What is the primary reason for using a dive computer during dives?

The primary reason for using a dive computer during dives is to monitor depth, time, and decompression status in real-time. A dive computer provides divers with critical, ongoing information that helps ensure their safety throughout the dive. By continuously tracking these parameters, the dive computer aids in managing the dive profile, which is essential for preventing decompression sickness. It calculates ascent rates and no-decompression limits based on real-time depth and time data, allowing divers to make safe ascent decisions while considering their individual dive profiles.

While logging dive experiences is a beneficial function of a dive computer, and calculating ascent rates is important for safety, these features are secondary to the primary function of real-time monitoring. Determining the exact location underwater is typically performed with navigation tools rather than a dive computer. Thus, the ability to provide consistent and immediate feedback on depth, time, and decompression status fundamentally supports overall dive safety.