Dive Computers

Dive Computers: Everything You Need to Know

Dive computers provide all the real-time information divers need to dive safely. Designed to be clear, with an easy-to-read display and multiple special features, dive computers do all the work so that you can enjoy exploring the underwater world.

The dive computer performs complex calculations every second you are under the water, advising you on your limits, ascent rates, cylinder pressure and more. There are a huge variety of dive computers to choose from, but at Oyster Diving we only sell the best. Our dive computers have been tried and tested by our expert PADI divers and are firm favourites amongst our divers.

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How to Choose a Dive Computer

Choosing the right dive computer can be the difference between a good dive and a great one. After all, dive computers are one of the most essential pieces of dive equipment you can buy. Let’s take some time breaking down the different aspects of dive computers and what they do.

The Three Most Popular Dive Computer Styles

Once you have made the decision to buy a dive computer, and figured out which functions are the most important to you, there are three main styles you can choose from:

Wrist Mounted: perhaps the most popular choice, the wrist style dive computer is lightweight, convenient, and easy to read as it sits right on your wrist.

Watch Style: great for diving holidays, the watch style dive computer can be used just like a watch when you’re not in the water and then specifically for diving when you’re under the water. It has most of the functions of other dive computers, but does tend to be a bit more expensive.

Console Computer: the console computer replaces your current pressure and depth gauge that is attached via hose to your regulators. Very popular in America, the console computer is less convenient to take with you on a dive but does a great job at monitoring your oxygen levels, depth, and safety.

Get Accurate Decompression Times

Dive computers provide you with decompression times, which basically means they tell you how long you can stay at a particular depth without increasing your chance of decompression sickness. If you accidentally go into decompression, having a dive computer will tell you which steps you need to take to ascend to a particular depth and how long you need to stay there to adjust.

Record Your Diving Depth

Dive computers are also fantastic at telling you how deep you’re diving so that you don’t exceed maximum depths or dive to unsafe depths that put you at risk. Having a dive computer also helps you avoid any payouts to insurance companies as they provide evidence that you haven’t dived below the recommended safe depth.

Upload All Dive Information

Another beneficial aspect of dive computers is that you can upload all of the information you gather on a dive onto your computer. This allows you to keep a comprehensive online log of all your dive activities.

Additionally, you can also upload photos and maps alongside each dive for your records, as well as leaving notes. This is not only useful for if and when you return to the dive site again, but it also means you’re able to share your trip with other divers on your various social media accounts.

Monitor Your Air Pressure

An extra feature of dive computers is the air transmitter. This feature allows you to easily monitor your current air pressure. It also tells you how long the air in your tank will last, taking into account your average breathing rate, at your current depth.

Monitors Multiple Gases

As you become a more experienced diver, you may move to more technical diving trips that require more than one cylinder of oxygen. Dive computers can have an additional feature that is able to monitor each separate cylinder and the different levels of oxygen, keeping you informed throughout your dive.

Enjoy Rechargeable Batteries

As we all take steps to be more environmentally friendly in our daily lives and activities, it is now possible to enjoy dive computers that come with rechargeable batteries. All you have to do is plug your dive computer into a USB port and it will recharge. Once charged, dive computers tend to last for up to 20 dives.

Visit the Oyster Diving Shop

Visit our online dive shop, where you will find everything you need for the ultimate diving adventure. If you would like to find out more about dive computers, the benefits, and how to find the best one for your dive, call us today. We have been diving for decades and can provide you with tried-and-tested advice from experts.