New Gear Release • Hands-On Review

Hands-On with the All-New Oceanic O.i: Vibrant Colour Display, Bühlmann Decompression, and the NavDial Interface

Published by International Diving Centre | 2865 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC

The wait is officially over. Today at 9:00 AM PST, Oceanic formally unveiled their next-generation wrist instrument: the Oceanic O.i Wrist Dive Computer. Combining an ultra-bright full-colour display, cutting-edge tactile controls, and a true technical computing pedigree into a compact, low-drag chassis, the O.i represents a monumental leap forward—and best of all, units are physically in stock on our showroom floor at International Diving Centre.

Priced at an extraordinary $549.95 CAD, the O.i delivers high-end capabilities previously reserved for computers commanding nearly double that price. Here is our hands-on breakdown of why the O.i is poised to become the go-to wrist computer for both recreational explorers and cold-water technical divers.

1. Modern Decompression: Bühlmann ZHL-16C with Gradient Factors

For years, sport divers had to work within fixed dual-algorithm systems. With the O.i, Oceanic has made a definitive, forward-thinking move by adopting the modern industry standard: the Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression algorithm with user-adjustable Gradient Factors.

Whether you prefer conservative recreational safety margins for tropical reef holidays or need to precisely match your team’s decompression profile on deep West Coast wrecks, you have full control over high and low conservatism factors. The O.i supports up to 3 Nitrox gas switches (22% to 100% O₂) with independent MOD and PO₂ warnings, allowing it to grow with you from your Open Water certification straight through to advanced tech training.

2. The NavDial Interface: Built for Cold-Water Gloves

Manipulating tiny, stiff push buttons while wearing 5mm or 7mm neoprene gloves or drysuit mitts has always been a frustration for Pacific Northwest divers.

Oceanic solves this elegantly with the NavDial: a knurled rotary control wheel paired with a positive centre-press push action. Every rotation click sends an unmistakable haptic vibration pulse through your wrist, giving you instant tactile confirmation through heavy neoprene. You can effortlessly cycle between your primary dive screen, 3D digital compass, and live gas calculations without breaking your horizontal trim.

3. Vibrant 2.4-Inch Full-Colour Display

Say goodbye to low-contrast, segmented LCD numbers. The O.i boasts an expansive 2.4-inch full-colour TFT screen protected behind heavy-duty tempered mineral glass. Integrated ambient light sensors continuously adjust screen brightness to conserve battery while delivering vivid readability—whether under direct midday sunlight or deep inside murky Howe Sound fjords. Left-wrist and right-wrist divers alike will also appreciate the 180° reversible screen orientation option.

4. Wireless Air Integration & Surface GPS Logging

When paired with Oceanic’s wireless tank transmitters, the O.i tracks up to 3 independent cylinder pressures simultaneously, calculating real-time Gas Time Remaining (GTR) based on your live breathing rate.

At the surface, an integrated GPS antenna automatically captures your exact water entry and exit coordinates. Back on the boat or dock, high-speed 2.4 GHz wireless sync instantly transfers your profile, geo-tags, and air consumption data to the Oceanic+ App (iOS) and Oceanic+ WebApp.

5. Complete Kit in the Box (No Hidden Extras)

Many manufacturers sell their computers bare-bones, forcing you to purchase drysuit adapters or charging docks separately. Oceanic includes everything inside a heavy-duty zippered EVA travel case:

• Quick-Release Wrist Strap: Factory attached for standard wetsuits and warm-water travel.
• Elastic Bungee Mount System: Low-profile dual shock-cord mount included for drysuit wrist seals.
• Wireless Induction Charging Cradle: Rapid sealed charging puck that reaches 80% charge in just 30 minutes with zero floodable battery O-rings.
• Protective EVA Travel Case: Rigid zippered travel case to protect your screen inside your gear bag.