Book Description

Located off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsular in the warm, tropical waters of the western Caribbean, Cozumel Island, with its crystalline waters and colorful reefs, boasts some of the best diving in the world. From the grand coral canyons of Palancar Reef to the botanical wonderland of Chankanab, Cozumel continues to be a top destination for all levels of underwater exploration. This guidebook, illustrated with full-color photos, describes some of the most popular and interesting dive sites Cozumel has to offer.

• You'll get specific information on:
  
• depth and water condition
• suggested diving expertise
• insider safety tips
• common and hazardous marine life
• island dive operations
• top-side practicalities, from accommodations to weather and natural history

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

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!

very beautiful & great
i want to know what site for the best diving.because i just pass the diving license. ... Read more

Book 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 (2)

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

Book Description

On a dense, foggy, late July evening in 1956, the Italian-flagged cruise liner Andrea Doria, bound for New York, was struck broadside by another cruise ship. After an agonizing eleven hours, the relentless sea would drag her down, settling the Doria uneasily into the murky Atlantic ocean floor nearly two hundred and fifty feet below. AmazingIy, due to a daring and fevered rescue operation byher oceangoing brethren, only fifty-one of the more than 1,700 people on board both ships were killed in the collision. Years have passed since that tragedy, yet the Andrea Doria is still taking lives.

Deep Descent

Drawn by the sirens call of adventure, a small but fanatical group of extreme scuba divers has long challenged the Andrea Doria, pushing themselves far beyond the limits of recreational divers, up to the very limits of human endurance. Not all of them have succeeded. In Deep Descent, an author and frequent Doria diver Kevin McMurray takes you inside this elite club, offering an unsparing and unsentimental exploration ofthose men and women who dare to go deeper, farther, and closer to the edge than prudence or common sense might allow.

Considered the Mt. Everest of diving, the Andrea Doria is the ultimate deepwater wreck challenge -- lying in an area long known as the Bermuda Triangle of the Northeast, some fifty miles south of Nantucket Island and two hundred miles east of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. This region, no stranger to disaster, is fog-shrouded and prone to sudden changes of wind, weather, and tide. In addition to many shipping disasters, it has borne mute witness to such recent tragedies as the fatal crash of John F. Kennedy Jr.'s small plane and the mysterious downing of EgyptAir Flight 990. It is an area that guards its secrets well, only surrendering its treasures to the bravest ormost determined seekers.

Told with a vivid and startling clarity, Deep Descent is a story of courage and bravado, of the human spirit overcoming human frailty, and of fearsome risks traded for a hardwired adrenaline rush. With each page, McMurray draws us deeper into the cold heart of the unforgiving sea, giving us a powerful vision of a place to which few will ever have the skills or the daring to go. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

Great read -- a real page-turner
After reading "Shadow Divers", I was drawn to read more about the people and about diving the Andrea Doria."Deep Descent" is a well-written account of the people and dangers of deep wreck diving on the Andrea Doria by an author who has personally dived the wreck several times and interviewed all of the significant players.Once I started, it was hard to put this book down.It is a great read for diver and non-diver alike.

The focus is on the personalities and the emotions driving those involved and how they were a factor in many of the deaths for this dangerous dive.It recounts interesting personalities of the dive boat captains and key Doria divers, their competition, and their concerns.It includes both sides of many issues whose schisms are clear in some of the other books.It is not a travelogue of the ship itself nor is it very technical -- neither detracts from the enjoyment of the book and allows it to retain its appeal for non-divers.He also talks about how advances in diving gases and equipment have made such deep dives safer and reachable for less experienced divers, yet divers continue to die for many of the same fundamental reasons -- driven to the limits of their abilities and beyond.

If you want a book on the technical aspects of deep wreck diving, or accounts of the scenery of the wreck, this is not your book.Otherwise, you will find this a very enjoyable read.

Not worth it
There are many other books about real - and harrowing - experiences diving that are much better written.A true disappointment - don't bother.

Very good diver's book
Kevin McMurray produced an exciting and revealing account of the men and women who dive the Andrea Doria. Its a very good book for people just getting into the sport, because it deals with the pioneers.

