Garmin has announced the arrival of its new Descent Mk3 series watch-style dive computers – the Mk3 and Mk3i – and Descent T2 transceiver. The transceiver-integrated Mk3i will – through a forthcoming software update – enable diver-to-diver underwater messaging and monitoring through Garmin’s ‘SubWave’ sonar communications system.
Once enabled, divers using the Mk3i and T2 will be able to monitor tank pressures and exchange preset messages with other divers up to a distance of 30m, and be able to monitor a member of the dive team’s depth and distance should they activate Garmin’s new Diver Assitance alert.
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The Garmin Descent Mk3 series comes in two sizes – 43mm and 51mm – both of which have optional air integration capability. The new computers feature a vibrant touchscreen AMOLED display protected by a 200-metre depth-rated case with metal leakproof buttons, and up to 48 hours of battery life in dive mode.
The Mk3 series tools include multiple dive modes, DiveView maps and dive readiness score, plus Garmin’s suite of health, fitness and connected features covering a wide range of activities both above and below the surface. The 51mm Descent Mk3i also comes with a built-in LED flashlight for greater visibility in low-light conditions.
‘From recreational to technical and every dive in between, the Descent Mk3 series and Descent T2 transceiver add innovative new features to help you explore deeper waters,’ said Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales. ‘One of those being enhancements to our SubWave sonar technology, which now makes it possible to communicate with other divers and even request assistance from nearby divers when help is needed—right from the wrist.
‘This, coupled with air integration, DiveView maps and dive readiness tools help make these premium dive computers an essential part of your dive kit.’
More from Garmin
New features of the Garmin Descent Mk3/Mk3i include:
- Diver Assistance (coming soon): Enables a diver using a Descent Mk3i dive computer and Descent T2 transceiver to request assistance from other connected divers within a direct line-of-sight. Nearby divers will be able to monitor the diver’s depth and distance until assistance is no longer required.
- Diver-to-diver messaging (coming soon): Divers with a Descent Mk3i and Descent T2 transceiver will be able to exchange preset messages with other connected divers, up to 30 metres away.
- Dive group tracking: Monitor the depth and tank pressure of up to eight divers using a Descent T2 transceiver, up to 10 meters away.
- Dive-focused design: A 200-metre depth-rated case with a strong, scratch-resistant sapphire lens with leakproof metal buttons that are fully functional at 200m, plus a bright touchscreen AMOLED display for greater visibility.
- Built-in LED flashlight: Available on the 51mm Descent Mk3i, an integrated LED flashlight with built-in strobe gives divers greater visibility in low-light conditions, both above and below the surface.
- Dive readiness: See how lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise, stress and jet lag can affect the body’s overall preparedness to dive. A higher readiness score may suggest it’s time to dive in while a lower score may be a reason to consider using a higher conservatism setting or choose an easier dive.
Garmin Descent Mk3 dive computer features
- Dive modes for single and multiple gas dives (including nitrox and trimix)
- Gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and closed-circuit rebreather modes
- Customisable screens for each dive mode or simplified screen with larger text for critical diving data.
- DiveView maps offer bathymetric depth contours and more than 4,000 preloaded dive sites
- Built-in altimeter, barometer, compass (surface and underwater)
- Surface GPS helps track entry and exit points
- Variometer to monitor freedive descent and ascent rates through tone and vibration feedback.
- Tide conditions checker (requires connected smartphone)
- Dive log to review data, track gear, take notes and share details via the Garmin Divesmartphone app.
Descent Mk3 premium multisport GPS smartwatch features
- Dozens of preloaded activity profiles for trail running, swimming, hiking, golfing and more
- Premium fitness features include VO2 max, daily suggested workouts for running and cycling, endurance score and hill score
- Wellness insights including sleep monitoring, sleep score, Pulse Ox and Jet Lag Adviser
- Preloaded TopoActive maps from around the world to keep explorations on track
- SatIQ technology for superior positioning accuracy with multi-band GPS
- Create or find courses in the Garmin Connect app with turn-by-turn directions, or enter a desired distance and get round-trip route suggestions that use TrendLine routing for the best local paths.
- Receive smart notifications
- Download songs from Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music (premium subscription required)
- Workout incident detection and assistance
- Contactless payments with Garmin Pay
