GAUGES

A "Diver’s Dashboard" a.k.a. instrument console provides the diver with valuable information including cylinder pressure and depth. Pressure gauges are attached to the left side of the regulator first stage and may fit into a console that combines the depth gauge/diving computer and/or compass into one compact unit. Individual modules can also be worn on the wrist or mounted on a hose depending on personal preference.

Don’t be a drag!
It is important to secure your instrument console. An unsecured console can damage the reef (or be damaged by the reef) along with a series of other potential problems. Coral grows very slowly. One swift hit from a dragging console can destroy many years of growth in seconds. Keeping your Instrument Console attached will also ensure it's easy to find when you need it. We recommend using a retractor like our Mini High for Retractor. The console stays close to the body when not in use and easily extends for viewing.

Diving Computers
Diving computers are ever growing in popularity among both experienced professionals and brand new divers. The practical benefits they offer combined with potentially extended bottom times makes them a valuable diving tool. Automatic dive logging, automatic repetitive dive calculations, easy to read graphical user interfaces, PC downloadable capabilities are just some of the benefits dive computers have to offer.

How do Dive Computers work?
When using basic dive tables the profile is based on the maximum depth reached for the total time of the dive. As a example: a diver performs a dive for a total time of 45 minutes and the deepest part of the dive was 58 feet. On every recreational dive table the depth will be rounded up to the next highest, in this case 60 feet. Even if the diver only spent 2 minutes of their dive at 58 feet and the rest of their dive at 30 feet the entire profile charts at 60 FSW (Feet of Sea Water) on a dive table.

Diving Computers calculate a more accurate profile. They use the same (or similar) algorithms as the tables and simply perform those same calculations several times a second. Going back to the above example, a dive computer would take into account that only 2 minutes were spent a 58 feet. It adjusts the no decompression time remaining, thus allowing a practically extended bottom time. (Air Consumption not withstanding.)

When used properly diving computers are very safe. Because they automatically read the exact depth and duration at every point of the dive they can potentially reduce diver error. They also automatically time surface intervals as soon as a diver surfaces. Again, providing more accurate information which can benefit on repetitive dives. Over the course of a Dive Vacation a computer can add hours of available bottom time.

Air vs. Nitrox Computers
Having an "Air" computer does not necessarily prohibit a diver from using Nitrox. In fact it is one of the safest ways a recreational diver may choose to use Nitrox. Using Nitrox with an Air Computer can add a significant safety factor to a dive profile. This can also be very practical since may divers greater limiting factor is their air consumption and not the extended no decompression limits.

Nitrox computers can be set for air (21%) and "air" is actually the default setting for most of the Nitrox dive computers on the market. Nitrox computers can be programmed to reflect the percentage of oxygen in the mix. Again, allowing for a the computer to calculate a more accurate profile and consequently adjust the no decompression time remaining. Since, Nitrox is ever growing in popularity it may be beneficial to spend the few added dollars for a Nitrox Computer even if you are not currently diving Nitrox. You might become a Nitrox Diver down the road in the not to distant future.

18 Rules For Safer Computer Usage
When used correctly, a Personal Dive Computer can make diving easier and safer. It is important however to remember that Dive Computers are just performing mathematical calculations based on their programming. They do not know how you feel and will not dispatch the "Scuba Police" to stop you from staying too long or going too deep. Below are 18 rules for safer computer usage. While some are self evident and based standard diving procedures you might find a few that even an "experienced" diver may not have been completely aware of!

