Heres my review:
I was recently asked to review a new publication by Dr Mel Clark; aka Silent Scuba from Seattle, WA entitled ‘Rebreathers Simplified’. Aimed at the transitioning to CCR diver and the newbie CCR diver, its authors promise the book will help them ‘choose, understand and dive’ a rebreather whilst avoiding the pitfalls and expensive mistakes associated with unsound dive practices and ill-informed purchases. Well it’s about time methinks, as I can’t recall a single publication solely dedicated to rebreather diving other than boring old manufacturer and training manuals.
At first glance, the book looks rather appealing. 300 full size color pages with plenty of techie looking photos of Mel and her entourage, looking very cool wearing lots of black and donning numerous rebreathers of various types, both manual and electronic. Good job too, as this confirms that there is no manufacturer bias, no single minded instructor approach of ‘my way or the highway’ and no commercial promotion. The book is divided into 9 chapters plus appendices; each designed to guide you through the labrynth that is Closed Circuit Rebreather diving:
1) Introduction
2) Why Bother
3) Rebreather Design
4) Selecting the right CCR
5) Universal CCR pre & post dive
6) CCR Skills
7) Survival Operations
8) Physiology
9) Dive Planning
Appendices (Evo, Inspo, Kiss Sport & Classic, Megalodon APEC’s & COPIS, O2ptima Fx, Pelagian & rEvo) build, pre & post dive check sheets
After the usual introductions, the book gets into my favorite chapter ‘why bother.’ In my ‘doubting, suspicious, open circuit dive professional’ days, I often asked this question of my CCR peers, often with an unclear and unconvincing response. Mel spells it out very clearly here, and it is a theme that is consistent throughout the book. She takes the time to not only explain how, but also why. This is of utmost importance to me if you want me to strap something on my back that can kill me in 30ft of water.
The various designs are discussed, not surprisingly in the chapter ‘rebreather design’ and ‘selecting the right CCR’ and I was surprised again to see no bias, just the facts. Its not hard to tell which Mel prefers of course, but nonetheless if you have already taken the plunge you wont be left seething in disagreement as she rips apart your $10,000 purchase.
The only area I could possibly criticize, would be perhaps a bit of jumping around between what could be described as ‘tech’ or ‘advanced’ information with ‘recreational’ or non mixed-gas practices. This isn’t really the fault of the author however, and you could argue that it applies to CCR diving in general. How do you discuss bailout valves and full-face mask flood drills with someone to has only previously dived on a single tank, open circuit? Surely this all makes more sense to someone who has at least done some OC tech diving? Im glad it does go into a bit more depth though, as it all adds to the interest and value of the information presented.
The build, pre and post dive check lists for multiple units are a neat feature and will make the book appealing and relevant to a wide audience. It leaves you wondering just how many rebreathers this woman owns, teaches and how she can possibly afford them all. I hope the book will help her offset the investment and I’m sure it will become a ‘you must have’ publication for the students of many an instructor. It will also appeal to experienced divers as an interesting and entertaining read. If nothing else, you can check what your instructor told you:
You can catch a glimpse of it at DEMA with copies available shortly afterwards from stocking dealers or direct from Curtis McNamee at
flyingcash@gmail.com
