Garmin Descent Mk2 operation manual

Descent™ Mk2
Owner’s Manual
© 2020 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Go to www.garmin.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use of this product.
Garmin®, the Garmin logo, ANT+®, Approach®, Auto Lap®, Auto Pause®, Edge®, inReach®, QuickFit®, TracBack®, VIRB®, Virtual Partner®, and Xero® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. Body Battery™, Connect IQ™, Descent™, Garmin Connect™, Garmin Dive™, Garmin Explore™, Garmin Express™, Garmin Golf™, Garmin Move IQ™, Garmin Pay™, HRM-Run™, HRM-Swim™, HRM-Tri™, Subwave™, tempe™, TruSwing™, TrueUp™, Varia™, Varia Vision™, and Vector™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
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This product is ANT+® certified. Visit www.thisisant.com/directory for a list of compatible products and apps.

Table of Contents

Introduction.....................................................................1
Getting Started............................................................................1
Buttons................................................................................... 1
Using the Watch.....................................................................1
Viewing the Controls Menu............................................... 1
Viewing Widgets................................................................1
Customizing the Watch.......................................................... 2
Default Watch Face............................................................... 2
Pairing Your Smartphone........................................................... 2
Charging the Device................................................................... 2
Product Updates......................................................................... 2
Setting Up Garmin Express................................................... 2
Diving.............................................................................. 2
Dive Warnings............................................................................ 2
Dive Modes................................................................................. 3
Using the Pool Dive Mode..................................................... 3
Dive Setup.................................................................................. 3
Setting Up Your Breathing Gases.......................................... 3
Setting PO2 Thresholds......................................................... 4
Setting CCR Setpoints........................................................... 4
Dive Data Screens...................................................................... 4
Single-Gas and Multi-Gas Data Screens............................... 4
CCR Data Screens................................................................ 4
Gauge Data Screens............................................................. 5
Apnea and Apnea Hunt Data Screens................................... 5
Starting a Dive............................................................................ 5
Navigating with the Dive Compass........................................ 6
Using the Dive Stopwatch...................................................... 6
Switching Gases During a Dive............................................. 6
Switching Between CC and OC Diving for a Bailout
Procedure.............................................................................. 6
Performing a Safety Stop....................................................... 6
Performing a Decompression Stop........................................ 6
Diving with the Map................................................................7
Viewing the Surface Interval Widget........................................... 7
Viewing the Dive Log Widget...................................................... 7
Dive Planning..............................................................................7
Calculating NDL Time............................................................ 7
Creating a Decompression Plan............................................ 7
Viewing and Applying a Decompression Plan....................... 7
Editing a Decompression Plan............................................... 8
Deleting a Decompression Plan.............................................8
No-Fly Time................................................................................ 8
Altitude Diving............................................................................. 8
Tips for Wearing the Device with an Exposure Suit................... 8
Dive Alerts.................................................................................. 8
Dive Terminology........................................................................ 9
Activities and Apps........................................................ 9
Starting an Activity...................................................................... 9
Tips for Recording Activities.................................................. 9
Changing the Power Mode.................................................... 9
Stopping an Activity.................................................................... 9
Adding or Removing a Favorite Activity...................................... 9
Creating a Custom Activity......................................................... 9
Indoor Activities........................................................................ 10
Going for a Virtual Run........................................................ 10
Calibrating the Treadmill Distance....................................... 10
Recording a Strength Training Activity.................................10
Outdoor Activities......................................................................10
Viewing Tide Information..................................................... 10
Viewing Your Ski Runs........................................................ 11
Recording a Backcountry Skiing Activity..............................11
Using the Metronome...........................................................11
Playing Audio Prompts During an Activity
Jumpmaster......................................................................... 11
Multisport.................................................................................. 11
Triathlon Training................................................................. 11
Creating a Multisport Activity............................................... 12
Swimming................................................................................. 12
Swim Terminology............................................................... 12
Stroke Types........................................................................ 12
Tips for Swimming Activities................................................ 12
Resting During Pool Swimming........................................... 12
Auto Rest............................................................................. 12
Training with the Drill Log.................................................... 12
Turning Off Wrist-based Heart Rate While Swimming......... 12
Golfing...................................................................................... 12
Playing Golf..........................................................................12
Hole Information...................................................................13
Big Numbers Mode......................................................... 13
Measuring Distance with Button Targeting.......................... 13
Changing Holes................................................................... 13
Moving the Flag................................................................... 13
Viewing Measured Shots..................................................... 13
Viewing Layup and Dogleg Distances................................. 13
Saving Custom Targets...................................................13
Keeping Score..................................................................... 13
Updating a Score............................................................ 13
Setting the Scoring Method............................................. 14
Setting Your Handicap.................................................... 14
Enabling Statistics Tracking............................................ 14
TruSwing™.......................................................................... 14
Using the Golf Odometer..................................................... 14
Viewing PlaysLike Distance................................................. 14
Viewing the Direction to the Pin........................................... 14
Starting an Expedition.............................................................. 14
Changing the Track Point Recording Interval...................... 14
Recording a Track Point Manually....................................... 14
Viewing Track Points........................................................... 15
............................11
Connected Features..................................................... 15
Enabling Bluetooth Notifications............................................... 15
Viewing Notifications............................................................ 15
Receiving an Incoming Phone Call...................................... 15
Replying to a Text Message................................................ 15
Managing Notifications.........................................................15
Turning Off the Bluetooth Smartphone Connection.................. 15
Turning On and Off Smartphone Connection Alerts................. 16
Locating a Lost Mobile Device.................................................. 16
Garmin Dive App...................................................................... 16
Garmin Connect........................................................................16
Updating the Software Using the Smartphone Apps........... 16
Updating the Software Using Garmin Express.................... 16
Using Garmin Connect on Your Computer..................... 16
Manually Syncing Data with Garmin Connect..................... 16
Garmin Explore™..................................................................... 17
Garmin Golf™ App................................................................... 17
Safety and Tracking Features..................................... 17
Adding Emergency Contacts.................................................... 17
Adding Contacts....................................................................... 17
Turning Incident Detection On and Off..................................... 17
Requesting Assistance............................................................. 17
Starting a GroupTrack Session.................................................17
Tips for GroupTrack Sessions............................................. 18
GroupTrack Settings............................................................ 18
WiFi® Connected Features........................................ 18
Connecting to a WiFi Network................................................. 18
Connect IQ Features.................................................... 18
Downloading Connect IQ Features.......................................... 18
Table of Contents i
Downloading Connect IQ Features Using Your Computer....... 18
Garmin Pay................................................................... 18
Setting Up Your Garmin Pay Wallet......................................... 18
Paying for a Purchase Using Your Watch................................ 18
Adding a Card to Your Garmin Pay Wallet............................... 19
Managing Your Garmin Pay Cards...................................... 19
Changing Your Garmin Pay Passcode..................................... 19
Music............................................................................. 19
Connecting to a Third-Party Provider....................................... 19
Downloading Audio Content from a Third-Party Provider.... 19
Downloading Audio Content from Spotify®......................... 19
Changing the Music Provider............................................... 19
Disconnecting from a Third-Party Provider.......................... 19
Downloading Personal Audio Content...................................... 19
Listening to Music..................................................................... 20
Music Playback Controls.......................................................... 20
Connecting Bluetooth Headphones.......................................... 20
Changing the Audio Mode........................................................ 20
Heart Rate Features..................................................... 20
Wrist-based Heart Rate............................................................ 20
Wearing the Device..............................................................20
Tips for Erratic Heart Rate Data...........................................20
Viewing the Heart Rate Widget............................................ 20
Broadcasting Heart Rate Data to Garmin Devices.............. 20
Broadcasting Heart Rate Data During an Activity........... 21
Setting an Abnormal Heart Rate Alert................................. 21
Turning Off the Wrist-based Heart Rate Monitor................. 21
Running Dynamics....................................................................21
Training with Running Dynamics......................................... 21
Color Gauges and Running Dynamics Data........................ 21
Ground Contact Time Balance Data............................... 22
Vertical Oscillation and Vertical Ratio Data.....................22
Tips for Missing Running Dynamics Data............................ 22
Performance Measurements.................................................... 22
Turning Off Performance Notifications................................. 22
Detecting Performance Measurements Automatically......... 23
Syncing Activities and Performance Measurements........... 23
About VO2 Max. Estimates.................................................. 23
Getting Your VO2 Max. Estimate for Running................ 23
Getting Your VO2 Max. Estimate for Cycling.................. 23
Viewing Your Predicted Race Times................................... 23
About Training Effect........................................................... 23
Heart Rate Variability and Stress Level............................... 24
Viewing Your Heart Rate Variability and Stress Level.... 24
Performance Condition........................................................ 24
Viewing Your Performance Condition............................. 24
Lactate Threshold................................................................ 24
Performing a Guided Test to Determine Your Lactate
Threshold........................................................................ 24
Getting Your FTP Estimate.................................................. 24
Conducting an FTP Test................................................. 25
Training Status..........................................................................25
Training Status Levels......................................................... 25
Tips for Getting Your Training Status.............................. 26
Heat and Altitude Performance Acclimation........................ 26
Training Load....................................................................... 26
Training Load Focus............................................................ 26
Recovery Time..................................................................... 26
Viewing Your Recovery Time.......................................... 26
Recovery Heart Rate.......................................................26
Body Battery™..........................................................................26
Viewing the Body Battery Widget.........................................27
Tips for Improved Body Battery Data................................... 27
Pulse Oximeter............................................................. 27
Getting Pulse Oximeter Readings............................................ 27
Turning On All-Day Pulse Oximeter Readings
Turning Off Automatic Pulse Oximeter Readings..................... 27
Turning On Pulse Oximeter Sleep Tracking............................. 27
Tips for Erratic Pulse Oximeter Data........................................ 27
......................... 27
Training......................................................................... 28
Setting Up Your User Profile.....................................................28
