Decompression Sickness is a Real Danger

Scuba computers can lessen the risk of decompression sickness, or "the bends." But decompression sickness still is a real danger on any complex or deep dive. Don't overly rely on your scuba computer.

Risks include:

• Your computer goes down. We all have experienced the hassle with our PCs and office computers. Your underwater scuba computer could fail when you need it most.
• Your risk of getting the bends also depends on your physical shape. Your age, fitness and any medical conditions may be factors.
• Computers can lock out divers, if they descend beyond safety limits on a dive. If that occurs, the diver should not depend on his scuba computer for the next 24 hours.
• Various dive computers use differing algorithms for gas absorption and pressure. They do not use a uniform method. Some may be described as more cautious than others.