5.

DIVE COMPUTER
5.1 Historical notes
The cause of decompression sickness is an increase in the quantity of nitrogen in the tissues and
the blood, associated with an overly abrupt decrease in pressure. The formation of bubbles that
follows can cause damage both on the neurological level and in the tissues. Damage of this type
was ascertained for the first time in 1841; the correlation between this problem and an overdose of
nitrogen however was only pinpointed by Paul Bert in 1871. This discovery led the Royal British
Navy to assign Sir John Scott Haldane to conduct research on the matter.
In 1906 Haldane developed the first nitrogen desaturation tables, based on empirical and
experimental evidence, and published his calculations for the first time in 1908. Haldane subdivided
the tissues into five groups as a function of their relative percentage of water or fat and also in
consideration of their saturation speed. He thus developed the hypothesis that independently of
pressure, after a certain period of time each tissue absorbs half of the gas necessary for complete
saturation (semi-saturation time). He also determined that cutting the external pressure by half
was sufficient to avoid the formation of gas bubbles and noticed that after a certain period,
pressure that had previously been halved could be halved again without danger. This is how
Haldane defined the so-called critical saturation factor. The principles of Haldane's calculations are
still used to day to create decompression tables, including those used by MARES dive computers.

5.2 Dive computers

A dive computer is a piece of electronic equipment that replaces the depth gauge, watch, and dive
table. It is a computer based on a microprocessor, hermetically sealed against the water and
resistant to pressure, that can simulate and calculate the saturation and desaturation processes
based on the data measured in real time during the dive. Dive computers, therefore, can calculate
the saturation and desaturation time for specific tissues and replace the traditional method of
calculating non-decompression times or decompression stops with the help of special tables. The
analysis of data measurements such as dive duration and depth, constantly updated by the
computer, are based on something called algorithms. So, these measurements always represent
simply a simulation of the processes that are effectively taking place in the human body. Thanks to
its calculations, the GUARDIAN dive computer designed and built by MARES is one of the safest
models in the world. Each computer provides only the data valid for the diver who is wearing the
tool directly on his or her body at a gives time, and for whom the device is consequently able to
detect all changes in depth.

As a general rule there are two kinds of dive computers:

¾ non -decompression limit calculators

¾ decompression computers

Some models, like the MARES AIRLAB, also include air demand in their calculations. Data regarding
the consumption and reserves of air can be collected without hoses by using a radio transmitter
mounted on the first stage, as in MARES GENIUS, or through a connection to the first stage using a
high-pressure hose. With the DIVEMATE dive computer, MARES is the first manufacturer to present
a revolutionary model that can give a diver current information about the dive using voice
communications and acoustic signals.

Non-decompression limit calculators

These calculators are dive computers that, when non-decompression limits have been reached, do
not provide information about the decompression stops the diver needs to make. These devices
provide the diver with information about the duration and depth of the dive, maximum depth, and
remaining non-decompression time at the current depth. If this time is exceeded the diver is
informed that from that point on he or she will need to make a decompression stop at a certain
level, but the amount of time that this stop should last is not calculated. The calculations made to
determine the information displayed by a non-decompression limit calculator are fundamentally
based on the same algorithms as a decompression computer. Once the non-decompression time
limit expires, at which point the diver must execute a decompression, the indication of the
remaining time disappears from the display and is replaced by an instruction to seek a specific
decompression level. In the meantime, the dive computer must continue its calculations.
If, after a reduction in the dive depth (multi-level dive), the nitrogen saturation slows or is reset
40
The manual is of ownership of MARES S.p.A. that it reserves him to bring changes.
All the reserved rights. The total or partial reproduction of this publication is forbidden, on any support,
without explicit authorization written of the MARES S.P.A. that it holds to full title of it all the rights.
Every use not authorized will be pursued to norm of law
 during the wait at the requested decompression level, when the obligatory decompression
concludes the computer once again begins showing non-decompression time limits. Differently
from decompression computers, which always provide the divers with precise information about
decompression and can be used in planning the dive with that information, the function of a non-
decompression time limit calculator is to keep its users inside the non-decompression limit for as
long as possible during the dive, avoiding the need for an obligatory decompression.

Decompression computers
Decompression computers are devices that provide information both about non-decompression
safety limits and about decompression stops and about how they can be represented by the MARES
computers models. Differently from the non-decompression limit calculator, the decompression
computer provides exact information on the lowest decompression level and the time that the diver
must spend at that level before ascending to the next decompression level or the surface. Like all
dive computers, those for decompression base their information on the analysis of theoretical
calculation models that stimulate specific physical processes using an algorithm based on the data
effectively measured (time, depth).

