Commercial Diving with Shearwater Dive Computers
Commercial Diving
Professional Dive Computers. Built for the Job.
DCIEM Decompression for Commercial Diving
Commercial diving demands equipment that divers can rely on when working underwater in demanding and often highly controlled environments. For commercial divers operating under regulations that permit the use of dive computers, Shearwater offers dive computers with an optional DCIEM decompression algorithm designed around the established DCIEM model.
The Shearwater DCIEM implementation is based on the Kidd/Stubbs serial decompression model, developed by the Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine (DCIEM). Shearwater has worked closely with DRDC Toronto to ensure that its implementation accurately represents the DCIEM model.
As with any decompression procedure, the use of a dive computer must always be consistent with the requirements of the relevant employer, diving contractor, training agency, occupational diving regulations and local authorities. A dive computer should never be considered a replacement for the procedures, planning and supervision required for commercial diving operations.
What is the DCIEM Algorithm?
The DCIEM decompression model was developed through research into decompression physiology and has been validated by the Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine through thousands of Doppler-evaluated dives assessing bubble formation.
Unlike decompression approaches that use repetitive groups or repetitive factors to determine a diver’s status between dives, the Shearwater DCIEM implementation continuously tracks the diver’s tissue compartments.
This allows the computer to maintain a continuous model of tissue loading between dives rather than treating each dive as an isolated event.
For commercial diving operations involving repetitive or multi-level diving, this can provide divers with a dynamic representation of their decompression status throughout the dive and between dives.
Why Use a Dive Computer for Commercial Diving?
Traditional dive tables have played an important role in diving for decades, but dive computers offer several practical advantages when their use is permitted by the applicable commercial diving regulations and procedures.
Increased flexibility on multi-level dives
Commercial diving does not always involve a simple descent to one depth followed by a direct ascent. Divers may work at different depths during a single dive.
A dive computer continuously monitors depth and time, allowing the decompression calculation to respond to the actual dive profile rather than relying exclusively on a pre-calculated table profile.
Repetitive dive tracking
Commercial diving operations may involve more than one dive during a working period. Shearwater’s DCIEM implementation continuously tracks tissue loading, including between dives.
This allows the computer to account for the diver’s previous exposure when calculating the current decompression status.
Flexible decompression information
A dive computer can continuously update decompression information as the dive progresses. This can provide the diver with current information about their decompression status and required stops, subject to the procedures and limitations of the diving operation.
Automatic electronic dive logging
Electronic dive logging provides a convenient record of completed dives. Shearwater computers record dive information that can be reviewed after the dive and transferred using Bluetooth for digital dive-log management.
For professional divers, electronic records can also make it easier to review previous dives and maintain an organised history of diving activity.
Built-in dive planning
Many Shearwater computers include integrated dive planning functions, allowing divers to examine potential dive profiles before entering the water.
Planning should always be conducted as part of the wider commercial diving operation and must take into account the applicable regulations, gas supply, decompression procedures, environmental conditions, emergency procedures and other operational requirements.
DCIEM and Bühlmann on the Same Shearwater Computer
One of the advantages of selected Shearwater computers is the ability to access different decompression models on the same device.
DCIEM is available on selected Shearwater dive computers. Current Shearwater documentation identifies the following models as supporting DCIEM:
Shearwater Peregrine
Shearwater Petrel 3
Shearwater Perdix 2
Shearwater Nerd 2
DCIEM functionality is intended for specific diving applications and is subject to the operating modes and limitations of each computer. Always consult the relevant Shearwater manual and confirm that the computer and algorithm are suitable for your intended diving application.
Choosing a Shearwater Computer for Commercial Diving
The best dive computer for a commercial diver depends on the type of work being undertaken, the decompression procedures being followed and the requirements of the diving operation.
Factors to consider include:
Shearwater Commercial Dive Computers in South Africa
Shearwater South Africa – Sales, Service & Support
At Shearwater South Africa, we supply and support Shearwater dive computers for divers across South Africa, including recreational, technical, professional and commercial diving applications.
Our range includes Shearwater dive computers and accessories, including models such as the Peregrine, Peregrine TX, Perdix 2, Perdix 3, Petrel 3, Teric, NERD 2, Tern and Tern TX, along with Shearwater wireless transmitters and accessories. Shearwater’s current product range includes dedicated recreational, technical, air-integrated and rebreather-capable computers.
We can assist with:
- Shearwater dive computers for sale in South Africa
- Commercial and professional diving computer enquiries
- Shearwater computer demonstrations
- Dive computer configuration and setup
- Shearwater servicing and support
- Air-integration and transmitter setup
- Technical diving computer selection
- Dive computer comparisons
- Accessories and replacement equipment
Our South African support network includes our Cape Town service and demo centre, with additional service and dealer support available through our regional network.
If you are selecting a dive computer for commercial diving, contact us to discuss your operational requirements and determine which Shearwater computer and configuration is most appropriate for your diving.
Important Information for Commercial Divers
The information on this page is provided for general product and technical information only.
Commercial diving is subject to specific legislation, standards, operational procedures and employer requirements. The suitability of a particular dive computer or decompression algorithm depends on the regulations and procedures governing the diving operation.
Always follow the requirements of the applicable occupational diving regulations and your employer or diving contractor. Where commercial diving regulations require the use of specific tables, procedures or equipment, those requirements take precedence.
The Shearwater DCIEM algorithm should only be used where its use is permitted and appropriate for the diving operation.
Acknowledgements
Shearwater Research has worked closely with DRDC Toronto to ensure that its DCIEM algorithm implementation accurately represents the DCIEM model.
Shearwater acknowledges and thanks DRDC for its work in developing the DCIEM decompression model. DRDC is not responsible for Shearwater’s implementation of the algorithm.
Looking for a Shearwater Commercial Dive Computer?
Speak to Shearwater South Africa about the range of Shearwater dive computers available in South Africa, including professional, technical and commercial diving applications.
