Book Description
For millions of Americans, diving offers the chance to get away from everyday life and enter a world of stunning natural beauty and fascinating complexity. And getting started is a breeze! Anyone can learn to dive safely and explore the world’s wondrous oceans – all it takes is a little training and basic equipment.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies presents all the fundamentals for anyone interested in getting dive certified or just looking for good snorkeling while on vacation. Written by PADI-Certified diver John Newman, this friendly guide covers everything you need to know to:

• Get certified
• Plan a great diving trip
• Save money on equipment
• Dive or snorkel safely

In addition to beautiful full-color photography and all the information you need to plan a dive trip, the book also includes a handy appendix of dive organizations and publications, as well as a CD-ROM sampler from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Whether you’re a novice diver or an old hand, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies is perfect for anyone who wants to see the beauty of the ocean from a fish’s point of view. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A bit dated, but definitely not just for dummies
Whoever thought of the "for Dummies" concept ought to get an extra-special award. Sure, there are some who won't touch one of those books with their trademark yellow and black covers just because of the "for Dummies" designation, but they are wrong. The "for Dummies" books are anything but. I mean, they have "Calculus for Dummies"! And quite a few of the "for Dummies" books are on my bookshelf, though I do not necessarily consider myself one.

What you do get in every "for Dummies" book is a no-nonsense, friendly and sort of jovial piece of reading material that treats you like a friend. They all follow a formula, of course, but it is a good one as long as the somewhat silly graphics (paragraphs are usually marked as "dive talking," "save diving," "tip," "technical stuff," and so on; it gets old quickly) and the occasional rather forced attempts at being simple and friendly without talking down to the reader doesn't turn you off. If you can see beyond that, "Scuba Diving & Snorkling for Dummies" is a very useful introduction to diving that covers everything.

Make no mistake, this book is serious. Everything you need to know is there. But instead of presenting it in a lecturing tone or making things look as complicated as possible (all too many authors like to do that in an effort of coming across as true experts), this book tries to explain everything in simple, everyday language. And succeeds admirably.

It starts with an introduction to all diving equipment and how to use it. Then explains what you need and what to look out for. It then explains dive training and all the basics and more advanced matters it covers. It then goes into setting up your gear for real world diving, how to enter the water, navigate, and dive. Physics and physiology are explained, as well as all the potential problems and illnesses that can happen. All of the world's oceans are described, as well as waves, currents and general water behavior. The book also goes into what to find and expect underwater (and that includes a nicely done 14-page color photo section), how to behave, and what can be dangerous. It explains how to find trips, how to travel, and the different kinds of dives, as well as the major locations and what they offer and require. The book closes with recommendations and pages of links and resources.

As many "for Dummies" books, this one includes a CD. In this case one that contains the PADI "open water diving" lectures, but not all of them. You do get a taste of what it's like, but for now an incomplete one, and one that dates back to 1999 (the latest version of the PADI Open Water course includes a DVD with much more video). In my case, that only fueled my resolve to get the real thing!

If you're okay with the special "for Dummies" formula, this book discusses everything you need to know about diving. I do wish, though, that they'd update the book with a new CD. Even dummies like current stuff.

Good enough for me.
I'm not quite sure why this book got such terrible reviews...okay, so it's not extremely detailed, but what did you expect? It's for beginners, not advanced divers. I just got it as a refresher, plus it has some good information on dive sites. I recommend!

What a useless book!!!!
I found this book to be totally useless. I just tells you how to go to a dive shop and get certified. There is almost no useful instruction in the whole book. Just go get certified and you can skip the book. I expected info on using the dive tables or other specific info, however, I found it completely lacking anything you don't get in a basic open water class. I guess if you want to be told the kind of things you will learn in a dive class go ahead. This book does not compare with the other books in the "Dummies" Series. Don't waste your money.

What a useless book!!!!
I found this book to be totally useless. I just tells you how to go to a dive shop and get certified. There is almost no useful instruction in the whole book. Just go get certified and you can skip the book. I expected info on using the dive tables or other specific info, however, I found it completely lacking anything you don't get in a basic open water class. I guess if you want to be told the kind of things you will learn in a dive class go ahead. This book does not compare with the other books in the "Dummies" Series. Don't waste your money.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies
This book is a very poor textbook probably because it was not even written by an Instructor. They should have at least chosen an author who was certified as an Instructor. The information given is bare minimum and does not cover all topics you really need to know. There are much better entry level books available here. ... Read more

Book Description
Learning what to do, how to do it, and when to do it is essential in underwater sports. Scuba Diving provides a clear, thorough, and captivating educational experience for all who want to take the plunge. Packed with beautiful, full-color photographs and detailed diving instruction, this newest edition of the popular resource is the preferred guide for recreational divers, diving instructors, and students.Dennis Graver sheds light on the undersea world and how to experience it safely with essential details on diving equipment, skills, and planning. Also included are sections on diving history, boat diving procedures, use of computers, dive tables, buddy check procedures, and lifesaving.

