Newbie: gauges or computer

[robjoubert]

Hi all,

just want to know what the forum's thoughts are on this question:

should a newbie use tables and gauges or a dive computer from the start of his / her / its diving career?

[diverdad]

well it is highly recommended to learn how to use the tables and gauges. because that is what i used in my OW course but as soon as i bought my own equipment it was computer all the way.

[tremtech]

You will find that even though the computers are easier, you still may need to work your dive plan from your tables. Example : Your on a dive boat and on your first dive, your computer dies while at your 15 foot safety stop , you still have 2 planed dives left, the boat doesn't go to shore just for you and there is no refunds . It would benefit you to be competent enough to hit the tables and finish your dives. If not, watching bubbles can be fun. Here is a free table tutor program that will help you become proficient with your tables. http://home.flash.net/~table/table/index.htm

[scubasamurai]

neat little refressher program as well. learn the tables and back your self up with a computer, especially if you plan on going deep. it will help with deco and bottom times

[Capt Hook]

As previously stated, knowing how to use the tables could save a dive trip if your computer "takes a dive", but a computer can make doing multiple dives easier, especially for a new diver.

[chinacat46]

Also when you buy a computer make sure it's Nitrox capable. You might not be nitrox certified now but chances are you will be in the future. This will save you having to buy a new computer.

[gtjason2000]

I still use the table to log my dives even though it isn't 100% accurate due to the multilevels. Only a couple times have I been off the single level tables. Now if the question was use a computer or wheel I would say forget the wheel.

[subsur]

i agree with people's comments posted above. you should definitely learn how to use table. there is no harm in doing so and you might actually use tables in the future depending on dive situation and in case your dive computer fails. afterwards (after OW class) you can buy and use dive computer.

[JCAT]

I did OW Basic with SDI/TDI and tables were not taught or even looked at. When I crossed over to PADI, I learned tables for advanced and Nitrox.

Now, I use both and wear a computer, watch, and dive with all of my tables in left pocket. Knowledge is a good thing!

my 2psi

[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by tremtech

You will find that even though the computers are easier, you still may need to work your dive plan from your tables. Example : Your on a dive boat and on your first dive, your computer dies while at your 15 foot safety stop , you still have 2 planed dives left, the boat doesn't go to shore just for you and there is no refunds . It would benefit you to be competent enough to hit the tables and finish your dives. If not, watching bubbles can be fun. Here is a free table tutor program that will help you become proficient with your tables. http://home.flash.net/~table/table/index.htm

Obviously, since I wrote that software - I'm a big fan of education and learning tables... but now the truth... I don't even have a set in my bag. In the above example, if your computer dies on your safety stop - you have no way of knowing what letter group you are in, so there is no way you could go back to tables at that point.

I carry 2 computers - but I own a dive shop. And, I've never had one go out on me... since the days when I had an old cochran... But it can happen - so I carry an extra.

If I didn't have a back up and one died during the day - I'd not go back in for that day unless I was doing very shallow diving 30 - 40 foot... then I'd just rent one for the next day. But that's my procedures...