5.3 Generalities

Algorithm
Algorithm means a calculation process conducted according to a particular model. For the
calculation of values that the computer provides along with its depth measurements in the form of
dive calculations, it uses algorithms based on principles established by John Haldane at the
beginning of last century. In this context it is also said that the computer works from a "calculation
model", because every dive computer can only simulate the situations in which the user finds
himself underwater. Therefore, the non-decompression safety limits and decompression times are
only statistical analyses conducted in consideration of specific assumed conditions (depth,
decompression table, various tissue stimulations). MARES dive computers were developed based
on the most recent discoveries in diving medicine, yet today they still base their algorithms on
principles deriving from Haldane's research.

Tissues
"Tissues" is a generic term used to indicate the tissues of the human body that are taken into
consideration in simulating the saturation and desaturation processes in the dive computer's
calculations. Human tissues are cells of the body with the same structure, the same form, and the
same function. They are distinguished between epithelial, nervous, connective, skeletal, and
muscular. During the dive, the various types are subdivided into so-called "slow" and "fast"
tissues, because depending on their characteristics, under pressure they saturate with gas
(especially nitrogen) at different speeds. Tissues containing fat are more subject to saturation than
others. The "fast" tissues are well supplied by the blood, while fatty tissues are among the "slow"
tissues: five times more nitrogen dissolves in them than in aqueous tissues. The dive computer
algorithms take these facts into consideration in the saturation and desaturation calculations, which
nonetheless remain purely theoretical.

5.4 Problems

Given that the dive computer calculations are based exclusively on theoretical models, during the
dive there are many individual factors that play a significant role. This is also shown by a statistic
from DAN (Divers Alert Network) which showed in 1988 that 58% of divers who have been treated
for decompression sickness had performed a dive within the limits prescribed by the tables and
computers.

Predisposition factors

¾ Multilevel dives

¾ Individual physical frame

¾ Degree of physical fatigue

¾ Effect of alcohol, caffeine and medicines

41
The manual is of ownership of MARES S.p.A. that it reserves him to bring changes.
All the reserved rights. The total or partial reproduction of this publication is forbidden, on any support,
without explicit authorization written of the MARES S.P.A. that it holds to full title of it all the rights.
Every use not authorized will be pursued to norm of law
5.5 MARES dive computer safety functions

Wait time before flying

The wait times that must elapse before a diver may take a flight are indicated by the MARES
computers on the basis of a recommendation from DAN (Divers Alert Network) and are based on
multiple years of experience and an analysis of statistics on accidents and the corresponding
causes.

¾ wait time before flying: 12 h and 24 h

Differentiated ascent rate

The MARES calculation models, depending on the depth range, make their calculations based on
three different ascent rates. On the one hand, this makes it possible to adopt a faster and non-
problematic ascent rate at greater depths, and on the other hand, to take a slower and safer
ascent in the shallower areas.

¾ 10 m/min (0-10 m), 12 m/min (10-20 m), 18 m/min (20 – … m)

Adapting to fresh/seawater
Differently from traditional devices, the MARES computer makes a distinction between fresh water
and seawater. This characteristic makes it possible to avoid errors in the calculations due to the
difference in the density of free and seawater.

¾ Distinction between fresh water and seawater

4 manual altitude ranges

Thanks to the option to manually regulate the "mountain lake" mode, it is possible to individually
apply an additional factor of safety. The resulting independence from atmospheric conditions (high
pressure and low pressure areas) further reduces the risk of DCS.

¾ 0-700 m, 700-1500 m, 1500-2400 m, above 2400 m

Safety stop function

In order to further reduce the risk of DCS, after each "dive cycle completed within the
non-decompression limits", a 3-minute stop should be made at 5 meters. MARES
computers feature a function that indicates a stop at a depth of 5 meters and runs a 3
minute countdown.

¾ Stop function (5 m / 3 min)

U.B.A. / Underwater Behaviour Analysis (MARES patent)

This analysis system for dives permanently records infractions of the safety rules recommended by
the DAN. Via a graphic representation on the screen, even during the dive the user can monitor
whether he or she is exposed to an increased risk of DCS. The U.B.A. draws a distinction in
principle between serious and mild infractions. Through differentiation and graphic representation,
therefore, the U.B.A. also provides an educational element.

¾ Serious infractions (A, B):

failure to conduct a decompression stop
uncontrolled ascent

¾ Violation of DAN recommendations (C, D, E):

Repeated dive after less than 2 hours rest time on the surface.
Dive requiring decompression.
Dive depth greater than 40 meters.
Repeated dive to a greater depth than the previous dive.
Repeated dive to a depth of more than 30 meters.
Excessive ascent rate.

42
The manual is of ownership of MARES S.p.A. that it reserves him to bring changes.
All the reserved rights. The total or partial reproduction of this publication is forbidden, on any support,
without explicit authorization written of the MARES S.P.A. that it holds to full title of it all the rights.
Every use not authorized will be pursued to norm of law
5.6 R.G.B.M./ Reduced Gradient Bubble Model
The world's foremost decompression theorist, Dr Bruce Wienke and Mares have
completed the latest research in diving profiles. The Mares-Wienke RGBM (Reduced
Gradient Bubble Model)
-the algorithm that accounts for Micro Bubble formation!

MICRO BUBBLES

A major problem of diving is absorption of

nitrogen during a dive

Originally resolved with strategies based

on experiments, then further quantified by
sophisticated mathematical calculations

Profiles only consider the exchange of

gases between dissolved gases in tissue
and blood and free gases in the inspired
breathing air

Now dive computers make these calculations in real time making a dive easier and more
enjoyable for the diver.

Recent studies reveal as well as gas dissolving within the body, a second process occurs.

The formation of Micro Bubbles in the blood and tissues from small seeds being excited
into growth by compression/decompression.

REDUCED GRADIENT BUBBLE MODEL

The RGBM is a mathematical algorithm that at the same

time considers:
• The passage of gas from dissolved to free state,
• The coupling between free and dissolved states
• The formation of micro bubbles from seed nuclei

Micro bubbles on their own do not cause any recognizable

symptoms

Unfortunately Micro bubbles can agglomerate to form larger

bubbles.

These can grow further by absorbing gas already dissolved in

the blood tissues.

Also further expand following Boyles law on ascent.

43
The manual is of ownership of MARES S.p.A. that it reserves him to bring changes.
All the reserved rights. The total or partial reproduction of this publication is forbidden, on any support,
without explicit authorization written of the MARES S.P.A. that it holds to full title of it all the rights.
Every use not authorized will be pursued to norm of law
When diving gas is present in the body:

90% Dissolved 10% In The Form Of Bubbles

It is possible for these bubbles to expand blocking a

blood vessel.
Then an Ischaemia is formed reducing blood flow to a
vessel feeding tissues and organs.

Bubbles can also grow in tissue sites directly. This

places mechanical pressure on nerves as they grow
larger, producing pain and damage.

NOTE :
In both of the above cases, problems can be very
severe with the onset of symptoms
of decompression sickness

BUBBLE SIZE

The gas molecules in micro bubbles have an external layer producing an ‘elastic net’
demarcating the border between the gas (nitrogen) and the liquid

The resistance of this membrane causes pressure inside the bubble to exceed the
ambient surrounding pressure.

• If the gas pressure in the bubble is greater than the tissue tension the
molecules will migrate to the tissue and it will shrink

• If the gas pressure in the bubble is less that the tissue tension the gas
molecules will migrate towards the bubble and it will continue to grow.

Tissue Tension = pressure of gas in a tissue

Pressure Gradient = difference between two pressures

LAPLACES LAW

“The pressure difference (delta P) is

inversely proportional to the radius of the
bubble.”

The smaller the bubble The greater the pressure gradient

This difference in pressure means:

• Gas molecules scatter to tissue very quickly,

• Bubbles get smaller
• Smaller the bubble, the faster the process.

In this situation the bubble tends to disappear.

44
The manual is of ownership of MARES S.p.A. that it reserves him to bring changes.
All the reserved rights. The total or partial reproduction of this publication is forbidden, on any support,
without explicit authorization written of the MARES S.P.A. that it holds to full title of it all the rights.
Every use not authorized will be pursued to norm of law
THE SOLUTION

To create conditions, in which the gas contained in bubbles (in free phase) dissolves as
quickly as possible:

To do this we need a large difference between the pressure inside the bubble and the
tissue tension.

To keep bubbles small & at high pressure:

• A 10m per minute ascent rate is used.

To allow Micro bubbles to dissolve:

• Wait longer at depth to allow the

exchange.

Hence the birth of the Deep Stop.

What is the effect of the extra stops on my dive time?

Only a 2 minute difference between the New RGBM algorithm and the old traditional
dissolved gas models.

The MARES product range includes many computers with new RGBM algorithm.

¾ Computers with RGBM algorithm: Nemo Sport

Nemo Wide
Nemo
m2
AirLab
M1 RGBM

45
The manual is of ownership of MARES S.p.A. that it reserves him to bring changes.
All the reserved rights. The total or partial reproduction of this publication is forbidden, on any support,
without explicit authorization written of the MARES S.P.A. that it holds to full title of it all the rights.
Every use not authorized will be pursued to norm of law