Fitness Goals....................................................................... 28
About Heart Rate Zones...................................................... 28
Setting Your Heart Rate Zones....................................... 28
Letting the Device Set Your Heart Rate Zones............... 28
Heart Rate Zone Calculations......................................... 28
Setting Your Power Zones................................................... 28
Activity Tracking........................................................................29
Auto Goal............................................................................. 29
Using the Move Alert............................................................29
Sleep Tracking..................................................................... 29
Using Automated Sleep Tracking....................................29
Using Do Not Disturb Mode............................................ 29
Intensity Minutes.................................................................. 29
Earning Intensity Minutes................................................ 29
Garmin Move IQ™............................................................... 29
Activity Tracking Settings..................................................... 29
Turning Off Activity Tracking........................................... 29
Workouts...................................................................................29
Following a Workout From Garmin Connect........................ 30
Starting a Workout............................................................... 30
About the Training Calendar................................................ 30
Using Garmin Connect Training Plans............................ 30
Adaptive Training Plans.................................................. 30
Interval Workouts...................................................................... 30
Creating an Interval Workout............................................... 30
Starting an Interval Workout................................................ 30
Stopping an Interval Workout...............................................30
PacePro Training...................................................................... 31
Downloading a PacePro Plan from Garmin Connect........... 31
Starting a PacePro Plan.......................................................31
Stopping a PacePro Plan................................................ 31
Creating a PacePro Plan on Your Watch............................ 31
Segments..................................................................................31
Strava™ Segments.............................................................. 31
Viewing Segment Details..................................................... 31
Racing a Segment............................................................... 31
Setting a Segment to Adjust Automatically.......................... 32
Using Virtual Partner®.............................................................. 32
Setting a Training Target.......................................................... 32
Cancelling a Training Target................................................ 32
Racing a Previous Activity........................................................ 32
Personal Records..................................................................... 32
Viewing Your Personal Records.......................................... 32
Restoring a Personal Record............................................... 32
Clearing a Personal Record................................................. 32
Clearing All Personal Records............................................. 32
Clocks............................................................................ 32
Setting an Alarm....................................................................... 32
Editing an Alarm...................................................................33
Starting the Countdown Timer.................................................. 33
Deleting a Timer...................................................................33
Using the Stopwatch................................................................. 33
Adding Alternate Time Zones................................................... 33
Editing an Alternate Time Zone........................................... 33
Navigation..................................................................... 33
Saving Your Location............................................................... 33
Editing Your Saved Locations.............................................. 33
Projecting a Waypoint............................................................... 33
Navigating to a Destination....................................................... 34
ii Table of Contents
Navigating to a Point of Interest............................................... 34
Points of Interest.................................................................. 34
Creating and Following a Course on Your Device.................... 34
Creating a Round-Trip Course..................................................34
Viewing or Editing Course Details............................................ 34
Using ClimbPro......................................................................... 34
Marking and Starting Navigation to a Man Overboard
Location.................................................................................... 34
Navigating with Sight 'N Go...................................................... 35
Navigating to Your Starting Point During an Activity................ 35
Viewing Route Directions..................................................... 35
Navigating to the Starting Point of a Saved Activity................. 35
Stopping Navigation................................................................. 35
Map........................................................................................... 35
Viewing the Map.................................................................. 35
Saving or Navigating to a Location on the Map................... 35
Navigating with the Around Me Feature.............................. 36
Changing the Map Theme................................................... 36
Compass...................................................................................36
Setting the Compass Heading............................................. 36
Altimeter and Barometer........................................................... 36
History........................................................................... 36
Using History............................................................................ 36
Multisport History................................................................. 36
Viewing Your Time in Each Heart Rate Zone...................... 36
Viewing Data Totals.................................................................. 36
Using the Odometer..................................................................37
Deleting History........................................................................ 37
Customizing Your Device............................................ 37
Activities and App Settings....................................................... 37
Customizing the Data Screens............................................ 38
Adding a Map to an Activity................................................. 38
Alerts.................................................................................... 38
Setting an Alert................................................................38
Activity Map Settings............................................................38
Routing Settings...................................................................39
Auto Lap...............................................................................39
Marking Laps by Distance............................................... 39
Enabling Auto Pause........................................................... 39
Enabling Auto Climb............................................................ 39
3D Speed and Distance....................................................... 39
Turning On and Off the Lap Key.......................................... 39
Using Auto Scroll................................................................. 39
Changing the GPS Setting................................................... 40
GPS and Other Satellite Systems................................... 40
UltraTrac......................................................................... 40
Power Save Timeout Settings..............................................40
Changing the Order of an Activity in the Apps List................... 40
Widgets..................................................................................... 40
Customizing the Widget Loop.............................................. 41
inReach Remote.................................................................. 41
Using the inReach Remote............................................. 41
VIRB Remote....................................................................... 41
Controlling a VIRB Action Camera.................................. 41
Controlling a VIRB Action Camera During an Activity..... 41
Using the Stress Level Widget............................................. 42
Customizing the My Day Widget.......................................... 42
Customizing the Controls Menu................................................42
Watch Face Settings.................................................................42
Customizing the Watch Face............................................... 42
Sensors Settings.......................................................................42
Compass Settings................................................................ 42
Calibrating the Compass Manually................................. 42
Setting the North Reference............................................42
Altimeter Settings................................................................. 43
Calibrating the Barometric Altimeter............................... 43
Barometer Settings
Calibrating the Barometer............................................... 43
Xero Laser Location Settings............................................... 43
Map Settings............................................................................. 43
Map Themes........................................................................ 43
Marine Map Settings............................................................ 43
Showing and Hiding Map Data............................................ 44
Navigation Settings................................................................... 44
Customizing Map Features.................................................. 44
Setting Up a Heading Bug................................................... 44
Setting Navigation Alerts......................................................44
Power Manager Settings.......................................................... 44
Customizing the Battery Saver Feature............................... 44
Customizing Power Modes.................................................. 44
Restoring a Power Mode..................................................... 44
System Settings........................................................................ 44
Time Settings....................................................................... 45
Setting Time Alerts.......................................................... 45
Syncing the Time............................................................ 45
Changing the Backlight Settings.......................................... 45
Customizing the Hot Keys....................................................45
Changing the Units of Measure........................................... 45
Viewing Device Information...................................................... 45
Viewing E-label Regulatory and Compliance Information.... 45
.............................................................. 43
Wireless Sensors......................................................... 45
Pairing Your Wireless Sensors................................................. 46
Extended Display Mode............................................................ 46
Using an Optional Bike Speed or Cadence Sensor.................. 46
Training with Power Meters...................................................... 46
Using Electronic Shifters...........................................................46
Situational Awareness.............................................................. 46
Foot Pod................................................................................... 46
Improving Foot Pod Calibration........................................... 46
Calibrating Your Foot Pod Manually.................................... 46
Setting Foot Pod Speed and Distance................................. 46
tempe™.................................................................................... 46
Club Sensors............................................................................ 47
Device Information....................................................... 47
Descent Mk2 Specifications......................................................47
Battery Information...............................................................47
Data Management.................................................................... 47
Deleting Files....................................................................... 47
Device Maintenance..................................................... 47
Device Care.............................................................................. 47
Cleaning the Device............................................................. 47
Changing the QuickFit® Bands................................................ 47
Extra Long Diving Band............................................................ 48
Troubleshooting........................................................... 48
My device is in the wrong language......................................... 48
Is my smartphone compatible with my device?........................ 48
My phone will not connect to the device................................... 48
Can I use my Bluetooth sensor with my watch?....................... 48
My headphones will not connect to the device......................... 48
My music cuts out or my headphones do not stay connected.. 48
Restarting Your Device............................................................. 48
Resetting All Default Settings................................................... 48
Diving........................................................................................ 48
Resetting Your Tissue Load.................................................48
Resetting the Surface Pressure........................................... 48
Acquiring Satellite Signals........................................................ 49
Improving GPS Satellite Reception......................................49
The temperature reading is not accurate.................................. 49
Maximizing the Battery Life.......................................................49
Activity Tracking........................................................................49
My daily step count does not appear................................... 49
Table of Contents iii
My step count does not seem accurate............................... 49
The step counts on my device and my Garmin Connect
account don't match............................................................. 49
The floors climbed amount does not seem accurate........... 49
Getting More Information.......................................................... 49
Appendix....................................................................... 50
Data Fields................................................................................50
VO2 Max. Standard Ratings..................................................... 54
FTP Ratings.............................................................................. 54
Wheel Size and Circumference................................................ 54
Symbol Definitions.................................................................... 55
Index.............................................................................. 56
iv Table of Contents

Introduction

WARNING
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other important information.
Always consult your physician before you begin or modify any exercise program.

