I can't recall the number of discussions I've heard about teaching dive computers as opposed to teaching dive tables. I believe in teaching dive computer use to post entry-level divers; I don't believe in overloading entry-level divers with knowledge development and motor skill exercises too early. The objective is to build knowledge, skills and attitudes known in the training field as KSAs in staged and carefully sequenced events to reinforce learning.
Firstly, I despise the term advanced diver for a person who has just completed their first four certification dives under instruction and then a further five dives under supervision for a total of nine dives to call themselves an advanced diver. What I do advocate is teaching dive computer use to level-two divers, this includes general computer operation, algorithms, basic decompression theory, multilevel dive planning, ascent rates, extended safety stops (including deep stops), gas usage and what to do if you end up in decompression.
Now before I get shouted down, I do not advocate decompression stop diving without proper training and planning. What I would like to see is decompression awareness as I have seen so many times on charter boats divers sitting on the boat with alarms ringing and quizzical looks on their faces. These divers have gotten themselves into decompression and not completed the required stops as per their schedule. They just surface as they normally do and wonder why their dive computer is making so much noise. This situation then prevents dive computer lock-out which could be devastating on a live-a-board dive charter or weekend diving retreat before we even consider the implications of decompression illness.
So what about entry-level divers then? I believe they should undertake a computer orientation at entry-level so they are familiar with dive computer use with an assessment in basic use much like compass navigation is taught for a heading and reciprocal bearing. The next level teaches intermediate navigation techniques with a navigation specialty also available for more advanced skills. Dive computer use should be learned on a similar format with basic NDLs, surface intervals, flying after diving and accidental decompression.
Now before I get shouted down, I do not advocate decompression stop diving without proper training and planning. What I would like to see is decompression awareness as I have seen so many times on charter boats divers sitting on the boat with alarms ringing and quizzical looks on their faces. These divers have gotten themselves into decompression and not completed the required stops as per their schedule. They just surface as they normally do and wonder why their dive computer is making so much noise. This situation then prevents dive computer lock-out which could be devastating on a live-a-board dive charter or weekend diving retreat before we even consider the implications of decompression illness.
So what about entry-level divers then? I believe they should undertake a computer orientation at entry-level so they are familiar with dive computer use with an assessment in basic use much like compass navigation is taught for a heading and reciprocal bearing. The next level teaches intermediate navigation techniques with a navigation specialty also available for more advanced skills. Dive computer use should be learned on a similar format with basic NDLs, surface intervals, flying after diving and accidental decompression.
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