{"id":2404,"date":"2012-02-16T22:54:06","date_gmt":"2012-02-16T22:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scubadiveadvisor.com\/2012\/02\/16\/mission-accomplished\/"},"modified":"2012-02-16T22:54:06","modified_gmt":"2012-02-16T22:54:06","slug":"mission-accomplished","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scubadiveadvisor.com\/?p=2404","title":{"rendered":"Mission Accomplished!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Two weeks ago, we were evaluating whether we should make the purchase of matching dive computers or postpone this decision. Before I reveal my decision, some of you connected with us through Facebook<\/a>, WordPress<\/a> and Twitter<\/a> to ask some questions and provide your input. To those of you who offered some insight, thank you. I look forward to addressing your feedback in future posts.<\/p>\n

First, my non-scuba diver audience is feeling a little confused about the usage and application of dive computers. I must note that this blog will quickly lose its merit if we use excessive industry jargon and confuse those of you exploring the idea of taking up this sport. Our non-diving audience is just as important to us as our diving audience.<\/p>\n

The computers, just like the tables, exist to tell us how long we can safely be under water at specified depths. Aside from the obvious limitation of how much air is in your tank, we are also limited by the length at which we can remain underwater the deeper we go. Why is this? Our bodies absorb nitrogen during a dive, and can tolerate a certain amount at specified depths before the risk of developing decompression sickness sets in. The algorithm (think of it as computerized dive table) used in a dive computer is based on decades of information and is used to safeguard divers from decompression sickness, keeping us diving smart. Despite the fact that it sounds complicated, this is easy to do and certified scuba diving centers will help you understand this.<\/p>\n

Others have asked, why matching computers? It is not necessary to do this, but It is recommended to maintain parity with your buddy if you will be diving with the same person all the time. For example, a Suunto<\/a> computer and a Sherwood<\/a> computer behave differently with slightly different algorithms at varying depths throughout the dive. By owning matching computers, it will:<\/p>\n