Who uses dive tables anymore?

After reading numerous articles defending dive tables, I ask frequently myself "who really dives with tables anymore?" Once upon a time I dived with tables; I then learned that the feature rich dive computers are reasonably priced as opposed to what they were 20 years ago, I can now plan all types of dives on computers.

We all had to teach tables during entry-level courses; the majority of instructors knew they were just promoting the dive tables of the certification agency; then went and then went and dived with computers anyway. Dive centres want to sell dive computers, there is money in selling computers, the public wants to purchase dive computers but the dive certification agencies have promoted their dive tables so they don't miss out on this income stream. After all, there would be no dive computer sales if there was no demand. Dive computers work, dive computers tend to be more conservative than tables, monitor surface interval time, calculate repetitive dive times and monitor ascent rates - they do everything you need for effective dive planning.

Dive computers represent the latest technology combined with latest thinking in decompression theory and application. In the modern world, people are connected 24/7 via their personal technology; they carry around smartphones, tablets and electronic organisers - you can plan dives on your smartphone app and upload the dive plan to your dive computer via Bluetooth. These devices are also connected via cloud technology and upgraded frequently.

When were dive tables developed? The US Navy tables were developed in the late 1930s, upgrades in the mid 50s with further modifications in 1992. The PADI recreational dive planner was tested in the early 80s, BSAC tables were also developed in the late 80s, the IANTD tables were developed in the mid 90s and the upgraded NAUI RGBM tables were introduced in the early 2000s. The majority of tables were based on Haldane's 1908 research, that were tested on goats and later included in-water testing; Haldane's work provided the basis of decompression theory that is still used to this day.

Now the dive certification agencies have not developed dive computers, we know where their bias sits; they wish to promote their own product at the expense of modern methodology. With all their restrictions, who in their right mind dives with tables instead of a computer?