Product 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 (2)

pretty but superficial
I purchased this book as an adjunct to getting back into diving.While the book is nicely formatted with plenty of pictures, the depth of information was poor.This was not worth my investment of time and money.

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

Product Description
Scuba's most comprehensive and authoritative guide is now better than ever!

Scuba Diving provides a clear, thorough, and captivating learning experience for all who want to take the plunge. Packed with beautiful full-color photographs and detailed diving instruction, this updated edition is the preferred guide for recreational divers, diving instructors, and students around the globe.

Renowned diving instructor Dennis Graver sheds light on the undersea world and how to experience it safely with essential details on skills, techniques, and planning. In Scuba Diving, you'll learn how to

• select, outfit, and care for diving equipment;
• equalize pressure in the ears, sinuses, and mask;
• use dive tables and diving profiles;
• follow boat-diving and buddy-check procedures for safe diving; and
• prevent or manage underwater emergencies and hazards.

Whether you're a beginning or intermediate diver or diving instructor, make sure you have all the bases covered before you go underwater. Scuba Diving will ensure a safe, successful, and rewarding dive every time you take the plunge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Highly recommended as an outstanding survey of the sport and technique of scuba diving!
Dennis K. Graver's SCUBA DIVING appears in its fourth updated edition to pair lovely photos with clear diving instruction guidelines. Recreational divers, instructors and more receive direction from a famous diving instructor who tells how to select and care for diving equipment, how to use reference charts, and how to prevent or manage underwater emergencies. Highly recommended as an outstanding survey of the sport and technique of scuba diving!

Great Scuba Book !!!!
Informative, an easy read and graphics nicely done to drive home the point.Beyond that; it's very interesting.

Scuba Diving
This book is a classic training manual for new scuba divers, it is complete and easy to understand. I recommend it for anyone interested in learning to enjoy scuba diving.

Basic manual
This is the YMCA open water 1 book. It was very similar to my NAUI manual. Not heavy on technical details. I should have read some reviews before buying.

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.

... Read more

Product 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

This user-friendly guide starts by helping you evaluate your underwater skills and walking you step by step through a typical certification program. Once you’re certified, it helps you pick a dive site, purchase and set up your equipment, and take care of any fears you might have. Then you’ll discover what to expect on your first dive – from which creatures are dangerous to how to protect fragile sea life. Scuba  Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies also covers these topics and more:

• Free diving
• Special breathing techniques
• Emergency procedures
• How to avoid the bends
• Handling dive anxiety
• The physics and chemistry of diving
• Staying healthy on dive trips
• Ocean ecosystems
• Rip tides and tidal waves
• Ten great dive destinations

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 (10)

What is the point of this book?
Seriously...who in their right mind would spend money and buy this book? You should be certified by a major agency like PADI or NAUI before diving i.e. you get their manuals as part of their training which tells you most of the things you need to know. The rest comes from practise and more advanced training. I think the Dummies series needs to stop wasting paper by printing these useless books and focus on topics where they are actually needed.

It's for Dummies, but...
This book was written for people who know little or nothing about scuba diving beyond the fact that they'd like to try it. It was meant to reassure them that it is fun, and well-within their capabilities. In spite of the title, it isn't for the kind of dummies who fail to grasp that concept.

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. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent dive guide
I enjoy the first-hand experiences of the authors' reviews for the divesites.Great advice and photos.Will be using their guide for many future trips.

nicely done
I don't know how long the specifics would be current, but even if some details change, it gives good info on how to research for your dive trip. I especially like the insight on air travel into or out of Europe. Admittedly, it does not cover every dive site there ever was, but it does a nice job hitting quite a few. I do not regret the purchase.

Focused on super luxury dive resorts.
Beautiful book with many places that look wonderful. However, if you are not wealthy, you probably cannot afford to stay at the five star places shown. Still, I found it enjoyable to read about these places and see the pictures. Includes a handy appendix that shows the best time of year to visit each country featured.

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. ... Read more

Product Description
A dive instructor is the first person to assess the general health and medical fitness of a prospective diver before he or she enters the water. Whether the diver is a recreational scuba diver, commercial, military or research diver, the same evaluation of physical fitness will apply.

