What is the primary function of a dive computer?

The primary function of a dive computer is to monitor depth, time underwater, and no-decompression limits. This device is crucial for divers as it uses real-time data to track their underwater activities, which helps manage their ascent rates and ensures they stay within safety limits to prevent decompression sickness. By continuously calculating and displaying information related to the dive profile, the dive computer aids divers in making informed decisions while underwater.

While underwater navigation is important for divers, the primary function rests on safely managing depth and time parameters. Providing entertainment and calculating air consumption are not fundamental roles of a dive computer; instead, these tasks are typically addressed through other methods or tools. Thus, the correct answer underscores the critical safety function of dive computers in diver education and practice.