Scuba Diving is so complete and authoritative that it serves as the official manual of the YMCA Scuba Diving Program. Whether you're a beginning or intermediate diver or a diving instructor, make sure you have all the bases covered before you go underwater. This guide will ensure a safe and successful dive every time you take the plunge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent preparation for scuba diving
A very comprehensive theoretical manual that discusses the ocean environment, how the human body reacts and adapts to that environment, and everything a diver needs for a successful diving experience. The author spends a lot of time on equipment and discusses every part in detail: what it is, how it is used, how it is maintained and cared for, what to consider when buying it, how different products compare, etc. He also explains different diving techniques, pressure problems and solutions, entering and exiting water with full diving gear, hand signals, and emergency skills. It is the perfect companion to a scuba diving class.

For Scuba Divers of All Levels
This book was extremely helpful when I started to learn scuba diving.I was not required to have a text for my basic scuba diving course and this is a book I purchased to give myself more information.Now that I'm working on getting certified to be a teaching assistant (NAUI) for basic scuba diving, this book helps me maintain the knowledge that I learned in the basic course.I do recommend this book for any one and everyone interested in diving as a career, sport, or hobby.

Very Useful For New Divers and Refreshers
For anyone wanting to prepare for their first Open Water certification, this book contains all the useful information.It is also great for those already certified and looking to refresh their skills.If it has been 6-12 months since your last dive, this book is a great investment.I have always used PADI books (although others such as DAN exist).Mr. Graver covers all aspects of diving, emphasizing basic and absolutley necessary safety techniques and reminders.Dive safely and enjoy!

Great Book for Beginner Interest in Diving
I used this book when I first learned scuba diving.I didn't have a book to use and this book helped a lot.It goes into a lot of technical information and environmental factors which aresomething every diver needs to start learning.It is easy for beginners to understand.This book is something that has interested me in continuing with diving and has helped me on dives.

Excellent Resource and Preperation
I took a 7 week open water certification class, and this was the required text.I read the entire book front to back in one sitting because it was very interesting and contained all of the information needed to pass thewritten examination.

Graver especially makes a great effort at explainingdifficult information so that anyone can understand.Learning dive tables,how to plan dives, gas laws, physiology, physics, rescue techniques, andhow to treat injuries was painless using this book.The text is alsoloaded with clear, colorful pictures to help explain some of the things hetalks about such as how to don equipment, how the moon and sun effect tide,swimming techniques, what equipment looks like, and how waves and otherconcepts such as thermocline affect your dive.

This is a wonderful bookfor anyone beginning to dive, and it's a great resource for anyone who isready to refresh after a long absence from diving. ... Read more

Book Description
The beautiful locales, exotic plant and sea life, and relaxingenvirons of dive locations are even more peaceful when you are armed withthe expertise and skill to stay safe in any situation.

With self-rescues, buddy rescues, open-water resuscitation, and towingtechniques, Scuba Diving Safety will become your most valuablediving companion. Covering a full range of underwater environments, as wellas dangerous marine life, entanglements, and equipment failures, this vitalresource is an essential reference for every underwater enthusiast.

Do not rely on someone else--or chance--to keep you safe. Let ScubaDiving Safety help you prepare for the unexpected and provide theconfidence to enjoy your underwater adventures to the fullest. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

It says Survival Guide - It really is...
It does say on the cover that it is the survival guide - it really is. I readquite a few rescue diver manuals, but this completes it. From the planning to the equipment to the environment to the first aid, everything is technically covered. There are some sections that provide some tips on diving skills, and dive professionals should pay attentions to them as those little things can save a lot of your time and your students' in the class while you actually are passing important dive safety tips down to them.

Some sections, especially rescue technique sections, were visually explained so that a reader can visualize the body positions also.

Orr's Safety Stop section was added touch to the book as it is based on the real story and experience. Some of them made me think of what I would do if I were in his position so that a rescue would be conducted safely.

As certified dive equipment repair technician, I seriously appreciated Equipment section of the book. It is easy to forget that we carry life-support equipment while having fun underwater, and this book not only took it seriously but pointed out the basic facts that are easily forgotten by divers in professional manner.