Internationally recognized authors, surgeons and researchers Bennett, Cronje and Campbell collaborated on this new book, "Assessment of Diving Medical Fitness for Scuba Divers and Instructors", to provide instructors and divers a clear and concise reference addressing the principles behind the necessary medical considerations and related decisions on diving fitness. It will help instructors and active divers determine when the input from a diving physician is mandatory and how to sensibly screen prospective divers for medical problems.

"Assessment of Diving: Medical Fitness for Scuba Divers and Instructors" is also an excellent reference for first-time divers and experienced divers who may have medical questions related to their personal health and fitness. It is designed to provide advice in relatively simple non-medical language.

In the final analysis, it is the personal responsibility of each diver to make a decision whether or not to dive, and Bennett, Cronje and Campbell compiled this laymen’s guide for just that purpose. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Thoughts from an instructor...
Very informative book for those looking to go beyond the standard explainations. Superbly written and easy to understand

Good book on scuba medical fitness
My husband and I ordered this book to give to our physician who is not a diver. Haven't given it to him yet, but have reviewed it ourselves. Good for non-medical scuba divers also. Written in plain language and applies the physics of scuba to common personal health issues. We'd recommend it to any diver to round out their bookshelf.

Co-Author's Review
I jumped at the chance to write about medical fitness for divers and instructors when approached to do so by Peter Bennett. I've always admired Dr. Bennett's work and felt to be in great company with him and Frans Cronje.

Instructors are in the line of fire, so to speak, when deciding if a medical problem is germaine to the decision whether or not to dive. They should not be medically responsible, but certainly should know when and when not to ask for medical backup if a problem should arise with a diver. It is with this in mind that this book should be read and kept on the desktop for reference.

The book is easy to navigate, does not insult your intelligence by talking down but does speak in easily understood terms. I'm proud to have been a part of producing this needed addition to the scuba diver's library.

Ernest S Campbell, MD

Assessment of Diving Medical Fitness For Scuba Divers and Instructors is Excellent!
Assessment of Diving Medical Fitness For Scuba Divers and Instructors is an excellent book which should be read by all divers, scuba instructors, and diving physicians! It is filled with up to date information presented in a user friendly style but comprehensive enough to educate divers of all levels, both recreational and professional.I particularly like the emphasis that Dr. Bennett places on the need to evaluate each diver's individual medical, physical and psychological components of fitness and the fact that these components should be reassessed as the diver ages and/or progresses to more challenging levels of diving. As a thirty year veteran of diving, teaching SCUBA, EMS, and Dive Accident Management programs, I wish this book had been written a long time ago!"

Dr. Hillary Viders

... Read more

Product 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 (15)

Brazil
Excelente proposta da DAN. Sempre levo nos meus mergulhos (200+). Esse é o tipo de material que esperamos nunca usar. Mas em caso de emergência pode fazer muita diferença.

Good tool. One I hope I'll never use
It is smaller than I thought, therefore really easy to carry on your BC. It is sturdy and really easy to read and follow. The index makes finding the information you need really easy. I'll give it a read once every diving season and pack it along with the BC, hoping I'll never have to reach for it.

Not worth the money paid.
This is basically a very expensive simple first aid guide.If this book only cost $5.00 or less it would be worth the money.This book goes in depth about assessment, which is great, but it does not tell you what to do about items that are found abnormal in the assessment.The information in this book is very vague.I would recommend a better book.This book does fit nicely into a log book binder.

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. ... Read more

Product 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 (40)

Not just for beginners, it's for every diver!
I have over 200 dives, with over 1/4 of them in the last 7 months, and a PADI Master Scuba Diver rating.I really take exception to the one (or more) review that suggests this book is only for beginners (unless I'm a beginner, by their standards?).I just finished it and found it to be very worthwhile.The point of reading the book if you're an experienced diver is not to learn new facts about diving equipment or procedures, but to reflect after each accident story and ask yourself if you are currently, or ever have been, guilty of any of the offences that led to this person's accident.And for at least 1 or 2 of the accidents, the answer is that yes, I have been guilty of them either in the past or currently.As I was reading, I turned to my dive buddy* and discussed how we could avoid such an accident, as well as suggesting some very short and easy practice drills we can work into our next dives (If you're curious, they include a full share-air ascent from bottom to surface, including safety stop, which can be practiced at the end of any dive).I therefore would argue that EVERY diver should read this book, with an exception.I think that to properly understand what is being discussed in the scenarios, one should have some experience to begin with.So I'd recommend you have basic experience (perhaps 20 dives?) before reading.

