The Shearwater NERD 2 is a heads-up dive computer that mounts directly to a regulator second stage or rebreather mouthpiece, placing depth, time, gas, and decompression data in the diver's direct line of sight. A micro LCD display and magnifying lens present this information at a scale equivalent to a 25-inch screen viewed from around 12 feet, without the diver needing to focus on a near object. The display sits unobtrusively out of view when looking straight ahead, and full-colour warnings mark unusual values or problems in yellow or red.

The NERD 2 is a full decompression computer running Bühlmann ZHL-16C with Gradient Factors, with optional VPM-B, and supports five modes: OC Recreational (3-gas nitrox), OC Technical (multi-gas trimix), CC Internal (fixed PPO2), CC/SCR External (Fischer and DiveCAN versions, monitoring 1 to 3 O2 sensors), and Gauge. It provides time-to-surface calculations accounting for planned gas switches and does not lock out after a missed stop or ascent rate violation. Depth rating extends to 300m. Navigation runs through a two-button, state-aware menu structure, and an optional 3-axis, tilt-compensated digital compass is available across all modes.

Air integration displays tank pressure wirelessly from up to two Shearwater transmitters, sold separately, with gas time remaining calculated for one selected tank. The unit weighs 74g and measures 33mm x 85.81mm x 44mm, making it the smallest Shearwater computer to date following the removal of the separate brainbox unit from the original NERD. It requires a mount, sold according to configuration: an open circuit regulator mount fitting 17-21mm diameter hoses, or a closed-circuit mount for DiveCAN or Fischer rebreathers, with hole patterns compatible with original NERD mounts. When used on a CCR, the NERD 2 functions as a monitor and backup computer rather than a primary unit.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides a minimum of 18 hours of dive time on medium brightness, recharging in around 4 hours via the included USB cable and clip, with a portable charging bank providing approximately five additional charges also included. Typical battery life runs to 5 years or 500 charge cycles, with replacement available through Shearwater's authorised service centres. Dive log capacity holds 1,000 hours, synced via Bluetooth to Shearwater Cloud or Shearwater Desktop across Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.