Overall, I'd recommend this book to all divers as this is easy to read comparing to other dive safety books out there that make my head scratch, but I'd highly recommend to all rescue-level divers that want to extend their knowledge in overall dive safety, and instructors should definitely use this book as a reference and addition to your dive safety related courses and encourage your students to obtain a copy. They say that the knowledge is a power, but it really is. ... Read more

Book Description
Know exactly what to do for all scuba diving first aid situations.

High-tech laser printing on hard vinyl sheets make this pocket-sized "how to" guide virtually indestructible and completely portable. Waterproof. Dirtproof. You can even mark up pages with a grease pencil then wipe clean. Spiral binding allows you to fully open the book anywhere and lay it flat. Fully illustrated with easy-to-follow instructions. Index-tabbed pages allow you to quickly access the information you need. "What you really need to know, when you really need it!"

Tabbed sections include: Emergency Assistance Plan, Dive Injury Information Form, Safety Assessment, Injured Diver Assessment, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Bleeding, Physical Assessment, Field Neurological Exam, Positioning of the Injured Diver, Oxygen First Aid, Bone and Joint Injuries, Carbon Monoxide Toxicity, Decompression Illness (DCI), Subcutaneous Emphysema/Mediastinal Emphysema/Pneumothorax, Seafood Poisoning, Heart Attack/Cardiac Arrest, Seizures, Spinal Injuries, Squeeze/Barotrauma, Seasickness (Motion Sickness), Oxygen Toxicity, Allergic Reactions, Thermal Injuries and Marine Animal Injuries.

Pocket Guides are jam-packed with critical information from field experts. World renowned Pocket Guides have had an international almost cult-like following for over ten years.

Virtually indestructible and completely indispensable, Pocket Guides are perfect for enthusiasts and gift giving. Join the experts and carry Pocket Guides. Select from 28 Sports/Hobbies, Fishing and Emergency Assistance titles.

POCKET GUIDES: The Biggest Little Books You'll Ever Need. Finally, you can take it with you! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

informative but very small
Outstanding product produced.I was just taken back on how small the book was.the picture was just looked bigger than it is.Other than that it has great resources.

Covers it all
This little book pretty much covers anything that can happen to a diver, and is specific to diving injuries from drowning to the bends to stings and bites. The best thing about this book, aside from the material, is that it is completely made of plastic and is impervious to water so you don't have to worry about taking it on deck with you or even carrying it in your BCD pocket.

If you forgot the information in that CPR class you took years ago this will refresh your memory.

Great little reference book
If you dive and can't remember all the first aid you might need, get this little plastic book.It's small enough to fit in your BC pocket and sturdy enough to last forever.

It has the basics of first aid for most diving but DAN also has at least one other specialty dive first aid book.

Great pocket reference
This pocket guide is a handy reference for basic first aid - easy to read, small enough to be easily portable, and full of good basic information.The wide array of potential medical complications associated with diving are covered in understandable terms without getting too technical.Overall a great resource to have when heading to the water.

Very Basic
I was impressed with the water-resistant printing.However, the medical information is very basic.If you have training, this book is relatively useless.If you don't have training, I guess it would be useful if you happened to have equipment on-board.I would have liked to see more diagrams and much more information. ... Read more

Book Description

An essential resource for divers.

This comprehensive reference has information for divers of all levels, from the beginning basics to advanced skills and techniques for those with more experience. With its 350 full color photographs, easy-to-understand diagrams and tips from professionals, this book covers everything: the descent from the surface and the ascent back; all breathing techniques required; and advanced skills for cave diving, wreck diving, and search and recovery using the latest technology.

Combining detailed instruction with step-by-step exercises and practice programs, The Scuba Diving Handbook guides divers as they explore all aspects of the sport. Among the topics:

• Choosing an instructor
• The science of scuba
• Deep diving
• Raising heavy objects
• Equipment failure
• Boat handling before, during and after a dive
• Diving with big animals nearby
• Exploring wrecks
• Finding (or avoiding) shark-infested waters.

There is a wealth of information for planning diving trips in temperate, tropical and even arctic waters, as well as expert advice on conquering fear, using underwater cameras and avoiding the bends. This book is ideal for any diver -- both newcomers requiring intensive guidance and advanced divers seeking a quick brush-up.