*I am lucky to have a regular diving buddy, which is advantageous for safety.If you are often paired with strangers, I'd recommend you try to get yourself into a monogamous dive-buddy situation.Monogamy with diving partners reduces the risk ;-)

great book
I highly recommend Diver Down for beginners or moderately experienced recreational scuba divers.This book has a lot of practical information and advice, not just stories.

Should be required reading for diving certification
It is well written and concise.I wish I had read this book earlier as it would have saved me from some close calls.After each accident report, there is a section detailing the lessons learned from the mishap, and often a box adding information about a relevant topic (caves, wrecks, rebreathers, safety devices). The accidents range from absolutely reckless behavior (a teenager attempts a solo bounce dive to 125 ft while his friend distracts the instructor during a safety stop) to cases where seemingly well-prepared divers all of a sudden find themselves in trouble (in a strong current). I found it useful to ask myself after each chapter: Could this happen to me? If yes, what should I change in my diving procedures? When was the last time I checked my safety equipment? Am I sure that I am not pushing the limits in this or that respect? This is an extremely useful book, both for the actual diving knowledge it contains as well as a reminder how things can go wrong and how catastrophic that can be. I think of myself as an experienced about 200 dives..., skilled, and mostly pretty careful scuba diver. This book made me seriously reevaluate my diving practices. The book contains a number of accident descriptions with scenarios ranging from novice divers running out of air, divers taking unnecessary risks to poorly maintained equipment causing serious accidents. In some of the accidents, the protagonists survive with a serious scare and some hypothermia, in others they get seriously injured or pay with their lives. The book is written in a clear, sober and non-sensationalist style, but nevertheless the fact that the accidents are described with a focus on the individual human beings involved sent chills down my spine. It is psychologically so much more powerful to read "Jason tried to breathe from his regulator, but his tank was empty. He could not see his buddy." than to read the general advice to regularly monitor your air consumption and stay close to your dive partner.

Diver Down
EXCELLENT BOOK!I am a safe diver, but this book put me on edge to be so VERY much more conscious on overlooked errors.Not to the point of paranoia but I now question everyone I dive with and their gear & skill set, the dive masters. as well as my own. My set of dive partners is very small now.If ever there was a required reading text for divers of any school or level this would be my choice!- Desiree

A must-read for divers
I have re-read this book several times now, and find value each time I do.Each chapter of the book describes a unique (and real) diving accident, most of which end in fatalities.It provides a "post-mortem" analysis of each event, and each chapter ends with practical "lessons learned" from each of the incidents that one can apply to those specific (or even general) diving situations.The reviewer who said they learned all of this from reading "Shadow Divers" and "Deep Descent" is a moron, or at least not a diver. ... Read more

Product 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

Product Description

Customer Reviews (10)

OK coffee table book
Nice book with a fair number of pictures.The book can't decide if it is a travel advisory book or a coffee table book, and so misses on being great in either category.To be truly outstanding coffee table book, it would need more full page high quality photos.To be a truly outstanding travel advisory, it need more text and more opportunities for contact of dive operations/activities at each location.In the end, I found it to be a better coffee table book than a travel guide as many locations (that I have been to) had numerous omissions of services and local activities.

xmas present
my son seemed to like it- i am not a diver.he actually re-gited it to his dad (my ex), hoping his dad will take him to some of these places.

Awesome Dive Book
I love this book.It has some wonderful details not normally found in dive books, such as suggested dive operators and little bits of information that you normally wouldn't know about unless you'd traveled to that spot previously.Great photography!Of the places I've been that are in the book, I found the information the book provided to be accurate as well.Nice coffee-table book.Everyone who visits picks it up and has to read a few pages.

