Do You Need to Buy a Dive Computer?

Tables used to be the only option. These days, the majority of recreational divers wear a dive computer and for good reason.

The computer tracks your depth, time, speed of ascent, and NDL in the moment. Tables give you a static plan. When you change depth partway through, the computer recalculates. Tables don't.

Wrist-mount computers are what the majority of divers go for now. These are compact, readable underwater, and you'll wear them as a watch between dives. Hose-mounted models are an option but less buyers go that way these days.

Basic computers start around a few hundred dollars and do everything the average diver needs. You get depth, dive time, no-deco limits, log function, and the original source usually a simple apnea mode. Mid-range gets you transmitter compatibility, improved readability, and more gas modes.

What new divers don't think about is conservatism settings. Some models are tighter than others. A conservative algorithm means reduced NDL. Liberal algorithms give more bottom time but at a thinner buffer. Both work. It's your style and experience level.

Check with the staff at a Cairns dive shop who uses a few different models before buying. Staff will give you real-world feedback on which ones hold up versus what's just marketing. Most good dive stores put out product guides and honest reviews on their sites as well