Customer Reviews (1)

VERY GOOD STUFF
THIS BOOK IS A VERY GOOD ONE IT COVER'S EVERY THING CONCERNS SCUBA DIVING BUT UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT DISCUSSED AS IT SHOULD BE. ... Read more

Book Description
Bathed by the waters of two oceans, Thailand's varied diving environmentsare home to colorful coral reefs and an impressive diversity of marinelife. Live-aboard ships explore the offshore islands with their beautifulwhite-sand beaches and lush vegetation, and go beyond the Thai border tonewly pioneered dive sites in Myanmar. A rich culture and well-developedinfrastructure make this the most popular diving region in SoutheastAsia.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 76 sites
Full-color photos throughout
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions
Guide to marine life
Travel logistics and topside attractions
... Read more

Book Description
This comprehensive guide is for both beginning and advanced divers.It tells how to find wrecks, details the equipment and techniques needed, explains safety concerns, and teaches how to recover artifacts and preserve them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Before taking the training
A good book.It answered several of my questions and answered questions that I didn't know to ask.NOT a substitute for training but a good addition.It actually increased my interest in wreck diving.Also an easy read and suggests many places to find wreck to dive on.

Complete Wreck Diving: A Guide to Diving Wrecks
Although not complete from a technical diving aspect, this is a great primer on how to start a research project.There are ample examples of historical resources, of what to do if one finds a wreck, how to lay claim, etc. Overall alot of good information on wreck diving.

Surprisingly Good
When I first leafed through this book, I mistakenly thought that it would be a dry read. I was wrong. This book provides a wealth of information: particularly on finding and identifying wrecks. It gave great insight into where to find information about wrecks; right down to the places and addresses where maritime archives are stored and how to perform research. Informative descriptions of equipment give the reader a good foothold of knowledge to start planning dives & searches.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in wreck diving, especially if you've dreamed of finding that virgin wreck site but didn't know where to start or what resources are available.

TERRIFIC GUIDE TO A FASCINATING SPORT
This is a fine book full of good information on how to safely enjoy diving on shipwrecks. The authors, wreck diving ProfessorHenry Keatts, world class photographer and Wreck Diver Brian Skerry (National Geographic, People, etc.) are the perfect duo to write such a work.

The book contains many fine pictures and illustrations acompanied by a wonderfully descriptive and informative text. This is a must have for the bookshelf of any aspiring or experienced wreck diver ... Read more

Book Description
Considering all there is to learn, and all the skills to be mastered, completing a basic scuba course in any format is an accomplishment of which any certified diver should be proud.However, now matter how good a diver you become, it seems there is always some skill, technique or procedure that can be improved.

The information included in the pages of this book can help new divers climb the steep learning curve we all must negotiate at the beginning of our diving careers.Even highly experienced divers may learn or relearn a tidbit of information they never knew or happened to forget. The contents include: 10 Ways to Safely Conserve Air, Secrets to Better Buoyancy Control, Ten Ways to Build Confidence, Ten Ways to Tune Your Gear, How To Get a Good (and Safe) Air Fill, Hot Tips for Diving Cool Waters, Seven Ways To Be a Better Buddy, Diving Fitness, Equipment Care And Maintenance, and Tips To Dodge The DCS bullet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

An excellent checklist for all beginning scuba divers
As a scuba instructor, I recommend this book to my students for their beginning library of diving books.It contains tips, techniques and reminders that are useful in the beginning of their scuba diving education and some helpful reminders for all scuba divers.Excellent for beginners and not bad for some more advanced divers to look over too...

Pive Like A Pro
Good information but save yourself the money and re-read your diving manual.Virtualy all the same information is in there.The book also suffers from poor editing.It's not a bad book just redundant if you have a PADI, NAUI, SSI, or other openwater divers manual.

Too vague
This book is more like a pamplet then an in-depth book; I read through it in about two hours.Most topics are covered in just a few paragraphs and offer no detailed examples/photos or graphics.I few good tips, but most are very general and based on common sense.One gem was on how you should avoid getting drunk before diving (da..).You will not feel like a pro after reading this.There are probably better and more in-depth books on diving technique.

Good for beginners
Good book for beginners.Not much depth to the topics covered that would be of much use to experienced divers.In fact, I don't think there was much in the book that is not covered in most basic dive course manuals.

A Must Have
Dive Like a Pro was a great addition to my diving library. The book is a fantastic resource to have at hand. It's a concise manual with tips on everything from saving your breath to maintaining your gear. Rossier's writing is clear, and his instructions are easy to follow. I bring my copy with me every time I go diving. It's small enough to fit easily in my dive bag. If there is a diver in your family he or she needs this book. ... Read more

Book Description
An authoritative and encouraging guide to SCUBA diving for the beginner or intermediate enthusiast, this book contains expert advice and step-by-step illustrations on how to perfect key skills, how to buy and maintain equipment, what the different diving options are, and where to find classic dive sites around the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent Book
Very current, wide range of topics (equipment, techniques, dive sites, marine life, etc.), lots of great color photos, well written, nicely organized, and it's the perfect size.

If you're only going to have one book on diving, this should be it.