I dream about scuba diving
I am enjoying reading about places I have been and places I want to dive.Great compilation of dive reviews from around the world.

A fun book for a cold day
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it cover to cover within 2 days. It's a fast read. Each dive site gets about a 2 and 1/2 page description (some destinations get slightly more) with a dive expert giving a brief vignette on some of the highlights they have encountered at the site. The sites range from novice-friendly to much more complicated (for example, the first site listed is in Antarctica... not exactly luxury warm weather diving!!), but there is enough here to entertain divers of all levels.

If you are looking for an in depth analysis of a dive site, this probably isnt the right book for you. The descriptions are just too brief to use the book for that purpose. But if you're just looking for ideas... or if you have a particular large sea creature you are dying to sea (i.e. mola molas, humpbacks, various shark species), the book does a good job of pointing out places where you are more-likely to encounter them. It also hits on dive spots where the macro life is the highlight.

In response to one other's reviewers comments about not having a Red Sea or a Cuba destination, that comment is inaccurate. The Red Sea destination mentioned is Sha'ab Rumi, a location off the coast of Sudan. The author recommends a live aboard boat for this trip. For Cuba, the author recommends Jardines de la Reina, though he cautions US citizens who travel there that they do so at their own risk.

All in all, a fun book to read on a chilly winter day with a cup of coffee and a tired dog asleep at your feet (at least that's how I did it!). ... Read more

Product 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

Product Description

Customer Reviews (16)

An iteresting look into very deep diving
I enjoyed the book a great deal.I'm a recreational diver, a Scuba instructor, and I enjoy the sport immensely but I'm not a technical diver.I found it shocking at how soon in his diving career that David Shaw was doing deep technical dives.Even with out knowing his fate my thought would have been dead man walking (or swimming in this case).I was surprised at just how dangerous this sort of very deep diving can be.A doctor specializing in the physiology of deep diving and involved in some of this diving gave some statistics of the chances of injury of dives below 150 meters (492 feet) and the chance of death below 200 meters (656 feet).And those statistics showed themselves in this book.It was an interesting read of the build up to the final dives in Bushman's Hole. But it was also rather tragic in my opinion.Shaw died (leaving a family) while trying to recover the body of a diver who had been at the bottom for 10 years.His good friend, instructor and dive buddy, Don Shirley, was very seriously injured on the same dive in which Shaw was killed.And really for what?Going deep for the sake of going deep.In any case it was an interesting read and a good glimpse into that world of very deep technical diving.

The hubris of daredevildom
I'm an avid diver, with almost 400 dives under my weight belt, yet I still haven't got my Advanced.I started diving at the age of 48.Dave Shaw was doing extremely dangerous dives very soon after he started diving: going to extreme depths around his fiftieth dive, etc.In spite of this, he may have survived on that body-recovery dive in a sinkhole in Sth Africa if literally everything hadn't gone wrong.This is a suspenseful story, well-written and definitely of great interest to anyone into diving and the potential for disaster while diving (it's a morbid curiosity of mine to imagine all the things that could possibly go wrong whilst diving).

Must read for divers!
Diving Into Darkness is a page turner! All divers should read as a reminder of the thrill and danger of the sport.

Excellent story
This book does an excellent job of telling the story, presenting the perfect level of technical information for non or beginning level divers, and conveying the personal passion people develop for any sport truly they love.And as with any activity, there are always risks involved. (I am a trimix certified technical diver (good to 220') working on my next level of certification.)

A fantastic biography of David Shaw's diving achievements.
This book is a fantastic piece written about David Shaw's diving accomplishments. It is impossible to put down and can be read within a few days. The book can easily be read by anyone with any interest in diving. There is no need for a technical knowledge base prior to reading the book.

I give it a strong 5 out of 5 stars. Well done, Phillip Finch. ... Read more

Product Description
Surveys the history, equipment, techniques, risks, and safety factors of scuba diving. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a guide to the "Gold Coast" of Florida, from Palm Beach to Miami, describing dives to ledges, shipwrecks, and natural and artificial reefs. With special sections on drift diving, beach diving and the changes wrought by Hurrican Andrew, the book offers 31 dives in the area. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Reference For Diving in Southeastern Florida
This book is a good reference source about diving in southeastern Florida.Because of the Keys, many people don't realize the quality of diving that can be found off the coast of Miami/Ft. Lauderdale.The book describesmany sites in detail and also provides depth, visibility, and difficultyinformation. ... Read more

Product Description
An account of some of the wildest, most x-treme sportmen in recent memory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Im reading the same story over and over...
I liked his writing style, and his stories are very exciting. But i feel like im reading the same fishing story over and over again. which creates a lack of interest half way through the book.

