Instruments

What You Need to Know About Dive Instruments

There are a number of instruments available that can help to make your diving trips safer.  You can use traditional gauges and dive watches or opt for the more modern dive computers.  If you are just starting out in diving then the computer option is a good idea as these are easy to use and offer accurate readings.

Dive Computers

Dive computers replace the need to use a dive watch and gauge.  It can be tricky learning to calculate your dive time manually using decompression models.  It makes sense if you are new to diving that you use a dive computer.  These devices are easy to use and will work out your dive times and ascension rates for you.  Dive computers can also have an additional safety alert that warns you if you have missed a decompression stop and are ascending too fast.

Choosing Dive Computers

Dive computers are very practical safety options for scuba diving so it is not just beginners that use them.  Experienced divers in both recreational and technical areas also use dive computers.  The main difference is that professional dive computers provide more features (such as oxygen toxicity levels and multi-level dive calculations). They will also be a bit more expensive. 

-For recreational diving you will only need a basic dive computer that can provide data on factors such as dive times, depth and remaining tank pressure. 

-Dive computers are portable devices so they are powered by batteries.  It can be a good idea to opt for the rechargeable versions.  This will save you money in the long run as you will not have to keep replacing the batteries. 

-Also you will be able to make sure you have full power in your rechargeable batteries before starting each dive.  This is a good safety feature as if the batteries in your dive computer were to run out during a dive it could leave you in serious trouble.

-When using rechargeable batteries for your dive computer you must make sure you charge up the batteries in between dives regularly.  Most rechargeable batteries will start to lose their effectiveness if left uncharged for long periods of time.  This means they make not hold their charge when you next go to use them.

-If you are going to use replaceable batteries then it is a good idea to stick to lithium options. These are more expensive but are more reliable and last much longer than standard batteries.