What equipment is essential for tracking dive depth while underwater?

A dive watch or dive computer is essential for tracking dive depth while underwater because these devices are specifically designed to provide real-time information about a diver's depth and dive time. A dive computer continuously monitors various factors, including depth, time, and ascent rate, enabling divers to make informed decisions throughout their dive, such as ensuring they do not exceed recommended limits or ascend too quickly.

Dive watches can also track depth and time but may not have the advanced features of dive computers, which can include no-decompression limits, saturation limits, and decompression algorithms. This makes the dive watch or dive computer crucial for safety in avoiding potential complications such as decompression sickness.

While a dive calculator can assist in planning dives and calculating no-decompression limits, it does not provide real-time tracking underwater. An underwater camera, while great for capturing memories, is not designed for monitoring dive parameters. Similarly, a pressure gauge is important for monitoring tank pressure but does not provide depth readings needed for safe diving practices.