Excellent Book
This book changed my life! I grew up in SE LA fishing my whole life, always wondering what was underneath the water, after reading Humberto's book, I decided to try it out. Granted Humberto exagerates some, but that's what makes it such an entertaining read.

I now spearfish the rigs on a regular basis, and it's the most fun I've had since i was a kid. All of the local spearfishing clubs are full of a great bunch of guys as well, including the ones mentioned in the book.

If you have an interest in Louisiana fishing / diving / or spearfishing, you need to read this book.

Immature and shallow minded
Sad example of how some men are brainwashed into thinking that destroying life somehow proves their manhood.And the larger the physical body they kill, the more admiration/love they feel for themselves.(Fontana actually believes this is how most other people think, and at one point says a big kill is how to get "the best poon-tang".He says the only thing that is changed is how money replaced the animal body.I'm here to say the reality of what is the "best" sex or the "best" man is vastly different for many of us...including those who farm, hunt, and fish.)

I have nothing against hunting and killing when it is done with skill and respect for animals, and done with the intent of providing food--which is the within the natural order of life.Unfortunately, the following typifies Fontova's attitude."You see a huge cobia or amberjack lumbering by--schlink--Ba-LOOOM!! and the big sucker stops in his tracks.Must be the same rush as shooting an elephant between the eyes from close range--POW!--and watching him collapse like a dynamited building."Seeing the demise of an intelligent, magnificent creature does not give me a rush.Neither does pretending to be in a death battle with fish who do not have our brains or tools, and as a group (marine species particularly), are being depleted much faster than they can restock and survive.The hunters and fishermen/women I admire are heavily into conservation, killing with as little pain as possible, and don't think seeing somebody about get himself killed is something to brag about.This guy couldn't hold a candle to them.

Fontana talks about using various weapons and giving the fish a chance, fighting "mano a mano".Give me a break.They're stupid fish.There is no real contest here, just a brainless desire to find excitement in the chosen possibility of death, dismemberment, and pain.And when not feeling the desire for that kind of excitement, the "rush of strutting around with serious firepower" will do (i.e. just reminding himself who has the greater killing ability can make him happy).Of course, risking the "icy clutch of danger" is further improved by "serious buzzing" and routine drugging of one form or another.I can't imagine who taught this man these are the ways prove himself worthy among "men".If I didn't know better, I'd think he was a teenager--which is how I came across the book--a seventeen year old kid gave it to me to read. I am so glad most "action" writers I've come across have more spiritual, emotional, and global awareness than Fontova and are better role models for youth.

If glorifying death isn't reason enough to skip this book, try Fontova's attitude on what makes a life worth living.He thinks people come down to Louisiana and get mysteriously transformed for the better by having the desire to do nothing but eat, drink, and get laid.Here's his amusing anecdote to sum up that philosphy."An old Cajun put it a little more bluntly.'If you can't eat 'em or F--- 'em, they're worthless."I wonder if he ever considers God's opinion or interpretation of creation.There are certainly no signs of that in this book.

I think I'll go back and reread "Wildlife Wars".Funnier, with more variety, and written by an honorable man who chose to do battle and test himself over things that really matter.Check out Terry Grosz and you'll see what I mean.

A nice trip
Thank you Doug Terry for telling me that triggerfish won't chew my earlobes off!I actually had a nightmare over that one!

As a recreational scuba diver and spearfisherman on Florida's east coast, I found the book a little shy of technical details.For example, what gas mixes did they use, how many of 'em spent time in a decompression chamber, etc. As a quarter-cuban waterman who grew up in Miami and the Florida Keyes, I could relate to many of the scenes in the story.