Gripping and well-written but was too terse at times
This was a great book from two standpoints. As a reader, I appreciated how well-organized the book was. The chapters are not broken down chronologically but rather by weaving important ideas into a coherent story about the history of diving the Doria. McMurray knows exactly how to turn possibly hundreds of hours of interviews into a suspenseful adventure for the reader. As someone who has just started diving, it was a great way to cement some of the lessons taught by my instructors regarding panic under water, narcosis, and equipment malfunctions/hazards. This is also a great book if you want to read about some legendary divers in the 80s and 90s. McMurray paints a detailed and honest picture of the book's characters, allowing the reader to step into their shoes and understand their motivations. Thankfully, he didn't seem to baby the reader when it came to explaining the science behind the risks of diving. As a diver himself, he kept the explanations short and simple for those who are not already familiar with the concepts. The only drawback of the book is McMurray's sometimes sparse recountings. Parts of the book were very matter-of-fact as if it were taken out of a newspaper article when I wished he could provide more detail. However, these parts didn't detract from the overall good quality of the writing.

All in all, a great read for anyone interested in the Andrea Doria, deep wreck diving, or a piece of diving history.

Disappointing
I read this book after reading Shadow Divers. Technically, this book cannot even begin to compete. I would not recommend it. ... 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
A scientific monograph on diving physics and associated math relationships. Topics are related to diving protocols and operational procedures. First basic principles are presented; this is followed by practical applications and detailed results. Designed for the commercial diver, instructor, hyperbaric technician, or underwater researcher searching for a contained reference and especially the doctor, physiologist, physicist, chemist, mathematician, engineer, or biologist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Diving for the Physicist
This book may benefit a physicist but probably offers little benefit to a diver or dive instructor.It has been a while since my math and physics classes and I found this volume daunting.If elementary particel interacton, hydrodynamics or maxwell equations are of interest to you then get this book.If you looking for usefull dive information or explanations look elswhere.

boring but does the trick
This book isn't exactly a leisurely reading book, but if you're interested in knowing just how everything works it will do the job.

In-depth review of physics applied to diving
Obviously written for readers with a sound scientific background, this book presents a quasi exhaustive review of physical principles applied to diving. Mathematical data are fully presented. The problem, as usual withB.R. Wienke publications, is that the presentation is quite"dry", written in a very cursive, non pedagogical way. You willoften need to take your time and to read very slowly and carefully tofollow the author. Leaving that aspect aside, the book is a real sum ofwhat you need to know if you want to dive with mathematical awareness ... ... Read more

Book Description
Nitrox has gained wide acceptance in the recreational scuba diving community over the past few decades.While it is widely used by the military as well as technical, commercial and scientific divers, the techniques, procedures, and tables have been refined to the point that with training, nitrox diving can be safe and enjoyable for the recreational open-circuit scuba diver.

This authoritative guide provides in-depth discussions of physics, physiology, oxygen toxicity and oxygen limits.It reviews the latest safeguards and procedures, equipment considerations, and guides the reader through easy-to-follow nitrox dive planning examples.Included are nitrox planning tables plus the latest NOAA oxygen limits.This book is a must for every certified or prospective nitrox diver. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Somebody messed up the MOD table (3-2, p37)
This is really a very good book which is unfortunately the victim of a flawed table that was not caught during the editing process.Three of the columns in the "Maximum Operating Depth" table (3-2 on page 37), corresponding to PO2 Max of 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 list a depth of 130+ in every cell from EAN24 to EAN40.This is not only impossible, but fairly obviously so when noting that depth numbers for a given line should decrease moving right to left (less conservative to more conservative).One can create their own corrected MOD table by using the following equation:

MOD = 33*((PO2/FO)-1)

where:MOD is Maximum Operating Depth (in feet)
PO2 is Partial Pressure of Oxygen (i.e. 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 . . . 1.6)
FOis Fraction of Oxygen (i.e. 0.24, 0.26, 0.28 . . . 0.40)

The author uses standard rounding, but you can round down for a more conservative table if desired.But don't take my word for any of this.Every diver is ultimately responsible for themselves.Check your own gear, verify your own blend, derive the equation yourself so you can see where it comes from and don't take anything for granted.I'm not so surprised that the table is bad as I am that four people gave the book 5-star reviews, apparently without even noticing that fact.

