Computers and dive tables will eliminate the risk of DCS.

Computers and dive tables will eliminate the risk of DCS.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only when used with Nitrox
• D. Only if your depth is shallow

Answer: (B)

Dive computers and dive tables help manage inert gas loading by constraining depth and time to reduce the chance of DCS. They estimate how much nitrogen dissolves in your tissues and set limits for ascent and duration so you don’t exceed safe levels. But they cannot eliminate the risk of decompression sickness. DCS risk comes from how your body actually handles nitrogen, which varies with individual physiology and countless factors on a dive—exact depth and time, ascent rate, surface interval, physical exertion, dehydration, illness, gas switching mistakes, and equipment issues. Even when you follow the computer or table precisely, a small amount of dissolved gas can still come out of solution in some people, especially with complex or repetitive dives or if ascent is rushed. Nitrox changes the breathing gas mix and can reduce nitrogen loading, but it does not remove risk entirely. So the idea that these tools completely eliminate DCS isn’t correct.

Dive computers and dive tables help manage inert gas loading by constraining depth and time to reduce the chance of DCS. They estimate how much nitrogen dissolves in your tissues and set limits for ascent and duration so you don’t exceed safe levels.

But they cannot eliminate the risk of decompression sickness. DCS risk comes from how your body actually handles nitrogen, which varies with individual physiology and countless factors on a dive—exact depth and time, ascent rate, surface interval, physical exertion, dehydration, illness, gas switching mistakes, and equipment issues. Even when you follow the computer or table precisely, a small amount of dissolved gas can still come out of solution in some people, especially with complex or repetitive dives or if ascent is rushed. Nitrox changes the breathing gas mix and can reduce nitrogen loading, but it does not remove risk entirely. So the idea that these tools completely eliminate DCS isn’t correct.