1. Read the owners manual: It is amazing how few divers read the information provided by the manufacturer. Each model has its own unique operation and display. Learn the features your computer has and be aware of them throughout your dive. It would be good to know if computer has audible alarms rather than spend a dive "wondering what that annoying beeping sound is".
2. Never share your computer with another diver: Always have at least one computer per diver. (This applies to all instrumentation too!) Diving depths often vary within the same buddy team.
3. Plan the dive and read the pre-dive plan as displayed on your computer: The buddy team needs to agree on maximum depth and bottom time. It is also important to verify that the planned profile is consistent with the computers' built-in planning.
4. Check Operation: Check the unit for proper operation BEFORE entering the water. Many computers require to be turned on before beginning the dive. Some computers will auto shut off if not pressurized within a specific amount of time, (your owners manual should have that info in it).
5. Look: Carefully and frequently monitor the computer. A computer is only a benefit to the diver who reads it.
6. When in doubt: If one buddy's computer is more conservative (or reading more conservatively) than the other’s always follow the more conservative computer.
7. Deepest First: An oldie but a goodie...Just because computers "can" perform the calculations doesn't mean you "should"! Always perform the deepest dive first with progressively shallower repetitive dives. In same, always perform the deepest part of your dive first moving shallower as the dive progresses. Reverse profiles cause unnecessary added physiological stresses which can compromise the overall safety of the diver.
8. Don't push it: Do not dive a computer to its maximum limits. Individual physiology is not taken into consideration by the computer. Physical predispositions such as lipid tissue content, workload, cold, fatigue, prior injury, and even certain dietary factors can make a diver more likely to become afflicted with decompression illness.
9. Follow a slow ascent procedure: Ascend no faster than 30 feet per minute.
10. Make a safety stop: Even if you are in the "green" perform a 3-5 minute safety stop at 15 feet. If surface conditions are rough move deeper to 20 or 30 feet at the maximum.
11. Monitor your no decompression limits and time remaining: While many computers can calculate decompression profiles, it does not necessarily mean that the diver is properly trained and equipped to perform such profiles. Additional training is required to reduce the risk factor of decompression profiles. There is no such thing as a "safe" decompression dive.
12. Always have a back up plan: While it is extremely rare for a dive computer to shut off during a dive, it is still a possibility. If this were to occur the correct procedure is very simple. Check your buddy's computer (only to give a general idea of the profile), end the dive and perform proper ascent procedure (no faster than 30 feet per minute). Then, complete a minimum 10 minutes safety stop (even though your profile is a no decompression profile) at 10 feet. This is more for safety on future dives than it is for the current dive. Do not dive for 24 hours to establish a zero RNT (Residual Nitrogen Time). The alternative to the failed dive computer procedure is to always dive with back-up computer.
13. Log your dive profiles: Use your log book to record the maximum depth, bottom time and other valuable information from each dive. The information is a record of your experience and will prove helpful on repetitive dive profiles
14. 1 Hour Minimum Surface Interval: While shorter surface intervals "can" be performed they add additional risk to dive profiles.
15. Leave a 12 hour surface interval between dive days: Surface Intervals of less than 12 hours are considered repetitive dives.
16. Take every 4th day off from diving when diving consecutive days: Diving Computers have more difficulty accurately tracking the Nitrogen being absorbed by the slowest body tissues. These tissues usually approach saturation after only several days of repetitive diving.
17. Be extra cautious if your plans call for traveling to altitude following a dive: Extra safety stops are strongly recommended if a trip to the i.e. mountains follows your dive. If diving at altitude be sure to adjust your computer for the correct ambient pressure. While some computers do this automatically many require diver adjustment. (Back to the point on reading the manual!)
18. Always allow 24 hours before air travel: Flying after diving is equivalent to a pressure reduction of approximately 8,000 feet. This pressure reduction can bring about DCI (Decompression Illness) in the inadequately decompressed diver.

Keep these rules in mind to better ensure a safer dives. Adapted for this overview from text: Open Water Sport Diver, by Edward A. Betts, Copyright ANDI International, Ltd. Oct. 1999. Remember: The advanced features of diving computers are not necessarily proportionate to a specific divers actual capabilities.

Instrumentation Care and Maintenance
Rinse your console in fresh water after every dive along with your regulator system. Be sure to run water into the console boot (especially where the hose meets) as it is a common place for salt and sand to collect. If your depth gauge has a maximum depth needle be sure to reset it so it is ready for your next dive day. If you are using a dive computer check for low battery warnings (see your user manual) before and after every dive.

It is important to protect your instrument console from impact and scratches. Never leave your console, laying on a bench or tank rack as it could be accidentally damaged by another divers equipment. Additionally, keep your console out of temperature extremes and avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight (UV) can cause accelerated deterioration of the rubber materials used for wrist straps and console boots. Extreme temperatures can cause unnecessary stress on components due expansion and contraction. It can also damage sensors in dive computers. Use caution when transporting and storing your console as even contact with other parts of the regulator system can scratch instrument faces. Appropriately sized gauge guards and a padded console cover will also significantly protect your investment.

Store your console (after a through rinsing and drying) either hanging up (i.e. as part of a regulator system) or with the hose loosely coiled in a cool, dry place. Have your instrument console serviced at least once every year along with your regulator system by an authorized service center.