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Upgrade to DCIEM Deco Algorithm for Shearwater Research

Switch between ZHL-16C algorithm and the DCIEM algorithm calculations
DCIEM is proven to be well suited to COMMERCIAL DIVING activities
Supported by Peregrine, Petrel 2, Petrel 3, Perdix, Perdix AI, Perdix 2 Ti, and NERD2 dive computers
We email an unlock code to you after purchase
Available only in Air or single gas Nitrox modes

Upgrade to DCIEM Deco Algorithm for Shearwater Research

Name: Upgrade to DCIEM Deco Algorithm for Shearwater Research
Brand: Shearwater Research
SKU: SRI-U-DCIEM
Price: 125.00 USD
Availability: InStock

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$125.00

In Stock

SKU

SRI-U-DCIEM

This version of the product should be selected if you are ordering for a Shearwater dive computer you already have. If you you want to add DCIEM when ordering a NEW Shearwater Dive Computer from Dive Gear Express, then an option is available on the dive computer page to order DCIEM with the computer.

Please supply your Serial Number in the dialog box above. The unit serial number (eight hexadecimal digits) and firmware version number are shown in the information displays (aka status screens) of your Shearwater dive computer. Repeatedly pressing the Select Button (Right), from the main display, will cycle through the various information screens. See the user manual for more information. Note that the serial number is NOT the CE certification EN13319 found on the outside of the case.

This software feature upgrade allows your Shearwater Peregrine, Petrel 2, Petrel 3, Perdix, Perdix AI, Perdix 2 Ti or NERD2 dive computer to be switched between a choice of DCIEM or Bühlmann ZHL-16C with Gradient Factors decompression modeling algorithms.

Details

The DCIEM upgrade is supported only by the current firmware version of your Shearwater Peregrine, Petrel2, Perdix, Perdix AI, or NERD2 dive computers when set in Air or single gas Nitrox mode. An unlock code to enable the feature in the firmware is returned to you via E-mail within 72 hours.

The Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine in Canada (DCIEM – now Defence Research and Development Canada or DRDC) developed their serial decompression model based on decades of research which began with the studies by Kidd and Stubbs. Unlike parallel models typically used in dive computers, where gas diffusion is assumed to occur independently in each compartment, serial decompression models assume that gas transfers simultaneously between the compartments. Only one compartment is assumed to be exposed to ambient pressure. The DCIEM model is based on four compartments and these compartments do not use set halftimes, instead each compartment diffuses differently depending on depth and time. See the Product Attachments tab above to view a Canadian government funded document describing the DCIEM decompression procedures in more detail.

The DCIEM decompression model has been extensively validated with strenuous cold-water single-gas diving and is believed to be safer than those of the US Navy and UK Royal Navy. DCIEM is a relatively conservative decompression model that is proven to be well suited to scientific and commercial types of diving.

The DRDC worked closely with Shearwater to ensure their dive computer implementation is true to the DCIEM tables. The Shearwater DCIEM implementation does not produce Repetitive Groups or Repetitive Factors as with the tables; instead the algorithm constantly updates the actual decompression profile in real time during the dive and surface intervals. The diver can access both the ZHL-16C algorithm and the DCIEM algorithm calculations on the same dive computer and switch between diving algorithms while on the surface.

You will receive your DCIEM code as soon as possible, typically in a few hours. The controlling factor is the exact time of day you place your order and how that relates to Shearwater's office hours. The DCIEM code is generated manually from your serial number by the Shearwater office staff and it can be as long as 72 hours if you place your order on Friday afternoon before you receive the code by e-mail on Monday afternoon.

More Information

More Information
Product Name	Upgrade to DCIEM Deco Algorithm for Shearwater Research
Brand	Shearwater Research
SKU	SRI-U-DCIEM
Country of Manufacture	Canada
HS Code	9506.29

Reviews

Product Attachments

Tek Tip

ZHL, VPM, RGBM, DSAT, DCIEM, DCAP ... Does It Really Matter?

