Best Books...

[Geddes]

I am going on a cruise in a couple monthts, with all that down time, I'll want something to read. I am currently in the midst of reading the Navy Dive Manual (thanks Scuba-toys), and plan on taking GUE's DIR book (please no flames, just a curious rec. diver,) on the boat, but this one book won't hold me a week.

I learned to dive many years ago but have been away for a long time. I read SSI's basic OW book for a review. I prefer a more technical type book, versus pretty pictures and stories from other divers.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[R_Deluca]

"Caverns Measureless to Man" by Sheck Exley.

Not very technical, but a good read.

 

[mikelegurra]

i know this is not what you asked for... in fact it's the opposite. but, if you ever want a book that's a little "lighter" than technical reading you might try "Neutral Buoyancy" by Tim Ecott.

it's an overview on diving history, with "lots of stories from other divers..."

i also like to read technical things but found this book a nice company for vacation time.

 

[louisianadiver]

I am going on a cruise in a couple monthts, with all that down time, I'll want something to read. I am currently in the midst of reading the Navy Dive Manual (thanks Scuba-toys), and plan on taking GUE's DIR book (please no flames, just a curious rec. diver,) on the boat, but this one book won't hold me a week.

I learned to dive many years ago but have been away for a long time. I read SSI's basic OW book for a review. I prefer a more technical type book, versus pretty pictures and stories from other divers.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

Well, Geddes, what in the world can I say? For an editorial review see http://www.2theadvocate.com/stories/071804/ent_readings001.shtml -Clay

 

[SquattingRadishDM]

I would recomend "The Decompression Matrix" by Bob Cole. He worked with Dr Albert Buhlmann on decompression models and has done consulting work for Uwatec and Suunto.

The book starts off and explains the basic physics and of decompression theory (boyles law, M-Values, Haldane etc) before talking about factors that contribute to DCS.

There is a big section on DCI avoidance strategies, personal dive computers and dive planning. It is a very practical book not a physics textbook that offers many ways to minimise DCS. Lastly it discusses risk management, DCI recognission, first aid and treatment.

Its usefull to understand all the neuances of DCS beyond simply "Dont stay at this depth for this amount of time". Dive profiles, air consumtion planning, mixed gases etc etc etc al are discussed here. Highly Recommended.

I would also agree that "Neutral Buoyancy" by Tim Ecott is a very interesting read if you want to hear about the various tales and heros from the history of diving.

-Jack

 

[GrierHPharmD]

The Last Dive, by Bernie Chowdury (sp?) is a nice account of the issues surrounding deep wreck diving. It's a good mix of story and dive info. Shadow Divers is a new hardback release that discusses the exploration and identification of the same wreck (the U-869).

Of course, if that's too lightweight, you can try Bennett & Elliott's The Physiology and Medicine of Diving, if you've got and extra $300 or so and want to have the last word on the medical issues.

I also like Larry "Harris" Taylor's articles on diving. The articles range from long enough to read on a surface interval to short enough for a trip to the head, and I've found them pretty useful in rounding out my general diving knowledge.

Bon voyage,
Grier