Give this book as a present to a SCUBA diver or a diver-to-be!
There are many books on SCUBA diving.And there are many books on a variety of topics published by DK.There is only a single book on SCUBA diving published by DK!Diving makes a superb topic for a publishing company like DK, with the high-quality color photos, the mix of photos, diagrams, and texts, and the use of no-nonsense models to feature equipment and techniques.

This book focused on the history of diving, diving fundamentals, diving physiology, equipment, techniques, natural history, and diving sites.It did all these things pretty well.There was great detail in some things, like how wet suits work to keep you warm, and less in others, such as specifics of great dive sites of the world.

I did enjoy this book.My favorite dive sites were not featured but I didn't feel slighted.I did want more details of the featured sites, such as California's kelp forests off Monterey.I guess I'll look elsewhere for some information to help plan this particular dive.Another omission that I thought this book really needed was a copy of dive tables and instructions on how to use them.Why wasn't this fundamental and important issue discussed?Liability?Potential revisions of future dive tables?

Finally, I noticed that there was a reference that sea turtles withdraw their flippers into their shells if threatened.Not for sea turtles!Extra shell is just extra weight and drag for swimming sea turtles, and natural selection has encouraged a modification of the strategy common in land turtles.Also, those bigger sea turtle muscles really fill up the space between the carapace and the plastron (upper and lower shell, respectively).

This book is an excellent gift for the new, the novice, and the experienced diver.

Beautifully designed and illustrated guide to diving
Eyewitness Companions: Scuba Diving is one in a whole series of "Eyewitness" books, each of which describes all aspects of a hobby or passion. I initially hesitated buying it because it is fairly expensive and seemed to cover the same scuba diving basics -- equipment, physics, physiology, navigating, marine life, different types of diving, photography and video, places to go and so on -- as various other scuba intro books. Yet, I found myself picking it up again and again in the bookstore because it is different from any other diving book. And eventually I bought it.

What sets Eyewitness Companions: Scuba Diving apart is its presentation. For starters, it's sort of a hybrid between hardcover and paperback with some genuine innovations. For example, the front and back covers have three inch flaps that double as a quick and handy table of contents and also as a built-in bookmark. Very clever. The second big difference compared to many other diving books -- many of which are a bit bare-bones -- is the gorgeous layout and design. Here, again, Eyewitness is a hybrid, one between a book and a magazine. Virtually every two page spread has at least three superb photographs, illustrating and explaining the topic at hand. And photos are not just printed as plain rectangles in a box. No, they are pathed, they fade in and out, the are combined, overlayed and neatly labeled and described. Typography and organization are first rate, all geared towards providing information clearly and concisely, but also in an interesting, appealing way.

As a result, while the narrative and explanations are simple and straightforward, you simply get more in this book. Instead of a brief chapter on a topic, you get a thoughtfully subdivided and excellently edited version that describes all aspects, has beautiful photos, several illustrations, how-tos, equipment close-ups, and often sidebars, graphs and charts. The section on freediving, for example, not only describes the sport and shows excellent pictures, it also has a clever graph that illustrates diving depths as they relate to the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben. All of it is professional quality. Yet, whereas magazines are often all style and little substance, Eyewitness Comnpanions: Scuba Diving skillfully uses all those visuals to merge information and illustrations into a polished, informative publication that's as close to multimedia as a printed book can get.

Travelers will enjoy the over 60 description of popular dive locations, sorted by continent. Each, of course, with pictures, statistics, and relevant information. Sections on underwater life are equally interesting, with great pictures and many interesting facts and tidbits.

This is a unique book that is really much more than the sum of its parts. It's an excellent example how an almost magazine-style approach to book design can result in something that is both informative and a real pleasure to read. ... Read more

Book Description
The only YMCA/Scuba-sanctioned guide to the wonders of the underwater world. Whether it's the balmy waters of a tropical coral reef, a wreck in Lake Michigan, the kelp forests of Monterey Bay, the icy waters of the North Sea, or the caves of a Florida spring, scuba diving is a way to explore the world beneath the surface. Trailside Scuba Diving is a comprehensive diving guide that includes all the information divers need to get started on this exciting sport. It reviews the information standard in all certification courses, with chapters on gear, diving planning, safety and first aid, the science of diving and how it affects the human body, diving techniques, the underwater environment, and using dive tables and computers. It also introduces divers to new opportunities and skills such as underwater photography, navigation, wreck diving, night diving, and cold-water diving. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

SCUBA newbie rates this one highly
I checked out several books targeting beginners. This looks like a keeper. This book is the only one sanctioned by the YMCA for its classes. ... Read more

Book Description
Le guide le plus complet pour les amoureux de la plongée: plus de 200sites de plongée, parmi les meilleurs au monde; des conseils d'experts et des témoignages; des suggestions de visites et d'activités à faire sur la terre ferme; toute une section sur ce qu'implique de voyager en tant que plongeur, et plus encore! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

5 stars!Wish I could give it 10
Wow!Fabulous book, fabulous info, fabulous photos, just simply fabulous!
If you are a scuba diver, you need this book.It will inspire you to visit places you have seen only in travel magazines.This book is big and beefy, too.Not a typical travel book, this book gives pages and pages of good info and lush photos of ALL of the best diving destinations known.