Getting Started

When using your watch the first time, you should complete these tasks to set it up and get to know the basic features.
Press LIGHT to turn on the watch (Buttons, page 1).
1
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial
2
setup. During the initial setup, you can pair your smartphone with
your watch to receive notifications, sync your activities, and more (Pairing Your Smartphone, page 2).
Charge the device (Charging the Device, page 2).
3
Start an activity (Starting an Activity, page 9).
4

Buttons

: Double tap the device to scroll through the data screens
during a dive.

Using the Watch

• Hold LIGHT to view the controls menu.
The controls menu provides quick access to frequently used functions, such as turning on do not disturb mode, saving a location, and turning the watch off.
• From the watch face, press UP or DOWN to scroll through
the widget loop. Your watch comes preloaded with widgets that provide at-a-
glance information. More widgets are available when you pair your watch with a smartphone.
• From the watch face, press START to start an activity or
open an app (Activities and Apps, page 9).
• Hold MENU to customize the watch face, adjust settings, and
pair wireless sensors.
Viewing the Controls Menu
The controls menu contains options, such as turning on do not disturb mode, locking the keys, and turning the device off. You can also open the Garmin Pay™ wallet.
NOTE: You can add, reorder, and remove the options in the controls menu (Customizing the Controls Menu, page 42).
From any screen, hold LIGHT.
1
LIGHT
• Press to turn the backlight on and off.
• Press to turn the device on.
• Hold to view the controls menu.
NOTE: While diving, hold functions are disabled.
MENU·UP
• Press to scroll through the widget loop and menus.
• Hold to view the menu. NOTE: You can enable or disable this button for dive
activities (Dive Setup, page 3).
DOWN
• Press to scroll through the widget loop and menus.
• Press to scroll through the data screens during a dive.
• Hold to view the music controls from any screen.
NOTE: While diving, hold functions are disabled.
START·STOP
• Press to view the activity list and start or stop an activity.
• Press to choose an option in a menu.
• Press to view the menu during a dive.
BACK·LAP
• Press to return to the previous screen.
• Press to exit a menu during a dive.
• Press to record a lap, rest, or transition during a multisport activity.
• Hold to view the watch face from any screen.
• Hold to return to the primary data screen during a dive.
Press UP or DOWN to scroll through the options.
2
Enabling Airplane Mode
You can enable airplane mode to disable all wireless communications.
NOTE: You can add options to the controls menu (Customizing
the Controls Menu, page 42).
Hold LIGHT.
1
Select .
2
Viewing Widgets
Your device comes preloaded with several widgets, and more are available when you pair your device with a smartphone.
• Press UP or DOWN.
The device scrolls through the widget loop and displays summary data for each widget.
• Press START to view widget details. TIP: You can press DOWN to view additional screens for a
widget, or press START to view additional options and functions for a widget.
• From any screen, hold BACK to return to the watch face.
• If you are recording an activity, press BACK to return to the activity data pages.
Introduction 1

Customizing the Watch

• From the watch face, hold MENU to change the watch face.
• From the widget screens, hold MENU to customize the
widget options.
• From the controls menu, hold MENU to add, remove, and
reorder the controls.
• From any screen, hold MENU to change additional settings.

Default Watch Face

Alternate time zone pointer. References the 24-hour time markings on the watch (Adding Alternate Time Zones, page 33).
No-fly time remaining. References the 24-hour time markings on the watch (No-Fly Time, page 8).
Surface interval (SI) time after a dive.

Pairing Your Smartphone

To use the connected features on your watch, you must pair it directly through the Garmin Dive™ app, instead of from the Bluetooth® settings on your smartphone.
From the app store on your smartphone, install and open the
1
Garmin Dive app. Select an option to enable pairing mode on your watch:
2
• During the initial setup, select Yes when you are prompted
to pair with your smartphone.
• If you previously skipped the pairing process, hold MENU, and select Pair Phone.
Select an option to add your watch to your account:
3
• If this is the first time you are pairing a device with the Garmin Dive app, follow the on-screen instructions.
• If you already paired another device with the Garmin Dive app, select Add > Devices, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Charging the Device

WARNING
This device contains a lithium-ion battery. See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for
product warnings and other important information.
NOTICE
To prevent corrosion, thoroughly clean and dry the contacts and the surrounding area before charging or connecting to a computer. Refer to the cleaning instructions (Device Care,
page 47).
Pinch the sides of the charging clip.
1
Align the clip with the contacts on the back of the device, and
2
release the clip.
Plug the USB cable into a USB charging port.
3

Product Updates

On your computer, install Garmin Express™ (www.garmin.com
/express). On your smartphone, install the Garmin Dive app.
This provides easy access to these services for Garmin devices:
• Software updates
• Map updates
• Course updates
• Data uploads to Garmin Dive
• Product registration
®

Setting Up Garmin Express

Connect the device to your computer using a USB cable.
1
Go to www.garmin.com/express.
2
Follow the on-screen instructions.
3

Diving

Dive Warnings

WARNING
• The diving features of this device are for use by certified divers only. This device should not be used as a sole dive computer. Failure to input the appropriate dive-related information into the device can lead to serious personal injury or death.
• Make sure that you fully understand the use, displays, and limitations of your device. If you have questions about this manual or the device, always resolve any discrepancies or confusion before diving with the device. Always remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
• There is always a risk of decompression sickness (DCS) for any dive profile even if you follow the dive plan provided by the dive tables or a diving device. No procedure, diving device, or dive table will eliminate the possibility of DCS or oxygen toxicity. An individual's physiological make up can vary from day to day. This device cannot account for these variations. You are strongly advised to remain well within the limits provided by this device to minimize the risk of DCS. You should consult a physician regarding your fitness before diving.
• Always use backup instruments, including a depth gauge, submersible pressure gauge, and timer or watch. You should have access to decompression tables when diving with this device.
• Perform pre-dive safety checks, such as checking proper device function and settings, display function, battery level, tank pressure, and bubble checks to check hoses for leaks.
• This device should not be shared between multiple users for diving purposes. Diver profiles are user specific, and using another diver's profile can result in misleading information that could lead to injury or death.
• For safety reasons, you should never dive alone. Dive with a designated buddy. You should also stay with others for an extended time after a dive, because the potential onset of decompression sickness (DCS) may be delayed or triggered by surface activities.
• This device is not intended for commercial or professional dive activities. It is for recreational purposes only. Commercial or professional dive activities can expose the user to extreme depths or conditions that increase the risk of DCS.
• Do not dive with a gas if you have not personally verified its contents and input the analyzed value to the device. Failure
2 Diving
to verify tank contents and input the appropriate gas values to the device will result in incorrect dive planning information and could result in serious injury or death.
• Diving with more than one gas mixture presents a much greater risk than diving with a single gas mixture. Mistakes related to the use of multiple gas mixtures may lead to serious injury or death.
• Always ensure a safe ascent. A rapid ascent increases the risk of DCS.
• Disabling the deco lockout feature on the device can result in an increased risk of DCS, which can result in personal injury or death. Disable this feature at your own risk.
• Violating a required decompression stop may result in serious injury or death. Never ascend above the displayed decompression stop depth.
• Always perform a safety stop between 3 and 5 meters (9.8 and 16.4 feet) for 3 minutes, even if no decompression stop is required.

Dive Modes

The Descent Mk2 device supports six dive modes. Each dive mode has four phases: dive pre-check, surface display, in-dive, and post-dive.
Single-Gas: This mode allows you to dive with a single gas
blend. You can set up to 11 additional gases as backup gases.
Multi-Gas: This mode allows you to configure multiple gas
blends and switch gases during your dive. You can set the oxygen content from 5–100%. This mode supports one bottom gas, and up to 11 additional gases as decompression or backup gases.
NOTE: Backup gases are not used in no-decompression limit (NDL) and time to surface (TTS) decompression calculations until you activate them during a dive.
CCR: This mode for closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) diving
allows you to configure two partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) setpoints, closed-circuit (CC) diluent gases, and open-circuit (OC) decompression and backup gases.
Gauge: This mode allows you to dive with basic bottom timer
features. NOTE: After diving in gauge mode, the device can only be
used in gauge or apnea mode for 24 hours.
Apnea: This mode allows you to free dive with apnea-specific
dive data. This mode has a higher data refresh rate.
Apnea Hunt: This mode is similar to the Apnea dive mode, but
tuned specifically for spearfishers. This mode displays simplified in-dive data, and disables start and stop tones.

