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WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DIVE COMPUTER QUITS WORKING
Because a dive computer is an electronic, battery powered instrument, the
possibility that it may quit working unexpectedly is very real - even with new,
highest quality batteries. While no-decompression diving, if you find that any
major piece of equipment is not working, you must abort the dive immediately and
surface slowly in a controlled manner. If your dive computer quits for any reason,
it is important that you have anticipated this possibility and are prepared for it.
This is an important reason to avoid pushing your dive profiles to the limit, in
order to allow a safety margin. If you ever extend your dive profiles to the maxi-
mum limit, Oceanic advises you to bring additional backup instruments with you
on your dives, and to log each dive profile during every surface interval.
Consider the cost to benefit ratio. No other piece of diving equipment gives you
additional dive time like a dive computer. It is now possible to dive easier, and
longer, because of these technological marvels. Yet, as with all new technology -
especially high-tech products used in harsh environments - unforeseen things
happen. If you do not prepare for the unknown, you might be sorry later. Who
would want to drive a car without a spare tire, for instance? If you dive in situa-
tions where your trip would be ruined or your safety would be jeopardized by
losing the use of a dive computer, an analog or digital backup system is highly
recommended.
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