Shearwater Research Petrel 3 Computer

The Shearwater Research Petrel 3 OC/CC SA dive computer with Titanium bezel is a rugged and reliable technical dive computer with a whole range of customisability. The bright screen is easy to read and you have control over where information is laid out. Whether you are diving a rebreather, twins or side mount, you can rely on the Shearwater Petrel 2 during your next expedition.

Shearwater Petrel 3 — All the Diving Information you Need at a Glance

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Air Integration, OC air, nitrox, trimix, gauge mode CC external monitoring of 1, 2, or 3 O2 cells or fixed PPO2, 5 OC gases / 5 CC gases, OLED Display, Aluminosilicate toughened glass, Vibration motor alerts. Piezo-electric Buttons on either side don't require any kind of movement or pressure to use them so are quick and easy even when wearing thick gloves. The Centre Row Information on the dive screen can be customised and changed to what you need to know for your dive.

The Shearwater Research Petrel 3 is a full decompression dive computer incorporating the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm, with user-configurable Gradient Factors (GF). Gradient Factors allow the diver unique and individual control of their dive computer decompression calculations. An optional PIN upgrade to the Varying Permeability Model (VPM-B and VPM-B/GFS) decompression algorithm is also available.

The Petrel 3 includes a richly featured 'gauge mode' configuration, along with a three-axis tilt-compensated digital compass. The included CCR mode for rebreathers provides the ability to perform constant PO2 set point calculations for deco. During a decompression dive, the Petrel 2 provides complete information displays of all required stop times. The Petrel 2 can provide time-to-surface based on "look ahead" at planned gas switches. Multiple gas definition presets are supported with any combination of oxygen, nitrogen and helium.

The Petrel 3 will NOT "lockout" after a missed stop or ascent rate violation. Out of the box, all models include open-circuit and closed-circuit Air, Nitrox and Trimix mixed gas functionality.

The Petrel 3 offers a screen display utilising a low-power consumption, high-resolution QVGA, full-colour LCD display. The display will automatically adjust intensity based on available light to make the display easily readable whether on the surface in sunlight, in open water or in a cave.

The Shearwater Petrel 3 has been designed to accept any type of AA size battery including alkaline, lithium and rechargeable.

Recreational Open-Circuit Features
Key features of the Recreational Open-Circuit mode (aka Recreational Nitrox mode) include a simpler menu structure, less cluttered display with a larger font and configurable bottom row, optional safety stops, and a no-decompression limit dive planner. The simplified settings allow for three breathing gas mixtures (Air or Nitrox) and place a greater emphasis on the maximum operating depth (MOD) and no decompression time limit (NDL). The display prominently warns the diver if their depth is near, at or exceeds the MOD of the selected breathing gas. The diver also simply selects one of three levels of NDL conservatism and during the dive, a bar graph turns from green to red as the diver approaches the NDL. An optional 3-minute countdown safety stop starts when the diver reaches shallower than 6 metres (20 feet) on the ascent. If the diver exceeds the NDL and requires stops, the display turns red and warns "DECO STOP" with the mandatory depth and stop times.

In the Box

Included with every Shearwater Petrel 3 are two elastic straps with buckles, and battery already installed (ready to dive out of the box!), USB Bluetooth adaptor, screen protector (already installed), mini-CD with Petrel Manual (PDF) and printed Quick Start Guide with instructions for downloading software from the Shearwater Research website. The Petrel 3 also includes a screen protector already installed to help prevent scratches of the display face. The software includes a complete dive log manager, compatible with both MS Windows and MAC OS X. The dive log manager supports log downloads and firmware updates via the Bluetooth wireless interface of the Petrel 2.

Shearwater Petrel 3 Modes

• OC Rec - Three gas nitrox computer recreational computer.
• OC Tec - Five OC gases, trimix decompression computer.
• CC INT - Closed circuit/bailout with fixed PPO2.
• Gauge - Bottom timer with stop watch and dive logging.

Shearwater Petrel 3 OC/CC SA Features

• Large, easy to read display
• Air, Nitrox, Trimix capable
• Quick OC bailout from CC
• Decompression
• Digital Compass: 3 axis, tilt compensated
• Dive Planning
• Buhlmann GF algorithm
• Optional VPM-B algorithm
• Dive Logging
• Upgradeable Firmware
• Smart Ready Bluetooth Interface
• User Replaceable AA Battery
• Two year warranty against manufacturing defects

Shearwater Petrel 3 Specifications

• Screen Resolution: 320x240 QVGA
• Display Type: Full colour LED LCD
• Display Size: 2.2"
• Battery Type: Single AA (any type)
• Battery Life:
  AA Alkaline: 35 Hours
  SAFT LS14500: 100 Hours
• Number of Gases: 5 OC / 5 CC
• Dive Log: 1,000 Hours
• Depth Rating: 260m (850ft)

Shearwater Petrel Manuals

Shearwater Petrel Operations Manual Petrel 1 / Petrel 2 (PDF)
(This manual oovers the Standalone and EXT Models)
Shearwater Petrel 2 Nitrox Recreational Model User Manual (PDF)
(This manual covers operating instructions for all other features of the Perdix AI)
Shearwater Petrel Opewration Manual Petrel 1 / Petrel 2 (PDF)
(This manual covers the Recreational Nitrox operating mode in the Perdix)

Differences of Shearwater Petrel vs Perdix Dive

The Shearwater Petrel dive computer was introduced in September 2012 and received a minor update as the Petrel2 in October 2014 to add the electronic compass. The Petrel 3 weas then introduced in 2022. The Shearwater Perdix, introduced in January 2016, while retaining identical software functionality represents a re-engineering of the case and electronics. The Shearwater Perdix-AI, introduced in November 2016, includes support for wireless tank pressure monitoring.

Compared to the Petrel display, the higher contrast Perdix display offers enhanced colour range and saturation (especially reds, greens, and yellows). The power requirements of the Perdix are also significantly improved compared to the Petrel, offering 30% longer battery life (some users of the SAFT lithium battery may see as much as 50% improvement).

The Petrel case is machined polyoxymethylene (aka POM and Delrin), which limits some of the case design options when compared to the moulded fibreglass reinforced nylon Perdix case. The Perdix case is a lower profile with a more contoured shape that is form fitting to the wrist. While face dimensions are similar, the significantly thinner Perdix is 30% less total volume and 30% lighter than the Petrel. The Perdix case also incorporates features to support both elastic straps and bungee wrist mounts. The Petrel LCD display itself is very slightly larger than on the Perdix, but this is evident only when they are held next to each other. The Petrel is depth rated to 300 msw {980 fsw} and the Perdix is depth rated to 260 msw {850 fsw}.

Is the Petrel 2 being discontinued? No. The very robust case design of the Petrel 2 provides for an optional external cable connector and is better suited to integration with rebreathers. If you need support for monitoring an external oxygen sensor found on rebreathers, you must select the Petrel 3 EXT. The Petrel 3 design has been extensively qualified by rebreather OEMs and also written into the purchasing specifications of many governmental organisations. The Petrel 3 will be with us for a long time to come.

Warranty Information:
This product has a limited warranty of two (2) years.

Note: This item cannot be delivered outside of Australia.

(01/23 HS)