If your enriched air computer fails during a dive, what is the first action you should take?

In the event of an enriched air computer failure during a dive, the first action to take is to ascend to a depth of 5 meters (15 feet) and make a safety stop. This response is prudent because the computer is responsible for calculating no-decompression limits, depth, and bottom time while factoring in the percentage of oxygen in the mixture. A failure could lead to loss of critical dive data and increase the risk of decompression sickness if you continue to dive without guidance on how to properly ascend.

By ascending to a shallower depth and performing a safety stop, you allow your body extra time to eliminate nitrogen that may have accumulated during the dive. This practice is essential in ensuring safety and mitigating risks associated with absorbing excessive nitrogen, especially when diving with enriched air, which alters the nitrogen absorption rates.

Continuing the dive as if nothing has happened maintains exposure to potential hazards without the data necessary for safe ascent, attempting to fix the computer underwater is not practical and could waste valuable time, and ignoring the failure entirely increases risks significantly. Therefore, proper protocol involves ascending and ensuring safety before making further decisions.