Aside from the above issue, the book is well written and has a great deal of useful info.The photos and diagrams are clear and there is even a glossary of the terms and acronyms that were used.Overall the writing is concise and well organized and the calculation examples are simple and easy to follow.I recommend "Recreational Nitrox Diving", not as a substitute for a certification course in NITROX, but as a compact, handy reference on the subject.

Straight up
This book is great for a quick overview of nitrox diving.If you dont know to much much about nitrox diving this book will be great for you.It offers alot of information in a very understandable way.

Good nitrox info
This book is probably the best value for your money right now if you want to learn to dive with nitrox. I also read another online nitrox course booklet and attended a NAUI nitrox course, and this book was better than either one alone, though they did add new things to my understanding of nitrox and scuba diving in general.

Contains inaccuracies
I bought this book in preparation for diving Nitrox on a dive vacation.One of the tables simply did not make sense.I contacted the publisher, who, after at least 2 emails from me, provided me with corrections by .pdf file.I subsequently asked the publisher how it intended to address the clear inaccuracies in this book and received no response.Further, although the publisher includes errata for certain books on its website (www.bestpub.com), despite my notification of these errors, it has issued no similar errata for "Recreational Nitrox."In my opinion, anyone relying upon this book without inquiring into the validity of the information provided therein is misplacing their reliance.

GREAT LITTLE BOOK
Makes Nitrox really simple.
All you need to know.
Gave me enough info to pass my TDI cert. ... Read more

Book Description
Safety must be a priority for all divers. This begins with preparedness and proper techniques. This book was written to include most, if not all, commonly encountered problems a diver may be faced with, and how to deal with them. Medically related scuba diving conditions are thoroughly reviewed and the on-site treatment is outlined for each specific ailment. In addition, a detailed review is presented of ways to identify a problem in the water, search for a victim, in-water artificial ventilation, exiting with a victim, and a whole host of other specific emergency management protocols.

"On Site Management of Scuba Diving and Boating Emergencies" will help the rescuer tip the balance in favor of the victim. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Author's Review
'On-Site Management of Scuba Diving and Boating Emergencies' was specifically written for the average layman to use as a referrence while evaluating, managing or stabalizing a victim or eventuality during a scuba diving or boating emergency.It is presented in an 'easy to understand' format and covers needed equipment, management protocols, and important tips for divers, boaters, and travelers.This single source covers a library of information.A must for all divers and boaters.

Must Read for all divers
Excellent Text. Will help keep you and your dive buddy safe. If there is a problem you can be prepared.Easy to read for all divers.You need to read this so you can help yourself.Its a long boat ride to shore. ... Read more

Product Description
"In order to appreciate the Symphony of the Sea,
One must understand each of the Instruments of Nature."

SCUBA Dictionary is your underwater adventure guide. Each volume profiles 40 species of fish, corals, plants and invertebrates detailing their unique features and reinforcing these points with corresponding photographs. Divers are instructed on how to locate, conserve, and photograph the species profiled in order to better enjoy their dive. The book is completely waterproof and tear resistant, perfect for taking along on your next dive or just as something to read on your surface interval.

* 5 Year Warranty on the life of the book

* Waterproof + Tear Resistant (perfect for dive boats)

* At 3" x 4" it fits easily into your BC pocket or dive bag.

* Gives you 'something to do' while diving

* Helps connect new divers with the explosion of life around them

* Contains general tips to enhance divers skills

* Identifies highly poisonous marine species

* Covers 40 different species of fish, invertebrates, corals, and plants found in the Caribbean Sea

* Contains interesting facts about different behaviors and characteristics of marine species identified

* Gives instructions on where and how to find species profiled.

* Unique tips help to rejuvenate interest in divers who have 'seen it all before'
... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Great resource, clever idea!
Waterproof materials, GREAT photos, extremely useful information.I would recommend this clever reference guide to any diver.I can't wait for more scuba dic volumes!Retractable device a must, too.... places marine species identification literally at your fingertips.

