PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

How do dive computers adjust to varying dive conditions compared to dive tables?

1. They do not adjust at all.

2. They provide adjusted no-stop dive times based on real-time data.

3. They use fixed no-stop time limits.

4. They only consider the diver's experience level.

The correct answer is: They provide adjusted no-stop dive times based on real-time data.

Dive computers provide a significant advantage over dive tables by utilizing real-time data to adjust no-stop dive times based on the specific conditions of the dive. This means they can respond dynamically to factors such as water temperature, depth, and the diver's ascent rate. By continuously calculating and updating the diver's current nitrogen uptake and off-gassing, dive computers offer personalized no-stop limits that can change as the diver moves deeper or ascends, providing a more tailored and accurate profile of safe dive times. In contrast, dive tables operate on fixed parameters and do not account for variations in individual dives or conditions. They are based on predetermined limits that are generalized for a wide range of divers and environmental factors, which can result in less precise guidance for specific situations. Also, unlike dive computers, which can track multiple dives over a certain period and adjust accordingly, dive tables do not integrate this ongoing analysis. This adaptability of dive computers is a key factor in enhancing divers' safety and providing a more enjoyable diving experience.