Uwatec problems

[FreediveWI]

I've used the Sunnto computers that are supposed to be programmed with the RGBM model and it is NOT the same as a true deep stop deco table. I now just switch those computers into gauge mode and run a real table off of a lap top or my palm pilot. True deep stops start closer to 100', or deeper, and not 30' or 40' down. They will also get you out of the water somewhat faster.

I have not seen the new Uwatec "smart" computer, but I have dove with many of their other models and they line up, almost to the minute, with the Canadian Navy Tables- which used to be the Gold Standard of deco tables in the 80's and early 90's. I can say that if their program is close to the one in the Sunnto's that it still isn't there, but at least it's a step in the right direction.

All of the other tec divers I know who use Uwatec's have to trick them by setting the 02 setting very high to get them not to shut down on them for deco diving. This causes the most annoying situation of having the 02 alarm beeping at you for the entire time of the dive- which would other wise be nice and peaceful. A much better alternative is to buy one of the excellent Uwatec bottom timers that they make. It will save you cash and take you much deeper into tec diving.

An easy rule of thumb to get started with deep stops is to take your deepest depth for your deco stop and subtract that from your dive depth. Divide it in two and and subtract that number from you max depth. That should be your first stop. Do this again from the deep stop depth and your first deco stop and repeat as needed until you come up with a number less than 33'. THese are numbers to ADD into your regular deco profile.

Better yet, buy a copy of DecoPlanner off of the GUE website.

All of this would be taught in a proper deco class and should not be attempted by reading something off of the web. There are many other things that you need to take into account- gas consumption, 02 toxicity limits, bail-out supplies. Trying to run a deco dive on-the-fly with a computer has many probelms with it that show up too often in emergencies out on the lake. I have had to share air, and deco gases, too many times with people who weren't even my buddy becasue they thought they could just run deco off of a computer without really planning out the dive properly.

If you really want to get the low-down on deco theory without getting into tec diving, look into the DIR-F class that Deeper Blue is offering in June. They are flying in two of the best tec instructors in the world in from the west coast to teach it.

Jon