Computers

Must have Dive Computers

Whether you are freediving or scuba diving, dive computers are an essential part your spearfishing kit. They are easy to use and offer a safe way to measure the time and depth of a dive.  Whilst scuba diving, dive computers enable you to calculate safe ascent rates. This helps to prevent problems such as running out of air and also decompression sickness. Similarly, if you are freediving spearfishing, dive computers will automatically calculate your depth, bottom time and surface time. These functions are automatic and you do not have to press a single button while you are spearfishing.

Applications like this may save your life, as they show you your surface time which is useful to know in order to prevent shallow water blackout. Another positive of spearfishing with a dive computer is that the dive computer will track days of diving, your personal best depth and your personal best time so that you can review your progression at the end of the day. You can buy dive computers quickly and easily online from Beuchat.

Click here for more information on dive computers.

Dive Computer Q & A

When you take your beginners diving course your trainer will show you how to use dive computers.  You will find that these offer an easy way to calculate dive times and save the hassle of using decompression tables and manual dive watches and gauges. 

To help you learn more about how dive computers can help you when spearfishing here are some of the commonly asked questions.

1. What exactly do dive computers do?

Dive computers are an essential device to improve diver safety. They can warn you of any missed decompression stops and also alert you if you are ascending unsafely.  You will have to input the initial details of your dive to set the computer up. After this it will automatically be able to monitor the depth and time of a dive.

2.  Can anyone use dive computers?

Dive computers are ideal for anyone diving underwater for hunting or leisure purposes.  You can use dive computers at any skill level but they are particularly useful for beginners as they are easy to use and provide an additional layer of safety.

3.  What dive data will be provided by my dive computer?

It will depend on what type of computer you are using.  Typically the computer will display the depth and time of your dive.  More advanced models may also be able to show useful information such as your dive cylinder pressure, oxygen toxicity and also water temperature.  If you are going to include dive computers on your spearfishing trips make sure you understand how to use them properly and how they can help you to stay safe.

4. Do I need a backup dive computer?

Dive computers can be quite costly so you may not want to go to the expensive of buying a backup option.  However your safety is the most important thing whilst you are in the water.  If you are worried about what would happen if your dive computer was damaged or broken during a dive then you could invest in a basic back up model. Choose a light, compact version that will be easy to carry alongside your main computer.

Alternatively you could manually work out your dive calculations using the traditional method of decompression tables before you get in the water.  These manual calculations can also be very accurate when carried out properly and can provide a fail-safe just in case your dive computer stops working for any reason.