A review of the technical specifications of 47 models of diving decompression computer

Many modern diving decompression computers have the ability to record and display information of, and related to, the dive profile. In the UK, there are currently approximately 50 models of diving decompression computer being sold with a capability for recording and downloading dive information. Based on the technical information either supplied with each computer or made available on the internet this present study presents examples of 47 of these downloadable computers to review some of the parameters that are commonly measured, recorded and/or displayed such as: depth recording and/or measurement frequency, and/or measurement resolution, method of recording/display (e.g. maxima, minima, average, thresholds), methods of downloading information, and what data are stored and storage limitations. Although there is a wide range in the technical capabilities of the computers reviewed they all record and store similar basic dive profile information. However, the present review highlights the variation in many of the recording/measuring formats and download methodologies.