Books for New Divers

[ocbeachbum]

I'm certain this has been discussed before, but I hunted around and couldn't find a specific thread. It would be nice if someone could maybe post this in the instructors forum: What book(s) would you consider must reads for newcomers to scuba? Let's assume that The Silent World is already on the list.

 

[TSandM]

I would highly recommend two books: One is Clay Coleman's Certified Diver's Handbook.. Although a little bit dated in places, it has a lot of information on the practical side of going out and DIVING, once you are certified.

The other is the PADI Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving. The new edition is really a very nice compendium of information on a wide variety of topics, and very readable without being oversimplified.

 

[Peter Guy]

I'd also add Diver Down by Michael R. Ange -- this is a compilation of reports about various diver accidents -- and although we all say "We'd never do this" -- it sometimes seems like we ALL do "this" every once in a while. A book well worth studying.

 

[rstofer]

These are used books, available cheap at Alibris: Used Books, Used Textbooks, Rare & Out-of-Print Books All are excellent but dated. That really isn't a problem. Things don't change fast in the land of scuba.

"The New Science of Skin and Scuba Diving" 1968 edition. The original NAUI and LA County training book. Dated by excellent! $2 on Alibris

"SCUBA Safe and Simple" by John Reseck, JR is an excellent introduction $2 on Alibris

"Sport Diving The British Sub-Aqua Club Diving Manual" lays out a complete training program 1986 edition $2 on Alibris BSAC divers just have to be among the best trained!

"Scuba Life Saving" by Albert Piece is a very complete rescue text Also $2 on Alibris

"Scuba Diving in Safety and Health" by Chrstopher Dueker, MD is a very serious text on diving. Pretty pricey at $3 on Alibris

I'm currently reading "Scuba Diving Safety" by Orr/Douglas and "Deco for Divers" by Mark Powell. These are new books.

Richard

 

[ocbeachbum]

Thanks y'all. This should keep me busy for the next couple months while the water warms back up.

 

[Tortuga68]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/264657-recommend-good-dive-book.html

 

[fisheater]

I'm agreeing with TS&M.

I read both of those books (Certified Divers Handbook & Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving, BEFORE my OW checkout dives and found that they gave me a great deal of information and perspective that allowed my to absorb the lessons, both formal and informal, from the class and my early diving experiences.

In fact, I've reread major sections of the Handbook and I'm about to reread the Encyclopedia for my DM class.

I would also add, Diver Down, to the list. That book gives a series of reports on diver mishaps and helps a newbie (as well as any jaded diver) develop an appreciation for how little things can add up to a big problem and how the "rules" of diving are there for some very good reasons.

 

[SoybeanQueen]

I would also add, Diver Down, to the list. That book gives a series of reports on diver mishaps and helps a newbie (as well as any jaded diver) develop an appreciation for how little things can add up to a big problem and how the "rules" of diving are there for some very good reasons.

Thank you SO much for this recommendation. I ordered Diver Down and Certified Diver's Handbook after reading this thread last week because I had some long flights coming up and wanted interesting reading materials to entertain myself with.

I could barely stop reading Diver Down to switch planes. So much good info in there and very easy to read. It's a great book for new divers (and maybe for divers who feel they are invincible?) I'm passing it on to my husband, who is my dive buddy, as soon as I get home, and then to my nephew who wants to get his c-card this summer.

 

[DiveNav]

Thanks y'all. This should keep me busy for the next couple months while the water warms back up.

You could also play with our dive simulator

One of our users said about it .... "It was the next best thing to logging actual bottom time!"

Enjoy !

 

[MtnPlayVA]

I would also add, Diver Down, to the list. That book gives a series of reports on diver mishaps and helps a newbie (as well as any jaded diver) develop an appreciation for how little things can add up to a big problem and how the "rules" of diving are there for some very good reasons.

I agree - this should be required reading for all new divers.