Posted by Andrew Georgitsis on July 20, 2001 at 10:48:52:
In Reply to: NDL's posted by scubabum on July 20, 2001 at 10:07:52:
Each manufacturer puts on a certain amount of conservatism based on their belief and risk they want to assume. You must remember that if you dive a computer profile then you are diving to the lowest common denominator. You see, computers are designed for divers who dive now and again in Hawaii and cannot control Bouyancy or Ascents. So they are designed to keep Joe Bob safe when he dives once every 3 years in Hawaii and runs low on air at 80 feet and races to the surface. There has to be enough conservatism built in that Joe will not get bent and will not sue the Manufacturer.
But if you are a competent diver who dives frequently and has the knowledge to dive correct profiles, that include safe ascent rate and deco stops then why would you want to restrict yourself to the lowest common denominator.
Andrew