What is the purpose of a dive computer in surface supplied diving operations?

The purpose of a dive computer in surface supplied diving operations is primarily to monitor critical parameters such as depth, time, and decompression limits. This functionality is essential for ensuring the safety of divers by providing real-time data that allows them to manage their dive profiles effectively.

Depth monitoring helps divers stay aware of how deep they are and ensures they do not exceed safe limits for their planned dive. Time tracking is equally crucial, as it allows divers to keep track of how long they have been underwater, which impacts their exposure to pressure changes. Moreover, a dive computer calculates decompression limits based on the depth and duration of the dive, providing divers with the necessary information to avoid decompression sickness, often referred to as “the bends.”

While other options might seem relevant to diving, they do not align with the primary operational function of a dive computer in ensuring diver safety and adherence to dive planning protocols.