Using the Pool Dive Mode

When the device is in pool dive mode, the tissue load and decompression lockout features function normally, but dives are not saved to the dive log.
Hold LIGHT to view the controls menu.
1
Select .
2
The pool dive mode turns off automatically at midnight.

Dive Setup

You can customize the dive settings based on your needs. Not all settings are applicable for all dive modes. You can also edit the settings before you start a dive.
Hold MENU, and select Dive Setup. Gases: Sets the gas blends used in the gas dive modes (Setting
Up Your Breathing Gases, page 3). You can have up to
twelve gases for each gas dive mode.
Conservatism: Sets the level of conservatism for
decompression calculations. Higher conservatism provides a shorter bottom time and a longer ascent time. The Custom option allows you to set a custom gradient factor.
NOTE: Make sure you understand gradient factors before entering a custom level of conservatism.
Water Type: Allows you to select the water type. PO2: Sets the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) thresholds, in
bar, for decompression, warnings, and critical alerts (Setting
PO2 Thresholds, page 4).
Alerts: Allows you to set tone, vibration, or silent alerts for depth
and time. You can enable different alerts for different dive modes.
Apnea Surf. Alert: Allows you to set alerts for apnea surface
intervals.
Safety Stop: Allows you to change the safety stop duration. End Dive Delay: Allows you to set the length of time before the
device ends and saves a dive after surfacing.
CCR Setpoints: Allows you to set high and low PO2 setpoints
for closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) dives (Setting CCR
Setpoints, page 4).
Backlight: Allows you to adjust the backlight settings for dive
activities. You can enable the backlight throughout the dive or only when you are at depth.
Heart Rate: Allows you to enable or disable a heart rate monitor
for dives. The Stored Strap Data option allows you enable a chest heart rate monitor, such as the HRM-Swim™ or HRM-Tri™ device, that stores heart rate data with the dive. You can view chest heart rate monitor data in the Garmin Dive app after you complete the dive.
Double Tap to Scroll: Allows you to double tap the device to
scroll through the dive data screens. If you notice accidental scrolling, you can use the Sensitivity option to adjust the responsiveness.
UP Key: Allows you to disable the UP button during dive
activities to prevent inadvertent button presses.
NOTE: This setting is disabled by default.
Deco Lockout: Allows you to disable the decompression
lockout feature. This feature prevents single-gas and multi­gas dives for 24 hours if you violate a decompression ceiling for more than three minutes.
NOTE: You can still disable the decompression lockout feature after violating a decompression ceiling.

Setting Up Your Breathing Gases

You can enter up to twelve gases for each gas dive mode. Decompression calculations include your decompression gases, but do not include your backup gases.
Hold MENU.
1
Select Dive Setup > Gases.
2
Select a dive mode.
3
Select the first gas in the list.
4
For single-gas or multi-gas dive modes, this is the bottom gas. For the closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) dive mode, this is the diluent gas.
Select Oxygen, and enter the oxygen percentage of the gas
5
blend. Select Helium, and enter the helium percentage of the gas
6
blend. The device calculates the remaining percentage as the
nitrogen content. Press BACK.
7
Select an option:
8
NOTE: Not all options are available for all dive modes.
Diving 3
• Select Add Backup, and enter the oxygen and helium
percentage for your backup gas.
• Select Add New, enter the oxygen and helium
percentage, and select Mode to set the intended use for the gas, such as decompression or backup.
NOTE: For the multi-gas dive mode, you can select Set as Travel Gas to set a decompression gas as your intended
gas for descending.

Setting PO2 Thresholds

You can configure the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) thresholds, in bars, for decompression, warning, and critical alerts.
Hold MENU.
1
Select Dive Setup > PO2.
2
Select an option:
3
• Select Deco PO2 to set the threshold that you can reach
before you should begin your ascent and switch to the decompression gas with the highest percentage of oxygen.
NOTE: The device does not switch gases for you automatically. You must select the gas.
• Select PO2 Warning to set the threshold for the highest
oxygen concentration level that you are comfortable reaching.
• Select PO2 Critical to set the threshold for the maximum
oxygen concentration level that you should reach.
Enter a value.
4
If you reach a threshold value during a dive, the device displays an alert message.

Setting CCR Setpoints

You can configure the high and low partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) setpoints for closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) dives.
Hold MENU.
1
Select Dive Setup > CCR Setpoints.
2
Select an option:
3
• To configure the lower PO2 setpoint, select Low Setpoint.
• To configure the upper PO2 setpoint, select High
Setpoint.
Select Mode.
4
Select an option:
5
• To automatically change the setpoint based on your
current depth, select Auto. NOTE: For example, if you descend through the high
setpoint depth or ascend through the low setpoint depth, the PO2 threshold switches to the high or low setpoint, respectively. Automatic setpoint depths must be at least
6.1 m (20 ft.) apart.
• To manually change setpoints during a dive, select
Manual. NOTE: If you manually change setpoints within 1.8 m (6
ft.) of an automatic switch depth, then automatic setpoint switching is disabled until you are more than 1.8 m (6 ft.) above or below the automatic switch depth. This prevents unintended setpoint switching.
Select PO2, and enter a value.
6
(Customizing the Data Screens, page 38). You can customize the data fields on some of the data screens.

Single-Gas and Multi-Gas Data Screens

Primary data screen: Displays the main dive data, including
your breathing gas and rate of ascent or decent.
Your partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) level.
Your nitrogen (N2) and helium (He) tissue load level.
Green: 0 to 79% tissue load. Yellow: 80 to 99% tissue load. Red: 100% or greater tissue load.
Your rate of descent or ascent.
Green: Good. Ascent is less than 7.9 m (26 ft.) per min. Yellow: Moderately high. Ascent is between 7.9 and 10.1 m
(26 and 33 ft.) per min.
Red: Too high. Ascent is greater than 10.1 m (33 ft.) per
min.
Dive compass: Allows you to view the compass and set a
directional heading to aid with underwater navigation (Navigating with the Dive Compass, page 6).
Customizable data screen: Displays additional dive data and
physiological information, including the time of day, battery level, and your heart rate. You can edit the gauges and the first five data fields (Customizing the Data Screens,
page 38).
The time to surface (TTS) decompression calculation.

CCR Data Screens

Dive Data Screens

You can press DOWN or double-tap the device to scroll through the data screens.
In the activity settings, you can reorder the default data screens, add a dive stopwatch, and add custom data screens
4 Diving
Primary data screen: Displays the main dive data, including
your breathing gas and rate of ascent or decent.
Indicates whether closed-circuit (CC) or open-circuit (OC) diving is active.
Your partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) level.
Your nitrogen (N2) and helium (He) tissue load level.
Green: 0 to 79% tissue load. Yellow: 80 to 99% tissue load. Red: 100% or greater tissue load.
Your rate of descent or ascent.
Green: Good. Ascent is less than 7.9 m (26 ft.) per min. Yellow: Moderately high. Ascent is between 7.9 and 10.1 m
(26 and 33 ft.) per min.
Red: Too high. Ascent is greater than 10.1 m (33 ft.) per
min.
Dive compass: Allows you to view the compass and set a
directional heading to aid with underwater navigation (Navigating with the Dive Compass, page 6).
Customizable data screen: Displays additional dive data and
physiological information, including the time of day and battery level. You can edit the gauges and the first five data fields (Customizing the Data Screens, page 38).
The time to surface (TTS) decompression calculation.
Your central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity level.
Green: 0 to 79% CNS oxygen toxicity. Yellow: 80 to 99% CNS oxygen toxicity. Red: 100% or greater CNS oxygen toxicity.
Your current oxygen toxicity units (OTU).
Green: 0 to 249 OTU. Yellow: 250 to 299 OTU. Red: 300 or greater OTU.

Apnea and Apnea Hunt Data Screens

Surface interval screen: Displays the current surface interval
time, as well as the elapsed time, maximum depth, and temperature for your last apnea dive.
Time of day screen: Displays the time of day and your heart
rate data.
Map: Displays your current location on the map (Diving with the
Map, page 7).

Gauge Data Screens

Dive stopwatch: Displays the bottom time stopwatch; current,
maximum, and average depth; and rate of ascent or decent (Using the Dive Stopwatch, page 6).
Dive compass: Allows you to view the compass and set a
directional heading to aid with underwater navigation (Navigating with the Dive Compass, page 6).
Customizable data screen: Displays additional dive data and
physiological information, including the time of day, battery level, and your heart rate. You can edit the gauges and the first five data fields (Customizing the Data Screens,
page 38).
In-dive screen: Displays the information about the current dive,
including the elapsed time, current and maximum depth, heart rate data, and rate ascent or descent.

Starting a Dive

From the watch face, press START.
1
Select a dive mode (Dive Modes, page 3).
2
If necessary, press DOWN to edit the dive settings, such as
3
the gases, water type, and alerts (Dive Setup, page 3). Wait with your wrist out of the water until the device acquires
4
GPS signals and the status bar turns green (optional). The device requires GPS signals to save your dive entry
location. Press START until the primary dive data screen appears.
5
Descend to start your dive.
6
The activity timer starts automatically when you reach a depth of 1.2 m (4 ft.).
NOTE: If you start a dive without selecting a dive mode, the device uses the most recently used dive mode and settings.
Select an option:
7
• Press DOWN to scroll through the data screens and dive
compass. TIP: You can also double tap the device to scroll through
the screens.
• Press START to view the in-dive menu.
When you ascend to 1 m (3.3 ft.), the End Dive Delay timer begins counting down (Dive Setup, page 3). When the timer elapses, the device automatically ends and saves the dive. You should keep your wrist out of the water while the device saves your dive exit location.
Diving 5

Navigating with the Dive Compass

During a single-gas, multi-gas, closed-circuit rebreather, or
1
gauge dive, scroll to the dive compass.
The compass indicates your directional heading . Press START to set the heading.
2
The compass indicates deviations from the set heading . Press START, and select an option:
3
• To reset the heading, select Reset Heading.
• To change the heading by 180 degrees, select Set to
Recip.. NOTE: The compass indicates the reciprocal heading with
a red mark.
• To set to a 90-degree heading left or right, select Set to
90L or Set to 90R.
• To clear the heading, select Clear Heading.

Using the Dive Stopwatch

TIP: You can add a simplified stopwatch screen to any of the
gas dive modes (Customizing the Data Screens, page 38).
Start a Gauge dive.
1
Scroll to the stopwatch screen.
2

Switching Between CC and OC Diving for a Bailout Procedure

During a closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) dive, you can switch between closed-circuit (CC) and open-circuit (OC) diving while you perform a bailout procedure.
Start a CCR dive.
1
Press START.
2
Select Switch to OC.
3
The dividing lines on the data screens turn red, and the device switches the active breathing gas to your OC decompression gas.
NOTE: If you have not set up an OC decompression gas, the device switches to your diluent gas.
If necessary, press START, and select Gas to manually
4
switch to a backup gas. Press START, and select Switch to CC to switch back to CC
5
diving.

Performing a Safety Stop

You should perform a safety stop during every dive to help reduce the risk of decompression sickness.
After a dive of at least 11 m (35 ft.), ascend to 5 m (15 ft.).
1
Safety stop information appears on the data screens.
Press START, and select Reset Avg. Depth to set the
3
average depth to your current depth. Press START, and select Start Stopwatch.
4
Select an option:
5
• To stop using the stopwatch, press START, and select
Stop Stopwatch.
• To restart the stopwatch, press START, and select Reset
Stopwatch.

Switching Gases During a Dive

Start a single-gas, multi-gas, or closed-circuit rebreather
1
(CCR) dive. Select an option:
2
• Press START, select Gas, and select a backup or
decompression gas. NOTE: If necessary, you can select Add New and enter a
new gas.
• Dive until you reach the Deco PO2 threshold (Setting PO2
Thresholds, page 4).
The device prompts you to switch to the gas with the highest percentage of oxygen.
NOTE: The device does not switch gases for you automatically. You must select the gas.
Your depth relative to the surface. As you ascend, your position moves upward toward the safety
stop depth .
The safety stop ceiling depth.
The safety stop timer. When you are within 1 m (5 ft.) of the ceiling depth, the timer
starts counting down.
Stay within 2 m (8 ft.) of the safety stop ceiling depth until the
2
safety stop timer reaches zero. NOTE: If you ascend more than 3 m (8 ft.) above the safety
stop ceiling depth, the safety stop timer pauses, and the device alerts you to descend below the ceiling depth. If you descend below 11 m (35 ft.), the safety stop timer resets.
Continue ascending to the surface.
3

Performing a Decompression Stop

You should always perform all the required decompression stops during a dive to help reduce the risk of decompression sickness. Missing a decompression stop adds significant risk.
When you exceed the no-decompression limit (NDL) time,
1
begin your ascent. Decompression stop information appears on the data
screens.
6 Diving
Your depth relative to the surface. As you ascend, your position moves upward toward the required
decompression stop depth . The empty segments represent cleared stops. You may
clear a stop before ascending to it.
The decompression stop ceiling depth.
The decompression stop timer.
Stay within 0.6 m (2 ft.) of the decompression stop ceiling
2
depth until the decompression stop timer reaches zero. NOTE: If you ascend more than 0.6 m (2 ft.) above the
decompression stop ceiling depth, the decompression stop timer pauses, and the device alerts you to descend below the ceiling depth. The depth and ceiling depth flash red until you are within the safe margin.
Continue ascending to the surface.
3

Diving with the Map

You can view your dive entry and exit locations on the map during apnea surface intervals.
TIP: You can view map data for all dive modes in the dive log widget and in the Garmin Dive app.
During an apnea dive activity, scroll to the map.
1
Press START, and select an option:
2
• To pan or zoom the map, select Pan/Zoom.
TIP: You can press START to toggle between panning up
and down, panning left and right, or zooming. You can hold START to select the point indicated by the crosshairs.
• To mark your location, select Save Location.
TIP: You can press DOWN to change the icon.

Viewing the Surface Interval Widget

The widget displays your surface interval time, tissue load, and central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity percentage.
From the watch face, press UP or DOWN to view the surface
1
interval widget. Press START to view your oxygen toxicity units (OTU) and
2
CNS percentage. NOTE: The OTU accumulated during a dive expire after 24
hours. Press DOWN to view your tissue load details.
3

Viewing the Dive Log Widget

The widget displays summaries of your recently recorded dives.
From the watch face, press UP or DOWN to view the dive log
1
widget. Press START to view your most recent dive.
2
Select an option:
3
• Press START to view more details.
• Press DOWN > START to view a different dive. Press DOWN.
4
Select an option:
5
• To view additional information about the activity, select All
Stats.
• To view additional information about one of multiple apnea
dives in the activity, select Dives, and select a dive.
• To view the activity on a map, select Map.
NOTE: The device shows your entry and exit locations if you waited for GPS signals before and after the dive.
• To save a dive entry or exit location, select Save
Location.
• To view the depth profile of the activity, select Depth Profile.
• To view the temperature profile of the activity, select Temperature Profile.
• To view the gases you used, select Gas Switches.

Dive Planning

You can plan for future dives using your device. The device can calculate no-decompression limit (NDL) times or create decompression plans. When planning a dive, the device uses your residual tissue load from recent dives in the calculations.

Calculating NDL Time

You can calculate the no-decompression limit (NDL) time or maximum depth for a future dive. These calculations are not saved or applied to your next dive.
Press START.
1
Select Plan Dive > Compute NDL.
2
Select an option:
3
• To calculate NDL based on your current tissue load, select Diving Now.
• To calculate NDL based on your tissue load at a future time, select Enter Surf. Interval, and enter your surface interval time.
Enter an oxygen percentage.
4
Select an option:
5
• To calculate the NDL time, select Enter Depth, and enter the planned depth for your dive.
• To calculate the maximum depth, select Enter Time, and enter your planned dive time.
The NDL countdown clock, depth, and maximum operating depth (MOD) appear.
Press DOWN.
6
Select an option:
7
• To exit, select Done.
• To add intervals to your dive, select Add Repeat Dive, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Creating a Decompression Plan

You can create open-circuit decompression plans and save them for future dives.
Press START.
1
Select Plan Dive > Deco Plans > Add New.
2
Enter a name for the decompression plan.
3
Select an option:
4
• To enter the maximum partial pressure of oxygen in bars, select PO2.
NOTE: The device uses the PO2 value for gas switching.
• To enter your level of conservatism for decompression calculations, select Conservatism.
• To enter your gas blends, select Gases.
• To enter the maximum dive depth, select Bottom Depth.
• To enter the time at the bottom depth, select Bottom Time.
Select Save.
5

Viewing and Applying a Decompression Plan

You can replace the current single-gas or multi-gas dive settings with the settings from a decompression plan.
Press START.
1
Select Plan Dive > Deco Plans.
2
Select a decompression plan.
3
Diving 7
If necessary, select View to view the decompression plan,
4
then press BACK. Select Apply to use the decompression plan settings for the
5
single-gas or multi-gas dive mode.

Editing a Decompression Plan

Press START.
1
Select Plan Dive > Deco Plans.
2
Select a decompression plan.
3
Select an option:
4
• To change the decompression plan details, select Edit.
• To edit the name of the decompression plan, select
Rename.
Edit the information.
5

Deleting a Decompression Plan

Press START.
1
Select Plan Dive > Deco Plans.
2
Select a decompression plan.
3
Select Delete > Yes.
4

No-Fly Time

After a dive, appears on the default watch face, along with a no-fly time estimate in hours (Default Watch Face, page 2). You should not fly in an airplane during this time. The default no-fly time after a dive is 24 hours. After a gauge dive or a dive that violated the decompression plan, the no-fly time is set to 48 hours.
TIP: You can add the no-fly indicator to a custom watch face (Customizing the Watch Face, page 42).

Altitude Diving

At higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower, and your body contains a larger amount of nitrogen than it would at the start of a dive at sea level. The device accounts for altitude changes automatically using the barometric pressure sensor. The absolute pressure value used by the decompression model is not affected by the altitude or the gauge pressure displayed on the watch.

Tips for Wearing the Device with an Exposure Suit

• Use the extra long silicone diving band to wear the device over a thick exposure suit.
• For accurate heart rate measurements, make sure that the device stays in contact with your skin and does not bump into other wrist-worn devices (Wearing the Device, page 20).
• If you are wearing the device over an exposure suit, turn off the wrist-based heart rate monitor to increase battery life (Turning Off the Wrist-based Heart Rate Monitor, page 21).

Dive Alerts

Alert Message Cause Device Action
None You completed the
None Your partial pressure of
%1 OTU accumulated. End your dive now.
decompression stop.
oxygen (PO2) value is above the specified warning value.
Your oxygen toxicity units are above the safe limit. During a dive, "%1" is replaced with the number of units accumulated.
The decompression stop depth and time flash blue for five seconds.
Your PO2 value flashes yellow.
The alert appears every two minutes, up to three times.
Alert Message Cause Device Action
250 OTU accumulated.
Approaching Deco Stop
Approaching NDL You are at 80% of your
Ascending too fast. Slow your ascent.
Battery critically low. End your dive now.
Battery is low. Less than 20% battery
CNS toxicity at %1%. End your dive now.
CNS toxicity at 80%.
Decompression Cleared
Descend below deco ceiling.
Descend to complete safety stop.
Failed to read depth sensor. End your dive now.
NDL exceeded. Decompression now required.
PO2 is high. Ascend or switch to lower O2 gas.
PO2 is low. Descend or switch to higher O2 gas.
Your oxygen toxicity units (OTU) are at 80% of the safe limit (250 units).
You are within one stop interval (3 m or 9.8 ft.) of the decompression stop depth.
tissue load.
You are ascending faster than 9.1 m/min. (30 ft./min.) for more than 5 seconds.
Less than 10% battery power remains.
power remains.
Your CNS oxygen toxicity is too high. During a dive, "%1" is replaced with your current CNS percentage.
Your central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity is at 80% of the safe limit.
You completed all decompression stops.
You are more than
0.6 m (2 ft.) above the decompression ceiling.
You are more than 2 m (8 ft.) above the safety stop ceiling.
The device has no depth sensor data.
You have exceeded your no decompression limit (NDL) time.
Your PO2 value is above the specified critical value.
Your PO2 value is below 0.18 bar.
None
None
None
None
The alert appears when the device is below 10% battery power and on the dive pre-check screen for your next dive.
The alert appears when the device is below 20% battery power and on the dive pre-check screen for your next dive.
The alert appears every two minutes, up to three times.
The alert appears during a dive and on the dive pre-check screen for your next dive.
None
The current depth and stop depth flash red.
If you remain above the decompression ceiling for more than three minutes, the decompression lockout feature goes into effect.
The current depth and stop depth flash yellow.
Use a backup dive computer or dive plan and end your dive. Call Garmin Product Support.
None
Your PO2 value flashes red.
The alert appears every 30 seconds, up to three times, until you ascend to a safe level or switch gases.
If you are within the first two minutes of your dive, your PO2 value flashes yellow. Otherwise, your PO2 value flashes red.
The alert appears every 30 seconds, up to three times, until you descend to a safe level or switch gases.
8 Diving
Alert Message Cause Device Action
Safe to switch to %1. Switch now?
Safety Stop Cleared
This pool dive will not be saved to the dive log.
In a multi-gas dive, a gas with a higher oxygen content is now safe to breathe.
You completed the safety stop.
The device is in pool dive mode.
You can switch gases now, or wait to switch gases later in the dive.
None
The device will not save the current dive to the dive log.

Dive Terminology

Central nervous system (CNS): A measure of central nervous
system oxygen toxicity caused by exposure to increased partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) while diving.
Closed-circuit rebreather (CCR): A diving mode used for dives
performed with a rebreather that recirculates exhaled gas and removes carbon dioxide.
Maximum operating depth (MOD): The greatest depth at which
a breathing gas can be used before the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) exceeds the safe limit.
No decompression limit (NDL): A dive that does not require
decompression time while ascending to the surface.
Oxygen toxicity units (OTU): A measure of pulmonary oxygen
toxicity caused by exposure to increased partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) while diving. One OTU is equivalent to breathing 100% oxygen at 1 ATM for 1 minute.
Partial pressure of oxygen (PO2): The pressure of the oxygen
in the breathing gas, based on depth and oxygen percentage.
Surface interval (SI): The amount of time that has elapsed
since the completion of the last dive.
Time to surface (TTS): The estimated amount of time it will take
to ascend to the surface, including decompression and safety stops.

Activities and Apps

Your device can be used for indoor, outdoor, athletic, and fitness activities. When you start an activity, the device displays and records sensor data. You can save activities and share them with the Garmin Connect™ community.
You can also add Connect IQ™ activities and apps to your device using the Connect IQ app (Connect IQ Features,
page 18).
For more information about activity tracking and fitness metric accuracy, go to garmin.com/ataccuracy.

Starting an Activity

When you start an activity, GPS turns on automatically (if required).
From the watch face, press START.
1
Select an option:
2
• Select an activity from your favorites.
• Select , and select an activity from the extended activity
list.
If the activity requires GPS signals, go outside to an area with
3
a clear view of the sky, and wait until the device is ready. The device is ready after it establishes your heart rate,
acquires GPS signals (if required), and connects to your wireless sensors (if required).
Press START to start the activity timer.
4
The device records activity data only while the activity timer is running.

Tips for Recording Activities

• Charge the device before starting an activity (Charging the
Device, page 2).
• Press LAP to record laps, start a new set or pose, or advance to the next workout step.
• Press UP or DOWN to view additional data pages.

Changing the Power Mode

You can change the power mode to extend battery life during an activity.
During an activity, hold MENU.
1
Select Power Mode.
2
Select an option.
3
The watch displays the hours of battery life gained with the selected power mode.

Stopping an Activity

Press STOP.
1
Select an option:
2
• To resume your activity, select Resume.
• To save the activity and return to watch mode, select
Save > Done.
• To suspend your activity and resume it at a later time,
select Resume Later.
• To mark a lap, select Lap.
• To navigate back to the starting point of your activity along
the path you traveled, select Back to Start > TracBack. NOTE: This feature is available only for activities that use
GPS.
• To navigate back to the starting point of your activity by
the most direct path, select Back to Start > Route. NOTE: This feature is available only for activities that use
GPS.
• To discard the activity and return to watch mode, select
Discard > Yes.
NOTE: After stopping the activity, the device saves it
automatically after 30 minutes.

Adding or Removing a Favorite Activity

The list of your favorite activities appears when you press START from the watch face, and it provides quick access to the activities you use most. You can add or remove favorite activities at any time.
Hold MENU.
1
Select Activities & Apps.
2
Your favorite activities appear at the top of the list. Select an option:
3
• To add a favorite activity, select the activity, and select
Set as Favorite.
• To remove a favorite activity, select the activity, and select
Remove from Favorites.

Creating a Custom Activity

From the watch face, press START.
1
Select Add.
2
Select an option:
3
• Select Copy Activity to create your custom activity
starting from one of your saved activities.
• Select Other to create a new custom activity. If necessary, select an activity type.
4
Select a name or enter a custom name.
5
Activities and Apps 9
Duplicate activity names include a number, for example: Bike(2).
Select an option:
6
• Select an option to customize specific activity settings. For example, you can customize the data screens or auto features.
• Select Done to save and use the custom activity.
Select Yes to add the activity to your list of favorites.
7

Indoor Activities

The Descent device can be used for training indoors, such as running on an indoor track or using a stationary bike. GPS is turned off for indoor activities.
When running or walking with GPS turned off, speed, distance, and cadence are calculated using the accelerometer in the device. The accelerometer is self-calibrating. The accuracy of the speed, distance, and cadence data improves after a few outdoor runs or walks using GPS.
TIP: Holding the handrails of the treadmill reduces accuracy. You can use an optional foot pod to record pace, distance, and cadence.
When cycling with GPS turned off, speed and distance are not available unless you have an optional sensor that sends speed and distance data to the device (such as a speed or cadence sensor).

Going for a Virtual Run

You can pair your Descent Mk2 device with a compatible third­party app to transmit pace, heart rate, or cadence data.
From the watch face, press START.
1
Select Virtual Run.
2
On your tablet, laptop, or smartphone, open the Zwift™ app or
3
another virtual training app. Follow the on-screen instructions to start a running activity
4
and pair the devices. Press START to start the activity timer.
5
After you complete your run, press STOP to stop the activity
6
timer.

Calibrating the Treadmill Distance

To record more accurate distances for your treadmill runs, you can calibrate the treadmill distance after you run at least 1.5 km (1 mi.) on a treadmill. If you use different treadmills, you can manually calibrate the treadmill distance on each treadmill or after each run.
Start a treadmill activity (Starting an Activity, page 9).
1
Run on the treadmill until your Descent Mk2 device records
2
at least 1.5 km (1 mi.). After you complete your run, press STOP.
3
Select an option:
4
• To calibrate the treadmill distance the first time, select Save.
The device prompts you to complete the treadmill calibration.
• To manually calibrate the treadmill distance after the first­time calibration, select Calibrate & Save > Yes.
Check the treadmill display for the distance traveled, and
5
enter the distance on your device.

Recording a Strength Training Activity

You can record sets during a strength training activity. A set is multiple repetitions (reps) of a single move.
From the watch face, press START.
1
Select Strength.
2
Select a workout.
3
The first time you record a strength training activity, you must select which wrist your watch is on.
Select View to view a list of workout steps (optional).
4
TIP: While viewing workout steps, you can press START to
view an animation of the selected exercise, if available. Select Do Workout.
5
Press START to start the set timer.
6
Start your first set.
7
The device counts your reps. Your rep count appears when you complete at least four reps.
TIP: The device can only count reps of a single move for each set. When you want to change moves, you should finish the set and start a new one.
Press LAP to finish the set and move to the next exercise, if
8
available. The watch displays the total reps for the set. After several
seconds, the rest timer appears. If necessary, press DOWN, and edit the number of reps.
9
TIP: You can also add the weight used for the set. When you are done resting, press LAP to start your next set.
10
Repeat for each strength training set until your activity is
11
complete. After your last set, press START to stop the set timer.
12
Select Save.
13

Outdoor Activities

The Descent device comes preloaded with outdoor activities, such as running and cycling. GPS is turned on for outdoor activities. You can add new activities based on default activities, such as walking or rowing. You can also add custom activities to your device (Creating a Custom Activity, page 9).

Viewing Tide Information

WARNING
Tide information is for information purposes only. It is your responsibility to heed all posted water-related guidance, to remain aware of your surroundings, and to use safe judgment in, on, and around the water at all times. Failure to heed this warning could result in serious personal injury or death.
You can view information about a tide station, including the tide height and when the next high and low tides will occur.
From the watch face, press START.
1
Select Tides.
2
Select an option:
3
• To use your current location when you are near a tide
station, select Search > Current Location.
• To select a location on the map, select Search > Use Map.
• To enter the name of a city, select Search > City Search.
• To select a saved location, select Search > Saved Locations.
• To enter coordinates for a location, select Search > Coordinates.
A 24-hour tide chart appears for the current date with the current tide height and information about the next tide .
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Press DOWN to see tide information for upcoming days.
4
Press START, and select Star Location to save the tide
5
station (optional).

Viewing Your Ski Runs

Your device records the details of each downhill skiing or snowboarding run using the auto run feature. This feature is turned on by default for downhill skiing and snowboarding. It automatically records new ski runs based on your movement. The timer pauses when you stop moving downhill and when you are on a chairlift. The timer remains paused during the chairlift ride. You can start moving downhill to restart the timer. You can view run details from the paused screen or while the timer is running.
Start a skiing or snowboarding activity.
1
Hold MENU.
2
Select View Runs.
3
Press UP and DOWN to view details of your last run, your
4
current run, and your total runs. The run screens include time, distance traveled, maximum
speed, average speed, and total descent.

Recording a Backcountry Skiing Activity

The backcountry skiing activity lets you manually switch between climbing and descending tracking modes so you can accurately track your statistics.
From the watch face, press START.
1
Select Backcountry Ski.
2
Select an option:
3
• If you are starting your activity on a climb, select
Climbing.
• If you are starting your activity moving downhill, select
Descending.
Press START to start the activity timer.
4
Press LAP to switch between climbing and descending
5
tracking modes. After your activity is finished, press START to stop the timer.
6
Select Save.
7

Using the Metronome

The metronome feature plays tones at a steady rhythm to help you improve your performance by training at a faster, slower, or more consistent cadence.
NOTE: This feature is not available for all activities.
From the watch face, press START.
1
Select an activity.
2
Hold MENU.
3
Select the activity settings.
4
Select Metronome > Status > On.
5
Select an option:
6
• Select Beats / Minute to enter a value based on the
cadence you want to maintain.
• Select Alert Frequency to customize the frequency of the
beats.
• Select Sounds to customize the metronome tone and vibration.
If necessary, select Preview to listen to the metronome
7
feature before you run. Go for a run (Starting an Activity, page 9).
8
The metronome starts automatically. During your run, press UP or DOWN to view the metronome
9
screen. If necessary, hold MENU to change the metronome settings.
10

Playing Audio Prompts During an Activity

You can enable your Descent Mk2 device to play motivational status announcements during a run or other activity. Audio prompts play on your connected headphones using Bluetooth technology, if available. Otherwise, audio prompts play on your smartphone paired through the Garmin Connect app. During an audio prompt, the device or smartphone mutes the primary audio to play the announcement.
NOTE: This feature is not available for all activities.
Hold MENU.
1
Select Audio Prompts.
2
Select an option:
3
• To hear a prompt for each lap, select Lap Alert. NOTE: The Lap Alert audio prompt is enabled by default.
• To customize prompts with your pace and speed information, select Pace/Speed Alert.
• To customize prompts with your heart rate information, select Heart Rate Alert.
• To customize prompts with power data, select Power Alert.
• To hear prompts when you start and stop the timer, including the Auto Pause® feature, select Timer Events.
• To hear activity alerts play as an audio prompt, select Activity Alerts.
• To change the language or the dialect of the voice prompts, select Dialect.

Jumpmaster

WARNING
The jumpmaster feature is for use by experienced skydivers only. The jumpmaster feature should not be used as a primary skydiving altimeter. Failure to input the appropriate jump related information can lead to serious personal injury or death.
The jumpmaster feature follows military guidelines for calculating the high altitude release point (HARP). The device detects automatically when you have jumped to begin navigating toward the desired impact point (DIP) using the barometer and electronic compass.

Multisport

Triathletes, duathletes, and other multisport competitors can take advantage of the multisport activities, such as Triathlon or Swimrun. During a multisport activity, you can transition between activities and continue to view your total time and distance. For example, you can switch from biking to running and view your total time and distance for biking and running throughout the multisport activity.
You can customize a multisport activity, or you can use the default triathlon activity set up for a standard triathlon.

Triathlon Training

When you participate in a triathlon, you can use the triathlon activity to quickly transition to each sport segment, to time each segment, and to save the activity.
From the watch face, press START.
1
Activities and Apps 11
Select Triathlon.
2
Press START to start the activity timer.
3
Press LAP at the beginning and end of each transition.
4
The transition feature can be turned on or off for the triathlon activity settings.
After you complete your activity, press STOP, and select
5
Save.

Creating a Multisport Activity

From the watch face, press START.
1
Select Add > Multisport.
2
Select a multisport activity type, or enter a custom name.
3
Duplicate activity names include a number. For example, Triathlon(2).
Select two or more activities.
4
Select an option:
5
• Select an option to customize specific activity settings. For example, you can select whether to include transitions.
• Select Done to save and use the multisport activity.
Select Yes to add the activity to your list of favorites.
6

Swimming

Swim Terminology

Length: One trip down the pool. Interval: One or more consecutive lengths. A new interval starts
after a rest.
Stroke: A stroke is counted every time your arm wearing the
device completes a full cycle.
Swolf: Your swolf score is the sum of the time for one pool
length and the number of strokes for that length. For example, 30 seconds plus 15 strokes equals a swolf score of
45. For open water swimming, swolf is calculated over 25
meters. Swolf is a measurement of swimming efficiency and, like golf, a lower score is better.
Critical swim speed (CSS): Your CSS is the theoretical speed
that you can maintain continuously without exhaustion. You can use your CSS to guide your training pace and monitor your improvement.

Stroke Types

Stroke type identification is available only for pool swimming. Your stroke type is identified at the end of a length. Stroke types appear in your swimming history and in your Garmin Connect account. You can also select stroke type as a custom data field (Customizing the Data Screens, page 38).
Free Freestyle
Back Backstroke
Breast Breaststroke
Fly Butterfly
Mixed More than one stroke type in an interval
Drill Used with drill logging (Training with the Drill Log, page 12)

Tips for Swimming Activities

• Before starting a pool swimming activity, follow the on-screen instructions to select your pool size or enter a custom size.
The next time you start a pool swimming activity, the device uses this pool size. You can hold MENU, select the activity settings, and select Pool Size to change the size.
• Press LAP to record a rest during pool swimming. The device automatically records swim intervals and lengths
for pool swimming.
• Press LAP to record an interval during open water swimming.

Resting During Pool Swimming

The default rest screen displays two rest timers. It also displays time and distance for the last completed interval.
NOTE: Swim data is not recorded during a rest.
During your swim activity, press LAP to start a rest.
1
The display reverses to white text on a black background, and the rest screen appears.
During a rest, press UP or DOWN to view other data screens
2
(optional). Press LAP, and continue swimming.
3
Repeat for additional rest intervals.
4

Auto Rest

The auto rest feature is available only for pool swimming. Your device automatically detects when you are resting, and the rest screen appears. If you rest for more than 15 seconds, the device automatically creates a rest interval. When you resume swimming, the device automatically starts a new swim interval. You can turn on the auto rest feature in the activity options (Activities and App Settings, page 37).
TIP: For best results using the auto rest feature, minimize your arm motions while resting.
If you do not want to use the auto rest feature, you can select LAP to manually mark the beginning and end of each rest interval.

Training with the Drill Log

The drill log feature is available only for pool swimming. You can use the drill log feature to manually record kick sets, one-arm swimming, or any type of swimming that is not one of the four major strokes.
During your pool swim activity, press UP or DOWN to view
1
the drill log screen. Press LAP to start the drill timer.
2
After you complete a drill interval, press LAP.
3
The drill timer stops, but the activity timer continues to record the entire swim session.
Select a distance for the completed drill.
4
Distance increments are based on the pool size selected for the activity profile.
Select an option:
5
• To start another drill interval, press LAP.
• To start a swim interval, press UP or DOWN to return to
the swim training screens.

Turning Off Wrist-based Heart Rate While Swimming

Wrist-based heart rate is turned on by default for swim activities. The device is also compatible with the HRM-Tri accessory and the HRM-Swim accessory. If both wrist-based heart rate and chest heart rate data are available, your device uses the chest heart rate data.
From the heart rate widget, hold MENU.
1
NOTE: You may need to add the widget to your widget loop
(Customizing the Widget Loop, page 41). Select Options > While Swimming > Off.
2

Golfing

Playing Golf

Before you play golf, you should charge the device (Charging
the Device, page 2).
From the watch face, press START.
1
Select Golf.
2
Go outside, and wait while the device locates satellites.
3
Select a course from the list of available courses.
4
12 Activities and Apps
If necessary, set your driver distance.
5
Select Yes to keep score.
6
Select a tee box.
7
After you complete your round, press START, and select End
8
Round.

Hole Information

The device shows the current hole you are playing, and automatically transitions when you move to a new hole.
NOTE: Because pin locations change, the device calculates the distance to the front, middle, and back of the green, but not the actual pin location.
Current hole number
Distance to the back of the green
Distance to the middle of the green
Distance to the front of the green
Par for the hole
Map of the green
Driver distance from the tee box
Big Numbers Mode
You can change the size of the numbers on the hole information screen.
Hold MENU, select the activity settings, and select Big Numbers.
The distance to the back of the green
The distance to the middle of the green or selected pin position
The distance to the front of the green
The current hole number
The par for the current hole

Measuring Distance with Button Targeting

From the hole information screen, you can use the button targeting feature to measure the distance to a point on the map.
Press UP or DOWN to measure the distance to the target.
1
If necessary, select or to zoom in or out.
2

Changing Holes

You can change holes manually from the hole view screen.
While playing golf, press START.
1
Select Change Hole.
2
Select a hole.
3

Moving the Flag

You can take a closer look at the green and move the pin location.
From the hole information screen, press START.
1
Select Move Flag.
2
Press UP or DOWN to move the pin position.
3
Press START.
4
The distances on the hole information screen are updated to show the new pin location. The pin location is saved for only the current round.

Viewing Measured Shots

Before the device can automatically detect and measure shots, you must enable scoring.
Your device features automatic shot detection and recording. Each time you take a shot along the fairway, the device records your shot distance so you can view it later.
TIP: Automatic shot detection works best when you wear the device on your leading wrist and make good contact with the ball. Putts are not detected.
While playing golf, press START.
1
Select Measure Shot.
2
Your last shot distance appears. NOTE: The distance automatically resets when you hit the
ball again, putt on the green, or move to the next hole. Press DOWN to view all recorded shot distances.
3

Viewing Layup and Dogleg Distances

You can view a list of layup and dogleg distances for par 4 and 5 holes. Custom targets also appear in this list.
From the hole information screen, press START.
1
Select Layups.
2
Each layup and the distance until you reach each layup appear on the screen.
NOTE: Distances are removed from the list as you pass them.
Saving Custom Targets
While playing a round, you can save up to five custom targets for each hole. Saving a target is useful for recording objects or obstacles that are not shown on the map. You can view the distances to these targets from the layup and dogleg screen (Viewing Layup and Dogleg Distances, page 13).
Stand near the target you want to save.
1
NOTE: You cannot save a target that is far from the currently
selected hole. From the hole information screen, press START.
2
Select Custom Targets.
3
Select a target type.
4

Keeping Score

From the hole information screen, press START.
1
Select Scorecard.
2
The scorecard appears when you are on the green. Press UP or DOWN to scroll through the holes.
3
Press START to select a hole.
4
Press UP or DOWN to set the score.
5
Your total score is updated.
Updating a Score
From the hole information screen, press START.
1
Select Scorecard.
2
Press UP or DOWN to scroll through the holes.
3
Press START to select a hole.
4
Activities and Apps 13
Press UP or DOWN to change the score for that hole.
5
Your total score is updated.
Setting the Scoring Method
You can change the method the device uses to keep score.
From the hole information screen, hold MENU.
1
Select the activity settings.
2
Select Scoring Method.
3
Select a scoring method.
4
About Stableford Scoring
When you select the Stableford scoring method (Setting the
Scoring Method, page 14), points are awarded based on the
number of strokes taken relative to par. At the end of a round, the highest score wins. The device awards points as specified by the United States Golf Association.
The scorecard for a Stableford scored game shows points instead of strokes.
Points Strokes Taken Relative to Par
0 2 or more over
1 1 over
2 Par
3 1 under
4 2 under
5 3 under
Setting Your Handicap
From the hole information screen, hold MENU.
1
Select the activity settings.
2
Select Handicap Scoring.
3
Select a handicap scoring option:
4
• To enter the number of strokes to be subtracted from your
total score, select Local Handicap.
• To enter the player's handicap index and the course slope
rating used to calculate your course handicap, select Index/Slope.
Set your handicap.
5
Enabling Statistics Tracking
The Stat Tracking feature enables detailed statistics tracking while playing golf.
From the hole information screen, hold MENU.
1
Select the activity settings.
2
Select Stat Tracking to enable tracking statistics.
3
Recording Statistics
Before you can record statistics, you must enable statistics tracking (Enabling Statistics Tracking, page 14).
From the scorecard, select a hole.
1
Enter the number of strokes taken, and press START.
2
Set the number of putts taken, and press START.
3
If necessary, select an option:
4
NOTE: If you are on a par 3 hole, fairway information does
not appear.
• If your ball hit the fairway, select In Fairway.
• If your ball missed the fairway, select Missed Right or
Missed Left.
If necessary, enter the number of penalty strokes.
5
TruSwing
Your device is compatible with the TruSwing sensor. You can use the TruSwing app on your watch to view swing metrics recorded from your TruSwing sensor. See the owner's manual for your TruSwing sensor for more informationwww.garmin.com
/manuals/truswing.

Using the Golf Odometer

You can use the odometer to record the time, distance, and steps traveled. The odometer automatically starts and stops when you start or end a round.
From the hole information screen, press START.
1
Select Odometer.
2
If necessary, select Reset to reset the odometer to zero.
3

Viewing PlaysLike Distance

The "plays like" distance feature accounts for elevation changes on the course by showing the adjusted distance to the green.
From the hole information screen, hold MENU.
1
Select the activity settings.
2
Select PlaysLike.
3
An icon appears next to each distance.
Distance plays longer than expected due to a change in elevation.
Distance plays as expected.
Distance plays shorter than expected due to a change in elevation.

Viewing the Direction to the Pin

The PinPointer feature is a compass that provides directional assistance when you are unable to see the green. This feature can help you line up a shot even if you are in the woods or in a deep sand trap.
NOTE: Do not use the PinPointer feature while in a golf cart. Interference from the golf cart can affect the accuracy of the compass.
From the hole information screen, press START.
1
Select PinPointer.
2
The arrow points to the pin location.

Starting an Expedition

You can use the Expedition app to prolong the battery life while recording a multi-day activity.
From the watch face, press START.
1
Select Expedition.
2
Press START to start the activity timer.
3
The device enters low power mode and collects GPS track points once an hour. To maximize battery life, the device turns off all sensors and accessories, including the connection to your smartphone.

Changing the Track Point Recording Interval

During an expedition, GPS track points are recorded once an hour by default. You can change how often GPS track points are recorded. Recording track points less frequently maximizes battery life.
NOTE: To maximize battery life, GPS track points are not recorded after sunset. You can customize this option in the activity settings.
From the watch face, press START.
1
Select Expedition.
2
Hold MENU.
3
Select the activity settings.
4
Select Recording Interval.
5
Select an option.
6

Recording a Track Point Manually

During an expedition, track points are recorded automatically based on the selected recording interval. You can manually record a track point at any time.
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