At the risk of annoying those who do have a preference for a specific decompression algorithm, the simple answer for most recreational divers is NO the algorithm is not critical. There is no expert consensus that any one of the current crop of decompression algorithms is better than another. All of these algorithms used in dive computers and desktop table generation software, when set to their default conservancy values and configured to match the actual breathing gas compositions, will get you out of the water with a reasonable margin of safety for recreational diving. What we can say for sure is they are all imperfect representations of actual decompression in humans.

There is extensive information on the internet regarding most of the decompression algorithms in dive computers, so we won't review their details in this brief tek-tip. Unfortunately, some dive computer decompression algorithms contain proprietary modifications (or are entirely proprietary) and are not subject to public inspection or review. Here is a short description of the deco algorithms offered in some of the current dive computers on the market...

Bühlmann ZHL algorithms are implementations of the Haldaian mathematical decompression model of gas saturation in various tissues (today more properly termed 'compartments') and are seen in numerous variations for both sport and technical dive computers. For planned stop-required diving, versions of ZHL-16 that include user configurable Gradient Factors are very popular because the GF values can be "tuned" to provide different types of profiles for specific types of diving. Apeks, Divesoft, Garmin, Mares (Sirius model only), Ratio, and Shearwater dive computers use ZHL-16 algorithms by default. Aqualung, Scubapro (aka Uwatec) and some Mares dive computers use other versions of the Bühlmann ZHL algorithms along with proprietary modifications.
VPM-B (a version that includes adjustments for Boyles Law effects) is a decompression algorithm that attempts to predict the behavior of gas bubbles within the human body during decompression. VPM-B produces dive profiles that typically have deeper initial stops, along with reduced time at shallow depths resulting in a 'smoother' profile. VPM-B is popular among the technical diving community for use with dives that have required stops. However, recent research calls into question the benefits of 'deep stops' especially for lengthy VPM-B profiles. Some Ratio and Shearwater dive computers offer VPM-B algorithms as an alternative to Bühlmann.
RGBM has its roots in VPM in that it is also a bubble model, but makes different assumptions than VPM about bubble behavior. Most experts consider the RGBM model to be very conservative and some sport divers find it to be too conservative, especially on repetitive dives. Atomic, Cressi, Suunto, and some Mares dive computers use versions of the proprietary RGBM algorithm.
DSAT is a proprietary modification of the US Navy tables based on research for the PADI Recreational Dive Planner. DSAT is considered relatively liberal for no-stop required diving, especially repetitive and multi-level dives within the sport depth limits. Some dive computers manufactured by Pelagic (OEM owned by Aqualung) for other brand names, such as Oceanic and Sherwood, offer DSAT as an alternative to their proprietary Pelagic Z+ (based on ZHL-16.)
DCIEM is a serial decompression model that assumes gas transfers simultaneously between the compartments, unlike parallel models where gas diffusion is assumed to occur independently in each compartment. In serial decompression models only one compartment is assumed to be exposed to ambient pressure. DCIEM is proven to be well suited to strenuous cold-water activities typical of commercial divers. Shearwater offers a DCIEM option for some of their dive computers.
DCAP was developed for use in military and commercial mixed-gas diving applications. DCAP calculations are based on inspired gas values, but most other models use dissolved gas values. The inspired gas model is well suited to closed circuit rebreathers and a version of the DCAP algorithm is the default decompression model used in the modern Poseidon rebreather and their M28 dive computer.

If you don't understand the differences between the decompression algorithms and why you would choose one or another, for all open-circuit sport diving then Dive Gear Express recommends a dive computer configured with a non-proprietary implementation of the Bühlmann ZHL-16 decompression algorithm along with the computer default setting for conservancy.

The practices of decompression are not exact, in many ways as much about skill as science. Much of what we do in decompression diving is based on empirical observation and experience, rather than having a basis in theoretical science. Dr. R W "Bill" Hamilton, the late co-developer of DCAP and whose research in decompression is widely acknowledged as having a key role in opening up recreational extreme exposure diving in the early 90's, was fond of the saying "what works, works." The most important safety factor is not the decompression algorithm you select, rather your skill as a diver and that you closely follow the recommendations of that algorithm and safe diving practices in general. Also, best practice when technical diving as a team is that all divers should use the same algorithm in order to remain together as a team during ascent phase of the dive plan.

Upgrade to DCIEM Deco Algorithm for Shearwater Research

Customer Reviews