1 The risk of decompression illness associated with the algorithms and logic used in the current generation of dive computers has not been established. This unknown risk must be clearly understood by potential users of dive computers. The Society consequently supports the DAN decompression illness study.

2 A standard display format for dive computers should be developed and is strongly recommended by the Society.

3 Recommended features in a dive computer include audible and visual alarms (eg. maximum ascent rate violations, low cylinder air pressures), legible fonts, a capability to be "downloaded" and to be compatible with the DAN database, and automatic activation upon compression, without the need to be turned on manually.

4 Desirable features in a dive computer include dependent and independent penalty systems (ie. a systematic "fudge" system that calculates increasingly conservative decompressions in the presence of determined adverse factors), graphic and numeric displays and, in those with residual air calculations, an allowance for "safety stops".

1 Basic diving courses must include instruction in computer assisted diving and the procedures to adopt in the event of a dive computer failure.

2 Where practical, sale of a dive computer should be accompanied by instruction from the retailer, or their agent, in the use of the specific apparatus. Manufacturers have a responsibility to produce comprehensive instruction manuals. Divers about to use a dive computer should read and understand these instructions beforehand.

l Dive planning must take priority in all diving, including computer assisted diving. The computer assisted diving practice must conform to the conventional model of "safe" diving. This means only one dive/day beyond 30 m, repetitive dives should be progressively shallower, no recreational dive should require staged decompression, ascent rates should not exceed 20 m/min, a "safety stop" should be performed after all dives if possible, divers should maintain good hydration before and after dives, and in accordance with the current DAN recommendations, a diver should have a rest day after any 3 consecutive days of diving. These diving practices should be included in the dive computer manufacturer’s instruction manual.

2 Sole reliance on a dive computer cannot be recommended and divers should always have an alternative method of measuring depth and time.

3 The use of a dive computer’s output must be limited to the actual wearer of the dive computer.

4 Any problem or incident involving a dive computer should be reported on a Diving Incident Monitoring Study form.