Which equipment can help in monitoring a diver's ascent speed?

The dive computer is specifically designed to monitor and provide real-time data about a diver's ascent speed. It calculates the ascent rate by taking into account the diver's current depth and the time spent at that depth. Most dive computers will give audio or visual alarms if the diver exceeds the recommended ascent speed, which helps to prevent decompression sickness. This capability is crucial since a controlled ascent is vital for safely off-gassing nitrogen absorbed during a dive.

Other equipment, while important for diving, does not provide the functionality needed to monitor ascent speed specifically. For instance, a compass assists in navigation under water, a pressure gauge indicates the remaining air supply, and a regulator provides breathing gas, but none of these tools offer information about ascent rates. Thus, the dive computer's unique features make it the essential equipment for monitoring ascent speed during a dive.