Dive Computers - Pros and Cons

[systematic.entropy]

Ok, first, to comment on Jarrod's 13 reasons..., a) those reasons were written upwards of 3-4 years ago, one just needs to do a little research to see how far dive computers, not to mention decompression theory in recreational technical diving,  have come since then. b) most, repeat "most" of those reasons have little to do with fault of the computer, like most accidents in diving, they all come down to human error. Even dependency, is not the fault of a computer, it's the fault of the user. Dive computers are no more evil than, say... a compass (on land), they are a tool, when properly used, aid in a means to a goal. However, we must, must, be prepared in the fundamentals in the case of that tool failing (ie, know how to find north). Oh, and on the reasoning of a computer taking up diver real estate that could be better used by something of more benefit; dive computers today, even mixed gas ones, are small and generally pretty low profile, and no more disruptive to a divers configuration than a wrist slate or Heaven forbid holding a deco table while on a line, or carrying out a gas switch, or any other of the numerous tasks loading a deco diver.

Now, I do dive with a computer, I spent a lot of money on my computer, I love my computer, and yes, it has failed me on a couple occasions. Did I panic? No, did I have tables? Yes, multiple tables. And furthermore, I was diving with a buddy, who... you guessed it, had an identical profile as mine, as he should. And we would have been able to deco off his computer. But, there was minimum deco, and as an exercise in proficiency, I did whip out my tables, and did the couple minutes of deco as planned. With my knowledge, and I say that, because I refuse to speak on anyone else's behalf, I don't see how diving with a computer impairs my diving ability at all.

It always, always comes down to education. Computers are no more the villain here, than calculators are in our schools. It's unfortunate that they are used as a crutch by some, and those some occasionally get themselves into trouble. I will continue to dive my computer, and continue to carry tables if the need to use them should arise.

Be educated, know what you do not know, plan your dive and dive your plan.