I was impressed by the writing of Humberto Fontova. It took me back to my youth, and really makes you appreciate the bonds between your buddies.Guys need to get together for some brutal backbreaking, boat pounding, bloody carnage, and beverage-consuming adventure action, every now and then, it's what we do!

The timing of my read, after Hurricane Katrina's devastation, makes you feel for these folks, who truly enjoy life at its best.I wish them all speedy recovery, and hope that all his buddies can find their old sandbar to relax on.....

Just a little too guilty of a pleasure
Mix one part Rodney the Shark Guy, one part Ted Nugent, and two parts your uncle who always seems to have those tall tales, and you wind up with this wild ride through the spear-fishing haunts of Humberto Fontova.

On the surface, it's about about a bunch of guys who just won't grow up and go deep see fishin' (the hard way) off the oil rigs.And it doesn't really get any deeper than that, but does it need to?(And who knew oil platforms had the ecological side benefit of turning into reefs?)

No grand moralizing, just a couple fun guys and their fish tales.You'll be surprised at how hard it is to put down. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Scuba Diving Explained
Book was in tip top shape; expensive at $75 but probably fair as it is out of print; arrived in a timely manner.

For advanced divers, more than a regular diver needs to know
This book explains scuba diving in much more detail than required by your average recreational diver.Too bad it is out of print.

Great addition to my dive library
Clearly and concisely written, covering physics as well as the basics in dive physiology.Excellent follow up the the basics taught in the open water classes.This book is a must read for all open water divers, after getting a few dives under your belt.

The authoritative book on scuba diving.
At 49, I finally began my dive certification classes and had many questions regarding the physiology and the effects of pressure on the body of moving in a liquid world.This book was an invaluable source of information and easy to read for the layperson without a medical background.From the early orgins of diving to modern scuba equipment, the medical aspects of pressure on your body, effects and prevention of squeezes, and information on decompression sickness is explained clearly and understandably for the reader.It also contains quizzes and interesting facts on diving.If you are a new diver or a seasoned one and if you can find this book, add it to your library.It is a wealth of information for the scuba diver.

A great book on the physiology of SCUBA diving.
This book explains in detail what is only given a cursory review in most open water SCUBA classes.It thoroughly explains the physics, physiology and medical aspects of SCUBA in a detailed, but easy to understand way that any open water diver can understand. ... Read more

Product Description

The nutrient-rich waters off the Northern California coast support a kaleidoscope of colourful fish and invertebrates sheltered by dense kelp forests, underwater canyons, inshore pinnacle and offshore rocky reefs. Playful sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters are just a few of the other attractions that divers regularly enjoy. This book describes 46 of the best scuba and free-diving sites throughout Central and Northern California - including Monterey Bay, Carmel Bay, and the Big Sur, Sonoma and Mendocino coasts - with full-color photos throughout.

• You'll get specific information on:
  
• Dive site depth range and conditions
• Common and hazardous marine life
• Diving services, campgrounds & state parks
• Equipment and safety, plus expert advice on underwater photography
• 10 easy-to-read maps

Customer Reviews (3)

Snorkeling Guide?This has nothing to do with Snorkeling
I bought this book and the Diving and Snorkeling Guide to the Cayman Islands sight unseen.Ususaly Lonely Planet has great books but not this time.This is a dive guide, not a snorkeling guide.Putting Snorkeling into the title is a blatent attempt to sell more books.There is almost no info about where to snorkel in Monterey or Northern California.Instead, the info is just about diving.Info about diving a site that is in 75 feet (etc..) of water has nothing to do with being able to snorkel it.

Good general reference, locals and tourists.
This is a great overview of the most popular Monterey/Carmel dives, with accurate dive information/directions and good guidance regarding levels of expertise.I've sent this to "warm-water-only" diver friends and made a few converts -- it's not shy about the cold water (easily dealt with by proper gear), but shows off the majesty of kelp beds and the delights of diving with seals, sea lions and sea otters to advantage.

More experienced buddies who thought they knew it all about particular dives have been skeptical watching me (a relative novice) pull this out of my bag, but after review commented that it's an excellent resource for dive planning (e.g., depths, navigation, surge, what to look for).For a tourist to the area wanting to get in a bit of diving, a great resource to supplement a local guide.For us locals, a nice addition to word-of-mouth, an end to playing "guess the species," and a great resource when arguing about where to dive next time .

