5 Reasons Why You Need a Dive Computer  

Just like musicians need their instruments and techies need their tech, divers simply can’t dive without their diving equipment. Perhaps the first item that comes to mind is a wetsuit or drysuit, followed by a good oxygen tank. However, have you considered investing in a dive computer? From accurate real-time dive information to added safety measures, a dive computer can make your dives easier and safer and, for this reason, it should definitely be high up on your list of diving equipment musts.

To help you decide whether you should invest in a dive computer, we’ve curated a list of reasons why dive computers have risen in demand. So before planning your next dive, dive right into this article and have a look at why dive computers have become indispensable 

Manda’s Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Own a Dive Computer

1. Ensured Safety

For divers, taking proper safety measures is a must. Planning your dive ahead of time and making the necessary calculations is a good way to start but, in order to eliminate the possibility of human error, having a dive computer isn’t just helpful, it is an absolute necessity. 

Even the most experienced divers could make miscalculations, some of which could have fatal consequences. However, a dive computer provides a plan that you may safely rely on, including depth and time information, air integration, safety stop settings and much more.

2. Dive Logs

A dive computer doesn’t just keep you safe, but also gives divers the facility of logging and recording details about their dives. For divers, keeping a detailed dive log is important as it provides them with proof of their diving experience, as well as key information for future dives.  Being such a beneficial and key aspect of diving, this function becomes incredibly handy— essentially saving you the trouble of memorising all of the details of your dive. 

Whether noting key facts like date, location and time spent underwater, or delving more deeply with details of water depth, main sights, air consumption and equipment needed, a dive computer gives you the facility of keeping a detailed digital record of your dives. Instead of manually noting these details down after the dive, your dive computer will record most of these details for you automatically, whilst leaving you free to enjoy the diving experience. 

3. Accuracy

From the amount of time you’ve spent underwater to how much gas you have left, a dive computer is designed to keep track of everything whilst you enjoy your dive. In fact, not only does it offer divers the ultimate peace-of-mind, but it also does so with an accuracy that cannot be rivalled by human calculations. With the right information conveniently at your fingertips (or, in this case, wrist) you’ll be able to enjoy your dive without worries and lengthy planning. Simply slip it on, set it up, dive and explore.

4. Ascent Rate Monitor

The ascent rate monitor is perhaps one of the most important features of any dive computer. As all divers know, diving comes with its own set of risks, including the dangers of the pressure changes that a diver experiences as s/he descends or ascends from a dive. Ascending from a dive too quickly could be highly perilous but a dive computer’s inbuilt ascent rate monitor offers an accurate measure of the speed of your ascent. In having this speed monitor, you won’t have to rely on old-fashioned techniques, which give you an approximate calculation at best, and instead you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your ascent is being accurately and safely measured.  

5. Set Alarms

Diving is a highly enjoyable sport and, since it affords the opportunity to snap gorgeous underwater shots and admire breathtaking surroundings, it is easy to forget that you have in truth stepped into a perilous environment. For this reason, dive computers give you the option to set audible or visual alarms that remind you to check your supply of air, diving depth, diving time and NDLs. Instead of relying on your concentration, with a dive computer you may include scheduling alarms as part of your pre-dive planning and the alarms themselves will help to keep you safe by guaranteeing that you stick to your carefully laid out plan.