Before using your dive computer, what is the first recommended step?

The first recommended step before using your dive computer is to read the owner's manual. This is crucial because the owner's manual contains specific information tailored to the model of your dive computer, including its features, functions, and operational guidelines. Understanding how to properly operate the device ensures that you can safely and effectively utilize its capabilities during your dive.

Reading the manual also helps familiarize you with the critical alerts and alarms that the computer may issue during your dive. Each dive computer can have different settings and functionalities, so being knowledgeable about these specifics can prevent potential issues underwater, especially in terms of safety and understanding the dive data being presented.

Focusing on the other options, checking the battery life is important, but if you are not familiar with the specific settings and how to interpret the information provided by the dive computer, you may not effectively manage battery levels or identify if a low battery could hinder your operations. Calibrating the depth sensor is also essential for accurate readings, but if you are unaware of the calibration process outlined in the manual, you may not perform this correctly. Testing the water temperature is typically a function of the dive computer itself, and understanding its features from the manual would inform you of how to interpret temperature readings accurately.