Great guide to the best diving destinations
This is an excellent guide for choosing a dive destination.My wife and I have had the good fortune to travel to a number of excellent dive locations in the past several years and this guide gets it right.Be forewarned, it makes no effort to be a comprehensive guide to the entire world (for that, try Dive by Monty Halls).But it does cover the most intriguing dive locations, so it is heavy on Asia and the South Pacific and light on the Caribbean and has no coverage of temperate destinations, such as California or British Columbia.

It is more than a dive guide.It does cover the primary dive sites for each location, but the real value of this book is it's recommendations on accommodations and other activities.It is perfect for choosing a vacation destination and to get your planning started.

Diving the world
My wife Sue & I have been very lucky to dive some of the best diving locations in the world, all of which are featured in this excellent and very readable book. First of all the descriptions are spot on and you can tell that the text is taken from the experience of actually doing the dive or visiting the area, not just researching it (unlike so many guides). The book is not just a travel or dive guide, it's more like a wish list to the best diving in the world. If you are lucky enough to be able to do this sort of diving then I think owning this book is about as important as owning a mask. ... Read more

Book Description
Scuba diving--there's a lot more to worry about than sharks! "I can't breathe!!!" Ian Hill spends his Florida summers helping his uncle run a dive shop. But just when he thinks it's going to be another boring summer hehind the counter, Ian hears that a recent storm has uncovered a pirate shipwreck hidden for years on the ocean floor. Soon Ian's slow summer at the scuba shop turns into a diver's nightmare. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Extreme!
Ian thinks he is just taking a summer job at his Uncle Gord's scuba shop, but little does he know.....His life is about to be in jeopardy! His scuba gear mouth piece gets ripped away from his face.What happened? Whatwent wrong? Was his equipment tampered with?Does his uncle know anythingabout it?Find out the answers to these questions by reading the book. ... Read more

Book Description
The Complete Diving Guides to scuba diving in the Eastern Caribbean, including descriptions of ALL dive sites, dive stores and operators. Island maps show the location of dive sites and stores. Dive sites are illustrated by underwater maps and photographs.

Volume 1 gives you everything you ever need to know about scuba diving on these fantastic Caribbean islands: Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago & Barbados. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Reference Guide
A very good book.Picked it up to check it out and was impressed at how comprehensive it is in regards to specific dives spots and charter outfits.I thought it was so useful that I am trying to find Volume 2.

A bit of a let down
Earlier dive guides I have used have come from the Globetrotter series - who do not have a guide for Barbados, which is what I was looking for. Coming to the "Complete Diving Guide" after the high standards of Globetrotter is something of a disappointment. There is nothing wrong with the book in terms of the content it is providing - it gives information on the sites, some (though by no means all) dive schools, and a little background on the islands. However, the writing style is very narrative - think "what I did on my diving holiday this summer" type essays. The presentation is also a bit dated. It is not a bad guide by any means, but if Globetrotter do get around to publishing on the area, it is almost certain to be a better bet.

winston reed
July 2001 I dove several of the sites reviewed by ms Ryanand Mr Savage
and found their profiles of the dives to be very accurate and
helpful.I hope she and Brian Savage will do a "complete
DG of the Bahamas,I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Needs more vacation details
I found this guide pleasant to look through, but not half as helpful as Best Dives of the Caribbean by Hunter Publishing, which gives a lot more detail on the dive sites, places for kids to snorkel, hotels and everything I need to plan a vacation.

This is the book the Experts Use.
It is always interesting to see which books are used by the local Dive Guides at the sharp end and this is how I was first introduced to this particular book just over three years ago in Grenada. Since then I have put it to good use on a number of assignments in the Caribbean and I have yet to find it lacking in any way.

The opening introductory chapter is well written and includes plenty of general information on diving, facilities, climate, sea, regulations, boats, cruise liners, resorts, hotels, flora, fauna, shipwrecks, photography and safety.The book then commences with Dominica in the north and moves southwards to include Martinique, St. Lucia,St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago and Barbados before concluding with a Glossary, Bibliography and Accident and Emergency Information.

