Ascend Safely With Dive Computers

Dive computers are one of the more convenient and useful pieces of equipment introduced to the scuba diving sport in recent years. They are used to measure the time you spend underwater and the depth you dive and then take that data to tell you how quickly you can ascend to the surface without getting decompression sickness, otherwise known as the bends.

Changes in underwater pressure on the body cause the bends to occur. This underwater pressure when you dive deeper causes your body to absorb nitrogen. As you ascend to the surface the pressure begins to decrease and the nitrogen is released out through your body. Thus, when you ascend the nitrogen build-up in the body needs to be released slowly. If the ascent is not done properly the nitrogen will form bubbles in the body.

Symptoms of these bubbles forming include itching and rashes called skin bends to joint pain called the bends. More extreme symptoms range from sensory failure such as blindness and loss of touch to paralysis and death. Decompression tables are used to calculate the rate of ascent, but dive computers can now do this quickly and more accurately. By ascending slowly and at the correct rate your body can adjust to the pressures and the nitrogen can be released from the body safely.

The scuba dive computer is a versatile and practical piece of equipment. The advanced features allow them to be integrated to the scuba air tank and monitor the amount of air you are using, how much air remains in the tank and how long it will take to ascend safely. Also, you can take your dive data and download it to your PC so you can keep records.

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About The Author:

HG is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.sun-and-surf-scuba-diving.com. Ascend Safely With Dive Computers.