The advent of dive computers has been a major step forward in recreational diving. By calculating custom dive tables from moment to moment, a dive computer can extand the length of a dive by adapting to the diver's exact dive profile.

This means that rather than calculating the length of a dive based on the maximum depth, as with traditional dive tables, the dive computer can calculate the theoretical amount of nitrogen in the diver's body tissues thoughout the dive. Some more sophisticated models replace traditional guages too.

Computers like the Uwatec Smart COM are integrated into the air supply by a high pressure hose and provide the diver with advance warning of the air requirements that are necessary to complete an ascent and any decompression stops. There are also air integrated computers available with wireless transponders that are attached to the first stage regulator that allow the computer to be worn on the wrist while monitoring the air supply and depth.

Eliminating the high pressure hose reduces the chance of it getting tangled and eliminates the risk of damaging delicate marine life that can be caused by unsecured equipment hanging below the diver.
View Simply Scuba's selection of dive computers

Review

The Uwatec Smart COM is a sohisticated dive computer that in addition to depth, time and air supply, monitors the diver's breathing and changes in the rate of breathing. Based on the data it collects, the Smart COM can adjust the diver's decompression status. For example, if a diver is working hard underwater the computer may add an additional decompression stop. The Smart COM is Nitrox compatible and it includes a Nitrox dive planner. It also features 5 levels of microbubble suppression, which helps to minimise the formation of tiny bubbles of nitrogen that can occur from repetitive diving. The computer is one of the best on the market recommended for frequent divers, although perhaps a little pricey for more infrequent divers.

The review model has now been used for over eighteen months on around 50 dives, with no real problems, although a few minor quibbles. First, the IR port, allowing the user to transfer dive profiles is not that reliable. Difficult to get a good connection, you may find you need to slow the rate of transfer of data over your IR port to get it to connect at all. A minor improvement was made to clip it to the BCD with a retractable connector. This allows it to be held close to the body, while at the same time making it readable when required and would have been nice to have been included in the design. Also, the transparent plastic cover of the review model does not stay closed due to the damage of a couple of clips. Spare covers are available and this has not caused a problem other than some slight scratching to the face of the computer. The last quibble is with the compass. Although it is good to have a compass, a console mounted compass is not ideal, as it is held to the side and awkward to centre. A better option is to buy a separate, wrist mounted compass.

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