Dive Computer vs Dive Tables for UK Diving
Should UK divers use dive computers or tables? Compare accuracy, safety, multi-dive capability for UK wreck & reef diving. BSAC & PADI guidance, UK prices.
Not sure which setup is right for you?
Take Our QuizDive tables built the sport. Computers revolutionised it. Understanding both makes you a safer, more capable UK diver.
Why Tables Still Matter
Tables are taught because:
Backup knowledge: If your computer fails mid-trip, understanding tables lets you continue diving safely.
Fundamental understanding: Tables teach decompression theory. You understand why your computer makes its decisions.
Historical context: Much of diving physiology research used tables. Understanding them helps you understand the science.
Why Computers Dominate
Tables assume square profiles: You descend to maximum depth, stay there, ascend. They can't account for multi-level diving where you spend time at varying depths.
UK diving is rarely square. You descend to 25m on a wreck, explore at 18m, drift up to 12m for the reef. Tables calculate this as 25m for entire bottom time. Computers track actual depth every few seconds, giving you 20-40% more allowable dive time.
Multi-Dive Days
UK diving typically involves 2-4 dives daily. Tables become increasingly conservative across repetitive dives because they can't track residual nitrogen precisely.
Computers track your actual loading throughout. Your second and third dives reflect what you actually did, not worst-case assumptions. This matters enormously on UK dive trips where you're paying per dive.
UK Wreck Diving Considerations
British wrecks sit at varying depths. A single dive might involve descent to 30m, penetration at 25m, external exploration at 18m, and safety stop at 5m. Tables would calculate this as 30m for entire bottom time.
Computers give credit for time at shallower depths. You get longer to explore the wreck safely within no-decompression limits.
Conservatism and Safety
Tables use one-size-fits-all conservatism. They don't account for age, fitness, hydration, or other individual factors.
Quality dive computers allow conservatism adjustment. Cautious divers (older, less fit, concerned) can increase conservatism. Fit, hydrated divers confident in their physiology can use standard settings.
BSAC and PADI both recommend personal conservatism for UK conditions. Cold water and physical exertion (common in UK diving) warrant extra caution.
Redundancy Strategy
Most UK technical divers carry backup computers. If primary fails, backup continues tracking. This is safer than reverting to tables mid-dive.
For recreational UK divers, a second computer is optional but valuable for UK dive holidays. Alternatively, ensure your buddy has a computer you can reference.
When Tables Apply
Planned decompression: Technical divers pre-calculate decompression schedules using tables and software. Computers serve as backup.
Training: Understanding tables helps you understand why computers work as they do.
Emergency backup: If your computer floods or batteries die, table knowledge lets you continue diving safely.
Computer Failure Protocol
If your computer fails during a UK dive trip:
Option 1: Sit out remaining dives for 24 hours.
Option 2: Use tables conservatively based on maximum depths and times before failure.
Option 3: Use backup computer (recommended for UK trips).
Most UK dive operators have computers for hire. Ask before your trip.
Our Recommendation
Buy a dive computer early in your UK diving career. Entry-level models (around £200-300) immediately improve safety and bottom time. Learn tables for backup knowledge, but dive with a computer.
Take our quiz to find the right computer for your UK diving style.
Find Your Perfect Setup
Answer a few quick questions and get personalised recommendations.
Start the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
Are dive computers better than tables for UK multi-dive days?
Yes, dive computers are significantly better for typical UK diving patterns (2-4 dives per day on boats). Computers track actual depth/time profiles rather than square profiles assumed by tables, giving 20-40% more bottom time on repetitive dives. For UK wreck diving where each dive has different profiles, computers calculate precise nitrogen loading. Tables are overly conservative for the multi-level diving common in UK waters.
Do BSAC and PADI still teach dive tables in the UK?
Both BSAC and PADI teach dive tables as fundamental knowledge, but both organizations recognize dive computers as standard equipment for UK qualified divers. BSAC Ocean Diver training includes table use but expects students to dive computers after qualification. PADI Open Water includes table basics but allows computer-only learning in some courses. Tables remain important as backup knowledge if computer fails during UK boat trips.
Should UK beginners buy a dive computer or use tables?
UK beginners should invest in a dive computer early (after 5-10 dives). Entry-level computers cost £200-300 (Mares Puck Pro, Cressi Leonardo, Suunto Zoop Novo) and immediately improve safety and bottom time. UK diving often involves shore diving where you set your own profiles, making computers essential for tracking actual depth and time. Tables are valuable knowledge but impractical for the varied, multi-level diving common around Britain.
What happens if my dive computer fails during a UK dive trip?
This is why UK divers learn tables as backup. If your computer fails mid-trip, you have three options: sit out remaining dives (24+ hours), use dive tables conservatively based on your maximum depths/times before failure, or use a backup computer (recommended for UK dive holidays). Many experienced UK divers carry a second computer or ensure their buddy has a computer you can reference. Dive operators usually have computers for hire in emergencies.
Related Guides
Ready to find your perfect setup?
Our quiz matches you with the right gear for your diving style.
Take the Quiz - It's FreeNo email required