Useful tool
I was skeptical at first when I saw this, but I was getting bored just knowing the names of the fish I came across.I thought this would turn out like Fish Flips(eg only names of fish listed for each pic), but it has a LOT more to offer.There are written descriptions for each pic, that don't just list facts, but also explain how to find & approach sea life (eg. Size, time of day, hiding spots/location, animals behavior, etc.), I found this really useful, because after tooling around with my camera, I was getting tired of only getting snapshots of fishtails.The book held up great UW; the pages just got sticky bc I didn't rinse it off initially, but I left it overnight in fresh water and there was no problem after that. Since i started taking along scuba dic for dives, it's been abused more times than tina turner, & its still in good shape....thus far. I do think it's better to get familiar with it on your surface interval vs trying to learn underwater. But all in all, it's a really good idea.

What a rip off
SCUBA dic is a rip off from Fish Flips and twice the price.The pages tore as soon as I opened it!
The corners are sharp and it's flimsy to use.The photo's are nice, but why would I want to look at photo's while I'm diving?

Take me under the sea!
Scuba Dic.: Caribbean Sea, Vol. 1

I picked up this book in my daughter's apartment.Although I have never been scuba diving, I lost myself in the wonderful photos.It made me anxious to study the names of all of the interesting sea creatures featured.Several of my friends go diving on their vacations and this will be the perfect gift for each of them!The fact that it is water proof makes it extra special and unique.

I have to start diving!
After many years of attempted convincing, a friend of mine sent me this book to motivate me to scuba dive.After one look at this book, all my hesitations for diving have vanished. I am ready to get certified! This clever, waterproof book is self explanatory and is an incredible learning tool for novice divers.The pictures are beautiful and it will help me navigate the deep blue sea! ... Read more

Book Description
Everything one could possibly want to know about Great Lakes diving is contained on over 400 pages. Included are the locations and descriptions of over 900 dive sites -- about 800 of them shipwrecks, with each vessel's history and a description of its dramatic demise.

This diving guide covers the St. Lawrence River, all five of the Great Lakes (Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior), all inconnecting waterways and inland dive sites throughout the Great Lakes region, for all levels of divers from novice to technical diving.

Also in this book are features on "The Hunt for Great Lakes Shipwrecks," "Great Lakes Marine Conservation," "The History of the Zebra Mussel Invasion," as well as information about scuba dive shops and charter boats!

This massive book is a clearinghouse for Great Lakes scuba diving information which divers from all parts of the country are finding increasingly appealing for planning their dive trips.This fact-filled book is a must-have for anyone contemplating scuba diving in the Great Lakes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great wreck divers guide
This book has a ton of info on hundereds of dive sites in the great lakes! Primarily focuses on the fascinating wrecks that can be found in the lakes.
Major sites have a small blurb about the history of the wreck and a small black/white picture or map/drawing. LORAN location and lats and lons. Suggested dive profiles.
All sites have a depth and suggested experience level for the dive and a brief discription. Sites are grouped together by location and international borders are ignored - great for both US and Canadian divers! Some info about dive operators and accomodations to certain areas.
Overall, an excellent resource! I'll never be able to dive all the interesting sites in one lifetime. Provides enough info to spark a desire to explore the site but doesn't give too much away. ... Read more

Book Description
Famous walls; incredibly clear, calm, warm waters; 58 dive sites including Klein Bonaire. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Terrific Book!
Very pleased with the content of this book!There are extensive details about the location, underwater terrain and marine life of 58 of Bonaire's dive sites.There is also a section on lodging, restaurants, dive centers, grocery shopping... right down to where to get the best local ice cream!We're diving Bonaire in April and I've already chosen some of those must-dive sites!

Information is too old to be useful
This book was published in 1991.Unfortunately in November 1999, Hurricane Lenny inflicted a massive underwater storm surge on Bonaire that destroyed many of the dive & snorkel sites referenced in this book.Many sites have nothing to look at until 30' depth.I also found this book to be lacking in local color.

The best book on Bonaire diving & snorkeling is "Shore Diving Made Easy" that you can buy for US$10 at the island dive shops. It is up to date with recommended entry/exit points and suggested landmarks while diving.

