I dive with a wrist mounted computer, yet I still back up my computer with a dive timer. If I am decompression stop diving then I always back-up a dive plan with two computers and a mechanical depth gauge.

On this particular overseas dive trip, I used my VRX dive computer backed up with my TAG Heuer Aquaracer. Whilst dive computer algorithms are cutting edge technology, analogue devices are still considered reliable and fail-safe. It is true the dive fraternity has embraced technology for well over two decades now, dive computers are standard equipment now. I either back up the dive computer with a second computer or a dive timer and depth gauge.

I will continue to back up planned decompression stop dives with an analogue timer, mechanical depth gauge and tables. You can bet I will be planning decompression stop depths, decompression stop times and gas usage prior to plunging into the water and that includes a redundant timer. Decompression diving is about training, planning, execution and redundancy so I will always practice redundancy with multiple dive computers, a depth gauge and mechanical timer. I might still be diving open circuit but I still follow the principles that I learned in the mid-1990s.