SDI Computer Diver

The SDI Computer Diver Course is designed to expand a diver’s knowledge in the use of their personal dive computer (PDC) and is primarily intended for divers who are certified with agencies using traditional dive tables for planning, rather than PDC’s throughout training.

Who this course is for:

• The certified diver looking for more information to maximize their use of a computer for scuba diving

Course prerequisites:

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent
• Minimum age 18, 10 with parental consent

What you can expect to learn:

The SDI Computer Diver course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

• Computers vs. tables
  • History of tables
  • Computers advantages
  • Different decompression models
• Decompression sickness
  • Cause
  • Signs and symptoms
  • Treatment
  • First aid
  • Prevention
• Types of diving computers
  • Air integrated
  • Non-air integrated
  • Features
• How dive computers work
  • Decompression information in permanent memory
  • Pressure transducer reads ambient pressure
  • Internal clock records lapsed dive or surface time, updates frequently, usually every 3 seconds
  • Information is calculated in the computer microprocessor during each update
  • Information is displayed on screen
  • User is responsible for interpreting information
• Use of dive computers
  • Always read manual first
  • Start-up procedures
  • Operating instructions
  • Ascent rates
  • Other information
• Definitions
  • Dive time:
    Elapsed time from beginning of descent until final surfacing at end of dive
  • Time remaining:
    Available time, according to computer program, that diver may remain at current depth without incurring mandatory decompression; increases as depth decreases
• Planning Multi-Level Repetitive Dives
  • Dive planning mode
  • First dive or repetitive dive
• Only One Diver per Computer
  • Very unsafe practice for two divers to attempt to monitor dive profiles with one computer
• Emergency Procedures
  • Decompression
  • Omitted decompression
  • Ascent rates
  • Computers varying ascent rates determined by the manufacture
  • Computer failure

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

• Diver must prepare a suitable multi-level profile for training dives
• The diver is to monitor depth, buoyancy control, and air supply during the dives. For example, if the dive is projected for 21 metres/70 feet maximum depth; the diver must then monitor his depth and not exceed the planned maximum depth
• Execute a safety stop must be included at the end of each dive
• After completing the 2 dives the divers must download their computers if they have the capability
• Instructors must review this information with the students

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in diving activities without direct supervision of the SDI Instructor* so long as the following limits are adhered to:

• The diving activities approximate those of training
• The areas of activities approximate those of training
• Environmental conditions approximate those of training

*Note: Junior divers (ages 10-14) must participate in diving activities with a parent, guardian, or dive professional.

Also, the SDI Computer Diver certification counts towards a single specialty rating to achieve the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.

SDI Computer Diver minimum requirements:

• Satisfactorily complete the SDI Deep and Dive Computer Knowledge Quests with a passing score of 80%, followed by 100% remediation by the Instructor
• Complete all open water requirements efficiently
• Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution