Shearwater Research

Shearwater Petrel 3

Name: Shearwater Petrel 3
Brand: Shearwater Research
Price: 1325 USD
Availability: InStock

A rugged AA-battery technical computer with a 2.6" AMOLED screen.

Open BLE sync (libdivecomputer)

Syncs wirelessly with third-party apps (Subsurface, Currents, etc.), not just the manufacturer app.

$1325

Released	2022
Max depth rating	290m
Algorithm	Bühlmann ZHL-16C with gradient factors, or VPM-B
Air integration	wireless
Wireless	bluetooth
Display	2.6" AMOLED, 320x240, toughened glass with titanium bezel
Battery	user-replaceable
Digital compass	Yes
Gas types	air, nitrox, trimix
Gas switches	5
CCR capable	Yes

"Gas switches" is how many different mixes this computer can be programmed to switch between mid-dive, mostly relevant for technical/staged-decompression diving. It doesn't tell you which gas types (air, nitrox, trimix) are supported. See Gas types and the product description above for that.

Pros

Runs on standard AA batteries, easy to source anywhere, even on a remote boat
Large 2.6" AMOLED display with piezo touch buttons that work with gloves
Up to 5 open- or closed-circuit gases, with optional Swift transmitter air integration

Cons

Bulkier and pricier than the Peregrine/Tern lines
AA battery door is another seal to maintain versus sealed rechargeable units
Overkill for pure single-tank recreational diving

The Petrel 3 is Shearwater’s current AA-powered technical flagship, aimed at the same cave/tec/CCR crowd as the Perdix but with a bigger AMOLED screen and touch buttons. Like the Perdix, the AA battery is a deliberate design choice for divers who don’t want to depend on charging infrastructure.