Dive Computers: The Need for Validation and Standards

Dive computer validation is currently a widely discussed topic for which there is no uniform procedure for testing and validation. Many dive computer manufacturers claim that their products are personal protective equipment. However, dive computers are not listed in the directive for personal protective equipment (PPE Directive 89/686/EEC). EN13319 is one European normative that is frequently applied during CE certification of dive computers. This normative only addresses accuracy and precision of depth sensor and built-in clock/timer – decompression calculations are explicitly excluded from the standard. This overview of normatives and standards suggests those that might be applicable for dive computer validation. The concept of functional safety is discussed. A short market survey is included which presents how dive computer manufacturers certify their CE products. Validation and testing of a dive computer is also of utmost importance for liability considerations, because they are used for decompression planning and, as such, can be classified as personal protective equipment category III. We provide these considerations on dive computer validation for a new tailored normative or standard that will harmonize worldwide dive computer testing and validation procedures and lead to a higher functional safety of these devices.