What is the primary purpose of dive watches for scuba divers?

The primary purpose of dive watches for scuba divers is to monitor dive time and prevent exceeding safe limits. Keeping track of dive time is crucial because it helps divers manage their air supply and avoid decompression sickness. Each dive has a limited time that a diver should spend at a certain depth, known as the no-decompression limit. A dive watch enables divers to stay aware of their dive duration, allowing them to ascend safely and adhere to recommended safety protocols. Monitoring time underwater is essential for both safety and effective dive planning.

In contrast, while some dive watches may feature capabilities that track oxygen levels or assist with buoyancy control, these features are not the primary function of a dive watch. Similarly, measuring underwater visibility is not a function of dive watches, as this typically relies on other tools or visual estimation methods. Therefore, the main focus of a dive watch is on tracking time to ensure safe diving practices.