Good review of dive sites
I bought this book before going to Bonaire in the summer of 2002.Our group of 4 used it extensively during our stay there and found it very useful in describing the different dive sites.The book does a very good job of describing how to find the shore diving sites, where to park, how to enter the water and what to expect in the water.There is a good map and good broad overviews of the island, the culture, marine life, hotels and resturants.I would definitely recommend this book to anyone planning to go to Bonaire.

Not bad, but there are better guides available
I bought both this book and the Schnabel "Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Bonaire."This book was by far the better of the two, with more information (both diving and non-diving), excellent pictures, and just overall a better guide to diving on Bonaire.If you only take one guide, this should be it.

An excellent book from two experts.
Many people go to Bonaire for their vacation without visiting either Aruba or Curacao (the other two islands in the group known as the "ABC Islands"), so it is nice to see Bonaire as a separate Diving Guide and not included as an afterthought.

"Diving Bonaire" measures 10" x 7" and is another guide in the medium size format favoured by Aqua Quest. These particular publishers set high standards and demand all contributing authors/photographers maintain those standards at all times. This is, therefore, another worthy addition to the series.

The book is well laid out and includes a liberal sprinkling of high-quality photographs which bring colour to almost every page. Commencing with a brief history of Bonaire's past and present, the book then goes on to include all that useful information required by any potential visitor - currency, climate, getting there, entry & exit requirements, telephones, shopping, and time difference. Chapter 2 concentrates on accommodations and diving facilities and this is followed by a further chapter devoted to dining.

Chapter 4 is an overview of what the diver can expect to find underwater. This really sets the scene and includes such important information as temperature, visibility, depths, moorings, reefs, boat dives, shores dives, skill levels, equipment and more besides.

In chapter 6 we get down to specifics. This commences with a map of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire across two-pages on which are marked no fewer than 56 principle dive sites. Curiously, this is followed by brief notes on 58 sites and this gives rise to my one minor criticism - namely that Nos 57 and 58 (rated as being "For Professionals Only") are not shown on the map.

With a final chapter devoted to Marine Life, the book then concludes with a number of Appendices containing that all-important emergency information, useful numbers and a list of diving facilities.

Altogether, this book contains all the information the potential visitor to Bonaire will require when contemplating such a trip. As I said, only one minor criticism, but not enough to deprive these authors of a well-earned 5 star rating because they have used the word "guide" to the best possible effect. This is a first rate diving guide to Bonaire. All the information is there to allow you to consider carefully whether or not Bonaire will be your next diving destination. If you decide against visiting this splendid island, it will not be through any failing within this book.

NM

... Read more

Book Description
Rod Farb, a PADI divemaster with decades of diving experience, has led innumerable dive trips to the wrecks off the North Carolina Coast. Shipwrecks is the chronicle of his underwater adventures diving the "Graveyard of the Atlantic." Now, this acknowledged classic is in its second edition, with over 100 new pages of additional information. Farb's accounts of eight new wreck dives have been added, along with an extensive description of the expedition dive of the great Civil War ship the U.S.S. Monitor. Divers and historians will find this completely revised and updated second edition, with almost 80 near shore and offshore wreck sites, to be the best volume on shipwrecks in the regions. This edition of Shipwrecks features: A comprehensive overview of each wreck, instructions for diving from both a boat and the beach, vivid descriptions of Rod Farb's underwater adventures, masterful underwater photographs and illustrations as well as appendixes with information about underwater photography, charter dive services, the divers alert network, and state and federal statutes governing underwater salvage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This should be standard equipment to dive NC!
I've had this book since it was released in 1991. I actually met Rod Farb at a NC Diving Event. I live in NC and do a fair amount of diving off the coast and always, always, always take this book with me.

Rod's knowledge and experience is evident in every page. The author gives a brief history of each wreck, exact coordinates to locate the wreck, how the wreck rests at the bottom, and unique facts about the resting site. The book also include dive charters all over the Carolina's and a great resource guide.

When I say brief history, I mean to the point and concise but the author tells you interesting facts, such as, what company built the ship, other names the ship had, how it came to rest in the graveyard of the Atlantic. In some of the shipwrecks he retells accounts of the crew and their rescue or demise.

