Visual Alarm — What It Is and Why It Matters
A visual alarm is an on-screen alert displayed by a dive computer when a safety threshold is triggered. Visual alarms may include flashing icons, color changes (screen turning red or yellow), blinking segments on the display, or pop-up warning messages. They serve as the primary alert mechanism on dive computers and complement audible alarms.
Color-screen dive computers have a significant advantage for visual alarms because they can use color-coded warnings: green for normal, yellow for caution, red for danger. Monochrome displays rely on flashing segments or inverted screen sections to grab the diver's attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the different colors mean on a dive computer screen?
Color coding varies by manufacturer, but the general pattern is green for safe/normal conditions, yellow or orange for caution (approaching limits), and red for danger (limit exceeded, ascent too fast, or mandatory stop required). Check your specific computer's manual for exact meanings.
Are visual alarms enough without audible alarms?
For most divers, having both is ideal. Visual alarms can be missed during task-loading or low visibility, while audible alarms may not be heard through thick hoods. The redundancy of both systems together provides the best safety coverage.
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