The relatively few photographs are all of a good quality - but this is book that concentrates on providing all the relevant and peripheral information that any Scuba Diver will want to know before and during a trip to any of the Caribbean Islands covered.The maps and diagrams are particularly useful - and very easy to follow insitu.

On first sight, however, the book cover lacks impact and might easily be overlooked as the prospective purchaser gets side-tracked by something a little more flashy.Do not be tempted away from this one - it is a straight forward, no nonsense guide containing everything you will want to know.

Altogether, almost 400 pages packed with information - although that does include a small number of one-page advertisements.

In summary, any book claiming to be "A Complete Guide" has to include an awful lot of information.This one has achieved just that and will not disappoint the purchaser.

NM

... Read more

Book Description

One diver, after a seemingly brief period below the surface, discovers that his gas supply has run perilously low. Another, paralyzed, bobs helplessly on the surface, and when a poorly trained divemaster attempts rescue, things go from bad to worse. Two other divers, fascinated by the bountiful undersea life of the Caribbean, fail to notice that a powerful current is sweeping them rapidly away from their unattended boat.

These are just a few of the true stories you’ll find in Diver Down, most of them involving diver error and resulting in serious injury or death. Each of these tales is accompanied by an in-depth analysis of what went wrong and how you can recognize, avoid, and respond to similar underwater calamities. This unique survival guide explores the gamut of diving situations, including cave and wreck diving, deep-water dives, river and drift diving, decompression sickness, and much more. It shows you how to prevent tragic mishaps through:

• Inspection and maintenance of primary and secondary diving gear
• Learning and following established safety protocols
• Confirming the training and credentials of diving professionals
• Practicing emergency responses under real-world conditions

Customer Reviews (22)

Great Read
Diver Down is an easy to read book that appeals to all divers, expert or novice.The book focuses on mistakes made by divers at all experience, levels which in some cases cost them their lives. Reading this book will enable you to learn valuable lessons without making the same mistakes these unfortunate divers made.

Recommended to divers interested in safe dives...
I think among divers it is generally known, that the majority of dive accidents could easily have been prevented with better planning or better reactions to occuring problems.
Newer divers, and even some experienced ones, however lack certain experiences, that make dives safe while still being enjoyable.
This book gets you thinking...
I myself came away from reading it with one or two things that I will do differently in the future...
I can recommend this book to any diver.

Great Book, Every Diver should read this Book
One of the best diving books I have read. Makes you re-think how you dive.

An absolute must read for divers of any skill level
If you have logged only a handful of dives or enough to fill a log book, this book is a must read. Learning from other peoples' mistakes could quite possibly save your life, and this book is full of practical, experiential knowledge that will most certainly help you to become a better diver; more aware of the risks involved and how to avoid them. It's also a good intro for those who might be interested in learning to dive, although it quite possibly might scare folks away from the sport. Probably won't be letting my wife read it either.

Jaws ain't got nothin' on this book
If you are a diver, or are planning to be a diver, this is a great book and a quick read. Just don't expect "Gone With The Wind."

It's basically a collection of true stories of problems encountered, why they became problems and how they could have been prevented.And, many of these problems were due to pure stupidity. ... Read more

Book Description
The world's second-longest barrier reef, three of the WesternHemisphere's four coral atolls, more than 400 fish species and a host ofinvertebrates sheltering in warm Caribbean waters make Belize anirresistable destination for divers and snorkelers alike. This guide willintroduce you to the wonders both underwater and topside that have earntthe country its reputation as an ecotourism hotspot.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 82 sites
Full-color photos throughout
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions
Guide to marine life
Travel logistics and topside attractions
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Scuba & Snorkeling in Belize
This book has great information, but be aware that it doesn't even begin to cover 1/2 the Cayes in Belize.In fact it only mentioned one that we visited while sailing for 7 days.Use this guide as an accompaniment to other info. ... Read more

Product Description
This basic guide makes optimum use of color photos and instructional drawings to present the essentials of diving. It begins with a clear, concise explanation of the science of diving-how water and gas affect the human body underwater-and includes chapters on equipment, training, dive planning, safety, and the various types of diving. Step-by-step photos and drawings, along with straightforward text, illustrate concepts and techniques with exceptional clarity. Colorful, fact-filled reference ... Read more

Book Description
This practical guide to underwater survival covers what divers need to know from air consumption to equipment redundancy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great and very educational book
Book is very full of usefull information in detail. It's packed with expirience, but it doesen't push it's attitude on anyone, more it provides rich information from many sources wich just enriches your knowledge and fills the gaps so to say. It's every page is worth reading. It's most recomendable for beginers and intermediate expirienced divers.
It not only rises some questions about stereotypes, but answers all of them with much detailed data. It's packed with advices and expirience tricks, but all described are followed and reviewed with exact technical or scientific or statistical data regarding the subject.