Each wreck listed has everything you need to know to plan your day of diving and develope a safe fun dive plan. From depth of the water the wreck is resting in, to the artifacts you can discover in the sand, and if you can retrieve anything from the wreck. He even shows diagrams and pictures of the layout of the wreck on the bottom of the ocean.

This is a facinating book if your interested in shipwrecks of all kinds and a must have if you are an avid scuba diver off the coast of NC. All sorts of wrecks are contained in the pages of this book from the purposely sunk for artifical reefs, to the casualties of storms, and the fatalities of War.

See you on the bottom!
girldiver:)

Good wreck histories and descriptions
Having lived on the Outer Banks growing up, but not getting into diving until recent years, I was suprised at the extent of the wrecks off the North Carolina Coast, and the WWII historical perspective.On the positive side, this book presents an extensive history of many of the wrecks, depths, temperatures, and dive charters operating to the wrecks.On the negative side, I was expecting more gear and equipment recommendations, and explanation of techniques used on the wrecks, but didn't find it.

"THE" book for the beginning and experienced wreck diver!
Extremely well written and packed with lots of useful information. My only regret is that I did not have this book before I went on my first wreck dive. Book goes into detail on wrecks up and down the NC coast - a must for anyone with an interest in diving the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Not only are wrecks given a full review, but also charter companies with boat specs and strengths and weaknesses of each charter.You cannot call yourself a serious wreck diver without this wreck bible.

One of the best references for the Atlantic diving community
Mr. Farb has imparted an impressive degree of research and personal diving experience in this second edition to his original 1985 work.The reader will find comprehensive histories of each wreck featured, detailed maps ofthe wrecks as they presently exist, and useful advice on how to dive eachwreck.Even sport fishermen will find this work useful, as each wreckdescription contains useful information on what species inhabits the area. Experienced divers and recreational fishermen are yearning for a 3rdedition, however, since time and weather have impacted many of these wrecksand some mysteries have been solved, such as the location of the"Ario" wreck, while new mysteries have been uncovered (are thePapoose and Hutton wrecks reversed?).Additionally, each wreck descriptionshould include precise GPS or Loran coordinates to assist first timevisitors to the wreck sites. Many locations in the 2nd edition, whenprovided, are often inadequate for the reader to find the wrecks.

A must-get book for wreck divers
Rod Farb has long been known as one of the experts on finding and exploring shipwrecks.This book passes some of his knowledge onto the rest of the diving community, as well as to anybody interested in maritime history. Farb has obviously done an excellent job of researching his material. 'Shipwrecks' doesn't just contain a list of wreck descriptions, as other similar books do.In addition, Farb has written some narrative about the history of each ship that gives the reader a feel for the vessel itself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Limited and outdated information in a handy size.
As a master diver who has dived over 40 years and has visited many of Fiji's dive sites, I would advise any potential diving visitor to save their money here and buy the newer and much more complete Lonely Planet "Diving and Snorkeling Fiji" by renowned dive guides Casey Mahaney and Astrid Witte (also available on Amanzon). Just be aware- Fiji has so many and varied dive sites visited by day operations and liveaboards NO book can really do justice comprehensively. Nope, no connections with LP or Mahaney, I just want to save other divers the trouble... and if you love diving, you will LOVE Fiji diving!

Mediocre Basic Guide to Fiji Diving
This book gives limited information on approximately 20 dive sites in Fiji.The descriptions and photos are adequate, but are relatively brief.The book makes few recommendations, but provides a decent place to startrough planning of an independent dive vacation. ... 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 3 gives you everything you ever need to know about scuba diving on these fantastic Caribbean islands:Puerto Rico (including Mona, Desecheo, Vieques and Culebra), US Virgin Islands (St Thomas, St John and St Croix) and the British Virgin Islands (including Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, Salt Island and HMS Rhone, Cooper Island, Peter Island and Norman Island) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Good but...
The book is designed to offer a good list of places to scuba relying on the use of dive operators - it lists many.Its use for a couple who just wish to go alone (in a buddy system, of course) is limited, since the locations are not exactly defined. The book also offers a lot of advice as to many facets of diving in these areas.In general, it is an excellent book with the caveat of not giving exact coordinates nor reference points by which to find the specific spots.

