You’ve booked your dream dive resort vacation, the flights are confirmed, and your gear is (mostly) ready to go. But before you start packing your fins and camera, there’s one crucial piece of equipment you don’t want to overlook: your dive computer. Like any wearable tech, your computer needs a bit of TLC before it heads out on an adventure. Here’s how to get your dive computer vacation-ready, step by step.
1. Connect to Shearwater Cloud and Update Your Firmware
Before you even think about packing your dive computer, connect it to the Shearwater Cloud app. This software syncs your dive logs and allows you to check for the latest firmware updates. Updating your firmware ensures that your computer has the most current features, performance improvements, and safety protocols. Even if you think your firmware is current, take a minute to double-check. Updating is quick and can be done via Bluetooth.
2. Back Up and Clear Dive Logs
After updating the firmware, take the time to upload your existing dives to the Cloud. This backs up your memories so you’re free to clear space on your computer.
Bonus Tip: Flip through your logs to relive previous dives and spot trends in your diving performance.
3. Review Your Settings for Regional Accuracy
Before you’re 30 meters deep off the coast of paradise, ask yourself: Are my settings right for this trip?
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Units: Is your Shearwater set to metric or imperial? Some divers prefer to match the local dive briefings, locations in the US or those serving lots of US divers may be in feet and PSI, whereas the rest of the world is typically in meters and bar.
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Time zone: Make sure the time and date are accurate, so your logs match your photos and dive boat records.
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Gas: Double-check your dive mode settings and select the appropriate one so you don’t forget. If you’re diving enriched air nitrox, be sure to analyze your gas before each dive and update your O2 percentage.
Taking a few minutes to tailor your settings in advance can eliminate the last-minute scramble on the dive boat, it also refreshes your memory of the features and functions of your computer. Any questions, check the manual.
4. Replace or Charge the Battery
Depending on your Shearwater model, you’ll either have a rechargeable battery or a replaceable one. If it’s replaceable, swap in a fresh battery before your trip and bring a couple of spares. Don’t assume you can find the right battery at a remote resort.
If it’s rechargeable, fully charge it and inspect the charger and cable for wear and tear. If your dive computer is more than 2 years old, consider sending it in for servicing before your trip. A simple pre-trip tune-up can head off any unfortunate malfunctions.
5. Inspect Straps, Screws, and Covers
Next up: hardware check. Inspect your wrist straps for cracks or wear, especially around the holes and buckles. Check any screws or caps to make sure they’re snug and corrosion-free. If your computer has a bungee mount, test the elasticity and replace if needed. If you spot anything sketchy, order replacements through your local dive shop well before you travel - parts can take time to arrive.
6. Calibrate the Compass (If Applicable)
If your Shearwater has a built-in digital compass, now’s the time to calibrate it. Compass calibration is critical for accurate headings, especially if you've changed locations, changed a replaceable battery, or the device has been stored near strong magnets or electronics.
Calibration typically involves moving the device in a figure-eight motion, and instructions are easy to find in your Shearwater user manual or the app. A properly calibrated compass is especially helpful for limited visibility, unpredictable currents, and dives where finding your way back to the boat or shore is more difficult.
7. Transmitter Users: Inspect and Prepare
If you use a Shearwater computer with air integration, a bit more prep is required for your Swift transmitter:
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Check the transmitter’s O-rings for cracks, wear, or dry rot. If needed, replace it with a standard hose O-ring.
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Replace the transmitter battery before your trip. Just like the main unit, it’s best not to gamble on a “should be fine” battery, especially on a multi-dive day.
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Bring an extra battery in your kit, just in case it’s needed or maybe to help a buddy who forgot to change theirs.
8. Pair Your Transmitter in Advance
Before you leave, pair your transmitter with your Shearwater computer in the comfort of your home or dive shop. Even better - connect it to a cylinder and verify that you're receiving accurate pressure readings.
While using the Swift transmitter, a quick green flash indicates transmission. Occasional red flashes when transmitting indicate detected collision and are not normally a cause for concern. Repeating red flashing after battery change indicates a self-test failure - this could be due to a bad battery or other internal problem - do not dive the unit if continuously flashing red unless you have a recommended back-up SPG attached to your regulator.
This one step saves a ton of stress when you’re setting up gear on a boat deck in the tropics with salt spray flying and other divers working on their gear around you.
9. Give It a Dry Run
Once everything’s paired, updated, and set, give your dive computer a full dry run. Toggle through all menus, ensure buttons respond properly, and practice navigating your settings. If it’s been a while since your last dive, this refresher can help you feel confident and prepared before your first descent.
Final Thoughts
Your Shearwater dive computer is built for performance, but even the most rugged gear needs a check-up now and then. Spending a little time getting it vacation-ready means you’ll enjoy a smoother, safer dive trip with zero surprises from your most essential piece of tech. After all, you’ve planned and invested in this getaway—why not make sure your gear is as ready as you are?
