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Chapter 5- Decompression, Dive Tables, and Dive Computers Decompression, Dive Tables, and Dive Computers 147 the information to your paper logbook once per day. On most computers, you can call up the Log mode manually by pressing a series of buttons or contacts on the computer (figure 5-28). The contacts usually require that your fingers are moist and you must touch multiple contacts at one time to complete an electric contact. Once you are in Log mode, the computer will show you the stored dives, starting with your most recent dive and moving backward through the stored dives. Dive Computer Rules You must obey the following rules when using a dive computer: • A buddy team cannot share one computer; each diver must have their own computer. A dive computer used by one diver cannot be used by another diver on a subsequent dive until the time required by the computer for complete offgassing has expired. • Read your computer manual carefully and use the computer in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Completing a Dive Computer Specialty course is recommended. • If your dive computer fails at any time during your dive, you must end the dive and ascend to the surface at the ascent rate required by your computer’s failure instructions. Do not forget to perform a 3-minute precautionary decompression stop before surfacing. • If you have been diving on tables and want to start diving with a computer, you must wait 24 hours after your last dive before using a computer. • If your computer must be turned on manually, do not turn it off until it indicates that offgassing is complete. • Use the ascent rate specified for your make and model of dive computer. Most computers specify ascent rates that are slower than those for dive tables. • A three to five minute precautionary decompression stop at 5 meters (15 feet) is recommended for all dives made with a dive computer, even if the computer does not display a ceiling. • Plan repetitive dives deep to progressively shallower. • Plan multilevel dives to start at the deepest depth, followed by progressively shallower depths. • Do not make repetitive dives in one day to depths greater than 30 meters (100 feet). CONCLUSION By working with the NAUI Dive Tables, NAUI Dive Time Calculator, and RGBM Tables, you will soon feel comfortable with their use. Your instructor will help you with any difficulties you might have. Remember that you must plan and record your dives to help prevent DCS. Computer diving is easier than diving with manual calculations, but you must remember how to use your dive tables in case a computer is not available. Dive computers are in common uase, and there will probably be a time when divers no longer use dive tables. However, to be a versatile, as well as knowledgeable diver, you must understand the dive tables and the principles of dive computers. Be sure to read the manual for your dive computer so you are completely familiar with its operation. Be sure to take the manual with you on your dive trips for handy reference. Computers and dive tables will not eliminate the risk of DCS. Always make a precautionary decompression stop at the end of every dive and be conservative in the use of your dive computer or dive tables. FIGURE 5-28. THE LOG MODE SHOWS YOU THE INFORMATION FROM YOUR PREVIOUS DIVES.


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