Do I need Dive Tables?

Question

I just recently got certified as a PADI Open Water Diver.  Although I passed the course without any major other issues, i had a big problem understanding the dive tables.  For some reason I just couldn't get my head around them and eventually gave up trying to understand them and managed to muddle my way through the course.

Do I need to learn them as I expect to dive with a computer (as we did on our open water classes)?

Answer 1

While the world is headed for computers and they are very convenient and easy to use.... I would still recommend learning the tables. Computers can break or get lost. Tables are great and accurate to fall back on. If you can't get your head wrapped around them, I rec com end buying an erdpml. Electronic dive tables. Now to add this. . . . Not knowing dive tables and relying on only the computer is like having your gas crash on a hike and not knowing how to use a compass to find your way back.

Answer 2

Hi DiverDave,

I too muddled through the tables during my scuba course.  I've never needed to use mine since then but a friend of mine needed them when her computer broke and we were on a dive.  She was lucky she figured them out and got to finish her dives  :-) .

Answer 3

DiverDave,

If you're still looking for help in understanding Dive Tables, here's a link that might be of assistance:

http://www.scubadiverinfo.com/2_divetables_naui.html