Scuba Encyclopedia???

[Fouremco]

While there is a lot of valuable information scattered throughout Scubaboard, it's sometimes difficult to pull together good, relevant information on a topic. Is anyone aware of a reputable book, recently published or updated, that provides comprehensive information on a broad range of scuba-related subject? Any thoughts on the PADI Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving Other than it's probably over-priced? I haven't seen it in any LDS, so I've no idea of what the contents are like.

My immediate aim is to read up on weights and how to estimate my requirements for different configurations, wetsuit thickness, addition of boots/gloves/hoods, salt versus freshwater, points for consideration when using BP/W, etc., etc., so I'd also be interested in knowing whether there are any good on-line articles dealing with the subject.

 

[TSandM]

In my opinion, the information contained in the PADI book is also contained, in a more readable, more entertaining and more organized fashion, in The Certified Diver's Handbook by Clay Coleman. It doesn't address anything about BP/W use, but neither does the PADI book.

Nothing that I've read goes into enough detail about weighting to talk about the effect of hoods and boots and the like. Rough guidelines for weighting with various thicknesses of wetsuits and dry suits are contained in the PADI OW Handbook, but there is always going to be some trial and error for each individual diver.

 

[Diesel298]

there are so many variations and theory,, and specialtys it hard to find something not bias to a certan agency or agenda..
kinda like scubaboard

 

[wunat]

..............there is always going to be some trial and error for each individual diver...........

Agree. This actually make discussion board such as SB valuable.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Agree with TS&M, check out the rec divers handbook. But before doing that I'd also grab my instructors ear and ask him/her what you want to know. That's what they are there for. Nothing beats a knowledgeable, friendly, willing to help instructor. If you don't have one like that find one. Or go to EXPERIENCED buddies and say help me. The guy you got certified with who has 5 or 10 more dives than you would NOT be the one. I'm talking about the guy/gal with 100 or more dives in alot of different conditions and situations. Even a good dm would be more help than a book because the book cannot asses your individual needs. I saw the other day a copy of Scuba Diving for Dummies in a Barnes and Noble bookstore. I did not have a chance to read it but I'm sure since it's out and even tho it will have warnings about getting professional instruction some moron somewhere will buy it, buy gear, manage to get a tank of air and get hurt. And as T said also no book will get your weight right. It will give you guidelines(rough ones at that) to try and rely on a book for what could be as critical as weighting and using a bpw with no experience or training could end up at worst killing you. BTW the encyclopedia is a good reference for anyone. But it is not a guidebook for how to do things. It goes more into theory and physics and such. As a DM candidate it was not only invaluable for me but required. I'd never use it to learn how to do specific diving techniques or as a sub for a competent instructor.

 

[Fouremco]

Agree with TS&M, check out the rec divers handbook. But before doing that I'd also grab my instructors ear and ask him/her what you want to know. That's what they are there for. Nothing beats a knowledgeable, friendly, willing to help instructor. If you don't have one like that find one. Or go to EXPERIENCED buddies and say help me. The guy you got certified with who has 5 or 10 more dives than you would NOT be the one. I'm talking about the guy/gal with 100 or more dives in alot of different conditions and situations. Even a good dm would be more help than a book because the book cannot asses your individual needs. I saw the other day a copy of Scuba Diving for Dummies in a Barnes and Noble bookstore. I did not have a chance to read it but I'm sure since it's out and even tho it will have warnings about getting professional instruction some moron somewhere will buy it, buy gear, manage to get a tank of air and get hurt. And as T said also no book will get your weight right. It will give you guidelines(rough ones at that) to try and rely on a book for what could be as critical as weighting and using a bpw with no experience or training could end up at worst killing you. BTW the encyclopedia is a good reference for anyone. But it is not a guidebook for how to do things. It goes more into theory and physics and such. As a DM candidate it was not only invaluable for me but required. I'd never use it to learn how to do specific diving techniques or as a sub for a competent instructor.

I agree with everything you say, particularly with respect to discussions with experienced divers for advice. That being said, I also like reading the underlying theory. When I learned photography, I took courses, spoke to experienced photographers - and read volumes. I still have a 20+ volume encyclopedia of photography that I purchased over 20 years ago. Guess I just like to maintain a broad approach to learning. Including sage advice from my fellow Scubaboarders!

 

[Wildcard]

Get a copy of the PADI DM book. It goes through everything.

 

[icantdive55]

There are too many variables between people and their equipment configurations to accurately use a standard formula. If you want to know your requirements this is what you do. Go to pool with all your equipment and a large mesh goodie bag. Take extra weights in very small increments. Now "you" with only your swim suit on, float on the surface. Slowly grab weights until you find the exact amount it takes to make YOU sink. Record that number. Now take your entire wet suit and roll it up then place it in the mesh bag. Careful not to trap air in the suit. Add weights to the bag until the suit is neutral or very slightly negative. Record this number. Attach your BCD, tank and regulator. Let all the air out and confirm that it sinks (quite rapidly). Throw your mask/snorkel and fins in the water and note that they also sink. (I know some do float). If yours float attach them to the scuba rig and I'll bet they sink now. Any way add the weight you require to the weight your wet suit requires and that is the total YOU need when suited up. If you are a new diver you will most likely need to add weight to get "underwater" but you have a target to shoot for. Relaxed slow breathing is the key. If you want to get even more percise attach your scuba rig to the mesh bag with your wetsuit then add weights to make it slightly negative. And remember that depending on the cylinder used you will have a loss of weight as you consume the air in your cylinder. Setting ones buoyancy is time consuming and difficult. Then change the suit the cylinder size/type the water or your own apprehension and it starts all over again. But having a your own base line will aid in determining the adjustments needed whe something changes. Don't forget that SLOW easy deep breathing is the key. I'm 5'10 weigh 250 pounds wear a brand new 2XX suit with a SS back plate and a LP steel 80 and I wear 10 pounds on my belt in fresh water.

 

[Xman]

AS far as the encyclopedia, the new version of PADI's Encyclpedia of Recreational Diving actually looks pretty good. Didn't like the old one much, but the new version looks to be better set out and has a better overview of things.

As far as the weights. Try it and see. Any recommendations made will be guesses at best. (See the above post for a good way to test this)

 

[daniel f aleman]

Knock yourself out...