Dive (or decompression) tables have been rendered obsolete by some diving instructors and scuba enthusiasts. Who uses them anyway?As many recreational divers would quip nowadays. But then, dive tables have been employed for many years to theoretically determine the No Decompression Limits (NDL) and stage a safe ascent to the surface; whether for a recreational diving activity or in the plan of underwater combat missions. And despite its diminished popularity among divers, there is no better way of learning decompression theories and concepts than studying the use of dive tables.
Like most manual devices that have lost its function to the advent of electronic gadgets, the serviceable decompression tables are slowly being replaced by high performance dive computers. These modernized pieces of scuba equipment calculate decompression limits based on actual depth and time to generate least conservative results and allow repetitive dives at minimum surface intervals.
It won't hurt for a scuba diver to migrate to the more progressive functions of the dive computer and enjoy its convenience features during multi-level dives. The computations generated from dive tables can still be used nonetheless by cautious divers who prefer to dive under more conservative decompression parameters in order to increase their margin of safety. Furthermore, dive table calculations can also be utilized as a back up device in case a dive computer malfunction occurs that may arise from the improper maintenance of the scuba equipment's batteries.
Given a more constructive outlook on the utility of dive tables, let us now survey the convenience and safety features of high performance dive computers retailed in many scuba diving shops.
Automated Activation. If you are taking repetitive dives, there is a tendency to overlook the simple push of a button to activate the dive computer. Surely you won't fancy an empty reading of vital info from your scuba equipment display upon descent to the depths.
Alarms for Safety Stop and Maximum Depth. Alarms serve as the ultimate safety feature of dive computers in the intent of preventing decompression sickness. Get prompted for a safety stop at least 15 feet below the surface or receive a warning through the display if you've breached the maximum depth of your dive.
Nitrogen Tissue Loading and Dive Time Remaining Monitor. Get a periodic, theoretical reading of nitrogen loading rates in relation to dive time and depth. Likewise be informed of elapsed dive time.
Automated Altitude Compensator. Whether its sea water or fresh water you are diving in, most dive computers are programmed to recalibrate settings for no-decompression times and depths for altitudes of up to 14,000 feet.
Ascent Indicator and Depth-Dependent Ascent Rate. Don't know if you're ascending the surface too fast? Visual indicators are outfitted into dive computers to alert you of your ascent rate and likewise provide better cruise control.
These features are now bundled with the Aeris XR-2 Wrist Dive Computer [http://www.scubasuppliers.com/site/1408308/product/10.2610]. A compact and easy to use scuba equipment, the XR-2 will prove to be a very handy tool as you pursue multi-level dives. The device also comes featured with a dive simulation planner, battery hot swap functions and is Nitrox compatible as well.
Felix Tero produces web content for Scuba Suppliers, Inc. Get the scuba equipment that's right for you at [http://www.scubasuppliers.com]
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