Very good guide
This book is very thorough on the coverage that I was looking for. I recommend this book.Actually, I couldn't find any other books that covered Puerto Rico.

The Complete diving Guide,
This is one of the most thorough and up to date dive travel books I've ever read. We used a lot of the information on diving and related material on our recent trip to P.R. and found it very helpfull and accurate.

Exactly what it says on the cover.
Once again we have an excellent and very useful publication aimed at amateur and professional diver alike. This is a true guide which concentrates on providing all the relevant and peripheral information that any Scuba Diver will want to know in respect of any of the Caribbean destinations covered. The maps and diagrams are particularly useful - and very easy to follow.

We live in an age where diving instructors and dive guides "have" to know what they are doing and it is interesting to see those professionals are using this book and not any of the glossy alternatives. Sadly, we also live in an age where many diving publications fall short. Too much false information - and even total lack of information is hidden behind excellent underwater photographs as publisher after publisher seeks to beguile, confuse and even mislead the potential buyer. Not so with this book!

My direct experience has been to find this series of books contain exactly the information divers require before during and even after their trip. Very well written, it includes all the general information on diving, facilities, climate, sea, regulations, boats, cruise liners, resorts, hotels, flora, fauna, shipwrecks, photography and safety. It then moves on to cover each of the target Caribbean countries which are the main subject of the book before concluding with a Glossary, Bibliography and Accident and Emergency Information.

We can all find pretty pictures on the internet - without even having to pay to see them. Information, however, especially reliable information, is much harder to find. If you are contemplating a trip to any of the countries featured in this book, you will find all - and I do mean "ALL" the information you require right here. That might be at the expense of some pretty pictures - but hey, once you get there, you can take those yourself.

In summary, once again we have "A Complete Guide" - which is exactly what it says on the cover.

NM

A very comprehensive guide to the Virgin Islands
I have been meaning to review this book for some time as it is one of the most thumbed books on our book shelf.My wife and I run a charter yacht in the Virgin Islands and many of our guests are keen divers.We bought TheComplete Diving Guide for our own use initially but it has since becomepart of the yacht's library as our guests find it so useful and enjoyableto read.(as our copy is getting rather worn I'm pleased to say that manyof them buy their own copy after having seen ours).It is rare to find abook that is so comprehensive and which presents a vast amount ofinformation in such a readable manner.In particular we find the islandand dive site maps useful along with the descriptions of the dives and theunderwater route maps.I can direct our guests at the tyupe of dive that Ithink they would enjoy and they can read about it beforehand.They canalso choose the dive store they would like to use.I'd thoroughlyrecommend it to anyone planning to do some diving in the Virgin Islands (iteven covers the Spanish Virgin Islands). ... Read more

Book Description
Recognized as the birthplace of diving in the Caribbean, theCayman Islands are among the world's top dive destinations with their clearwaters, plunging walls and prolific marine life - including the famous raysof Stingray City. This book describes the well-established dive operationsand the best sites in the region, some just minutes from the beach.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 68 sites
Full-color photos throughout
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions
Guide to marine life
Travel logistics and topside attractions
... Read more

Product Description
Stunning color photos, each dive site description includes details on depth, visibility, temperature, currents, access, and expertise required. Paperback, 88 pages. ... Read more

Book Description
Honduran paradise for divers, pristine dive sites, miles of unexplored reefs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The woman herself
This is a great book for the area. I actually spend time with Cindy, the author in Utila for a couple of weeks. She is a wonderful, talented, and dedicated woman and this book shows all of her best features. The pictures are beautiful and vivid and her knowledge of the area is very useful. For anyone diving in the bay islands, this is a great pick. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Jack of all trades, master of none
I found that this book tries to cover really lot of things. It could be a good coverage (actually, it's not bad) but when I finished reading it, I didn't get much of it, except from it's good pictures.
Perhaps, it should take a more local look, not that global.

Great Book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new dive site or looking to find a new place to vacation. The book is VERY well illistrated like all books in the Discovery series. ... Read more