A great resource for diving in Monterey/North Coast
I regularly dive the monterey area and I was looking for more information about the area, and the north coast. This book was great! Beautiful pictures and great information. The book works very well for deciding on a place to dive, and is a great reference for finding new dive sites. ... Read more

Product Description
For a comprehensive wreck diving course, Complete Wreck Diving is an excellent companion text. Starting with the types of ships and how wrecks deteriorate, Keatts and Skerry cover a broad range of topics in an organized and progressive manner.

Included are sections on researching and finding wrecks; specialized equipment and configurations; pre-dive preparations; what to look for and expect in a charter boat; diving the wreck with special emphasis on hazards and navigation; what clues to look for to help identify a wreck; artifact recovery and conservation; legal ramification of diving wrecks and removing artifacts; special techniques for photographing wrecks.

Written in an engaging style with ample use of the authors’ first hand experiences, even veteran wreck divers will find much valuable information in Complete Wreck Diving. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Nice overview
I was expecting to learn something about the subject of wreck diving.A book titled "Complete Wreck Diving"should be more than a general overview of the subject with little details or specifics. The author thought it was important to let his readers know at great detail that it would be important to learn how to read a chart to find a shipwreck. In a word Duh!

This book would have been better titled "Wreck Diving for Dummies"there is very little here that a diver contemplating wreck diving would not have thought about and there is very little information in this book on the subject.

While that may be a harsh review I did read the whole book and I enjoyed the last chapter on artifact restoration, it had real world solutions to real problems.A beginning wreck diver might want this book to at least learn what the questions are that would require some other book or books to answer.

Confusing and disappointing.
My very first reaction on receiving this book was one of considerable disappointment. According to the brief biographies on the back cover, the two co-authors were set to compliment each other in providing an excellent product with Keatts being the oceanographic and historic expert and Skerry the National Geographic standard photographer. In addition, I personally regard books produced by Aqua Press as being amongst the world's best on the subject of scuba diving. Unfortunately, on this occasion, all three have fallen a long way short of the mark.

None of the photographs within the book are in colour, few are sharp. Furthermore, the reproduction of those pictures is of an inferior quality. The type set is large and the paper quality also poor. These are the standards of scuba diving books from over 40 years ago and are no longer acceptable. Not a very good start and anyone browsing this book in a bookstore is unlikely to purchase.

Had this book been about a specific collection of wrecks in a certain area or about artefacts taken from wrecks, I might have understood the purpose of the product. Instead, the book seeks to teach the reader about Wreck Diving and I took delivery in the expectation of learning something about that subject. I may have been an active wreck diver for well over 30 years, but all experience is relative and I am always willing to learn from others. In many instances throughout this work, the co-authors are reliant on poorly reproduced photographs to convey a message. If I were to summarise that message in one word it would have to be "obscure!"

Quite frankly, these authors have both the experience and the abilities to provide a much better product and I suggest they go back to the drawing board and start again.

NM

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. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Great gift for a diver
I know nothing about diving, but I know a diver. For her birthday, I gave her this book, not as a substitute for experience, but as a stimulus for trip ideas. She loved it, and I can tell, not because she told me, but because when I go to her house, I see the wear on a book that's clearly being enjoyed over and over again.

If you like Diving
Diving: The World's Best SitesI gave this to my husband for a Christmas gift.He loved it.I don't dive but he loves it.He just got certified last year and this book gives him a lot of ideas on where to go for good diving.This book is only useful to someone who dives.Not for a vacation guide.

Don't ask questions-just buy it....
Read it cover to cover Christmas day-and over and over since

Very nice pictures and summaries
This is a good book for divers.It lists all the pertinent info about each site (i.e. water temp, sites to see, best time to visit, etc).I would definitely recommend buying this book.The pictures are awesome!

a great book
A really good book with great pictures. A source of inspiration if you're planning a diving trip. Obviously written by someone who really enjoys diving and knows what he's talking about. A lot of practical advice too. Amust for divers! ... Read more