Dive Computers: A Guide for Reef Divers

Back in the day, tables were the standard. Today, most scuba divers dive with a personal dive computer and for good reason.

A dive computer monitors depth, time, speed of ascent, and NDL in real time. Tables give you a static plan. If you move between depths partway through, the computer recalculates. Tables are set before you get in.

Wrist-mount computers are what the majority of divers buy these days. They're compact, readable underwater, and you can wear them as a daily watch between dives. Console models are available but less people pick them anymore.

Basic computers go for around $250-400 and cover everything the average diver requires. Features include depth, bottom time, no-deco limits, a logbook, and sometimes an entry-level more reading freediving mode. The $500-800 range includes transmitter compatibility, improved readability, and extra mix compatibility.

What people forget is conservatism settings. Certain computers are tighter than others. A conservative setting gives you less NDL. Looser settings extend time but at a thinner safety margin. Neither is wrong. It just your style and how experienced you are.

Worth talking to someone at a Cairns dive shop who uses various brands first. They'll have real-world feedback on which ones hold up and what's just marketing. The better Cairns dive stores publish gear reviews and honest reviews online as well