauren

 

[gfisher4792]

Hi Lauren,

And welcome to the Board! First, I would go back to your instructor and voice your concerns with him. If he's a decent instructor, he should do a more thorough go over with anything you're not comfortable with. That's the basis for OW anyway, is to get you comfortable with scuba. Personally, my OW course didn't even worry about using computers (YMCA), but got us comfortable with the tables, but that's a different matter.

For your specific concerns, before using a computer, you must be completely familiar with it, and if you're not, I'd tell the instructor ASAP, and tell him either to teach you the use of the computer inside and out (including if it fails); or forget the computer and work the tables for your OW dives.

Compass work is generally pretty easy, and you can "dry land" practice with one (either borrow one from the shop or buy your own). I only had to navigate in a straight line, but I imagine the most difficult course you would navigate is a square (gotta get those 90 degree turns right). As for links, I don't have any offhand, but I'm sure others who will answer you concerns will provide some.

But, like I said, I'd first go back to your instructor. Good luck!

 

[CuriousMe]

Hello,

I agree you should definately bring these concerns to your instructor. I can't imagine that he wouldn't address your concerns and put your mind at ease.

I don't know what SDI's curriculum is.....but even if he showed you how to use his computer, that would mean you know how to use his computer. All the computers work a bit differently and have different features beyond depth, time and NDL (which should be on display on the face without you needing to push any additional buttons).

I would guess that during classroom and confined water he would go less into the features of the computer and speak more about why you need to know your depth, bottom time and NDL.....as well as what you should be doing with that information.

Whatever computer you're diving with (ie not the one your instructor's using) whether it's a rental or not....you should get your hands on the computer manual to learn it's functioning before diving in open water with it.

As far as the compass....again, I don't know SDI's curriculum. I know that for OW class we did minimal compass work.....during our open water dives (forget which one) we had to set a heading and swim in that direction, then reverse that heading and come back again.....we didn't work on it till Open Water though.

Just my .02

Welcome to the board and to diving!

Peace,
Cathie

 

[gj62]

GFisher is right - talk to your instructor about your concerns.

That said, I can't imagine learning a specific computer for use in class, unless it would be required for your OW. Since most computers are different, learning to use one in detail would not qualify you for any computer. To get more comfortable with a particular computer (without actually having one to play with on a dive) you can download the manual and a demonstration program for Oceanic's computer at: http://www.oceanicworldwide.com/2004/p_computers_versapro.html

The basic use of a compass is covered here: http://www.learn-orienteering.org/old/lesson1.html

Again, practice is the only way to get comfortable, but you can do it on land too. Any camping or sporting goods store will have inexpensive compasses you can try out on land.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

As others have said, every computer works differently. Basically, I'd say it's more important to learn the relationship between depth, bottom time, and residual nitrogen. You should be covering that in your basic OW instruction. Any use of a computer should be put into the context of those three factors.

As for compass use, most OW classes will have you practicing that during the surface intervals between your checkout dives.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Doc Intrepid]

As the others have said, call the instructor on the phone.

Explain that before you begin your OW certification dives, there are issues that you simply need explained in greater detail to feel comfortable. You may need to make yourself available for an extra evening, or at a time when the instructor has an hour or more to go over your concerns.

Without going into why it is inadequate to relay entirely on computers and have no understanding of tables; if this is the format of the course then at least you should be entirely comfortable with understanding basically how computers work. Compasses also can save recreational divers long surface swims back to the boat. They are an important piece of safety equipment that you should understand how to use. Ensure that you in fact understand how to use the compass before you go on your OW cert dives. If necessary, have the instructor walk a pattern or two with you in the parking lot until you see how your compass works. It is not difficult, but some explanation is clearly in order.

Hope you enjoy both your OW cert dives, and diving in general. Welcome to ScubaBoard.

 

[Outlaw14]

Thanks to all who responded. I took your suggestions and got some additional training in these areas. It worked out ok as the instructor basically went over the computer and the compass during the OW portion of the class. I passed my OW certification this past weekend and now just need to practice, practice, practice.