Most people miss the point
Solo diving isn't about the "how to" of gear or gear configuration.It's about the "why."Solo diving is a thought process, and attitude and acceptance of self reliance.You can solo dive in a basic recreational configuration or a full tech rig, what's important is your ability to use theequipment you have for problem solving and self rescue.This book is an introduction into the arena of critical thinking about the way you dive.

It aint what you think !!!
I bought the book expecting information, specific helpful information, on the subject of diving solo.
What I got was an opinion editorial on the subject instead.Pages and pages of editorial comment with little in the way of helpful technical advice.
I got more out of "Deep Descent" than what this book offers.

It ain't what your hoping for !!!
The book is more of an opinion editorial on the subject of solo diving rather than a technical description of how to solo dive, which is what I thought it would be (judging the book by its' cover).
"Deep Descent" offers more technical advice than this book.

Every diver should read this book.
No new skills or methods are needed to dive solo.
What is needed is a new attitude, one that every
diver should have anyway, even if they never intend
to dive alone.This is what this book is about.
I come from the rock climbing culture where there is
no certification, and virtually all participants realize
-they- are responsible to learn the skills needed to stay
out of trouble. This book is refreshing and honest.
It may save lives by bursting peoples bubble about
the buddy system.Others it will inspire to prepare
themselves to accept the new levels of risk and freedom
in solo diving. ... Read more

Book Description
This new and exciting guide will help both novice and experienced divers plan the underworld trip of their dreams. All types of diving environments are included, from coral reefs and kelp forests to shipwrecks, caverns, and caves. It includes exciting dives for advanced divers and also features:

• The best places to get certified and the top-rated dive centers worldwide
• Diver-friendly lodging from affordable to luxurious, plus other adventures to take while on shore

Customer Reviews (5)

Right On Information!
I found this book to be incrediably useful.I purchased the guide book before my trip to North Carolina and found the detail about Nitrox availability, camera friendly dive boats, and dive shops to be right on the mark!I've never seen this kind of detail available in any other diving guide book.
I definatley recommend this book to any diver planning a diving vacation.
Kuddos to Jean Pierce for this great guide book!

SUBJECTIVE VIEWS, INTERESTING CHOICES, GOOD SUGGESTIONS
A diver for just two years, I have already used this Unofficial Guide on at least three occasions.Yes, the choices presented are highly subjective (as most diving guides tend to be), but there are a wide range of locales and choices to get one started.I have begun all of my diving vacations by referring first to this guide...then researching more thoroughly on the internet.Usually, I end up using one of the dive operators and diving resorts which the book has suggested and finish the process by making reservations via the internet or by phone.If you enjoy reading more comprehensively about diving before making your decision, look elsewhere...if you are like me and prefer to glance at something more condensed or capsulized, check out "World's Best Diving Vacations."

Interesting and Informative
This book is a must have for anyone traveling to diving/snorkeling destinations.My husband and I recently used it while traveling to Long Island Bahamas.Information on lodging, restaurants and points of interest were right on the mark.We have recommended this book to friends who found it very useful also.

Divers and non-divers alike would benefit from this guide.The author writes in an informative and interesting style, giving personal and historical information.It is enjoyable and easy to read.I pick it up for pleasure to read about places I want to travel to in the future.

This guide makes it possible to travel with confidence to completely unfamiliar places, knowing what to expect when you get there.Don't go diving without it.

Indispensible for the traveling diver
This Unofficial Guide is a must-have if you like to keep your gear-bag packed for your next adventure. Jean Pierce has been there, done it and dived it.Having dived from Palau to Peurto Rico, myself, I thought I knew all there was to know about getting to the world's best diving, but this book has opened my eyes to even more. Informative, and written from a diver's eyes (as opposed to the travel agent's); it gives you the information you need to know if you want to get maximum bang for your diving dollar and diving time. I believe in traveling light, but I will always find room for this book in my bag -- it's just that necessary.

Extremely limited perspective
An absolute waste of money! As it turns out, I've been diving recently at many of the locations listed plus quite a few others. Given the title, I thought the list would be quite comprehensive. I expect there will always be differences of Opinion on subjects like this, but I can't figure out the logic of the locations chosen. The authors maintain that ease of travel is important to them, then list Heron Island Australia, but leave out locations like Bali. My biggest criticism, however is the long list of East Coast USA choices. ... Read more