PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

Why might divers prefer dive computers over traditional dive tables?

1. They are more fashionable.

2. They provide real-time data and flexibility in dive planning.

3. They are less expensive than dive tables.

4. They require less training to use effectively.

The correct answer is: They provide real-time data and flexibility in dive planning.

Divers often prefer dive computers over traditional dive tables because dive computers provide real-time data and greater flexibility in dive planning. Unlike static dive tables, which offer predetermined no-decompression limits based on specific depths and time, dive computers calculate a diver's current nitrogen absorption level continuously throughout the dive. This real-time monitoring allows divers to make on-the-spot adjustments to their dive profiles based on actual conditions, such as varying depths and times underwater. Moreover, dive computers can accommodate multi-level diving—where divers may ascend and descend multiple times—more effectively than static dive tables. This adaptability supports safer diving practices, as divers can avoid decompression sickness by following the computer's calculated dive limits rather than being restricted to pre-established tables. Therefore, the ability to process real-time information and adapt dive plans dynamically illustrates why divers would favor dive computers for improved safety and efficiency during their underwater experiences.