Customer Reviews

The Certified Diver's Handbook: The Complete Guide to Your Own Underwater Adventures

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been a certified diver for over a year before I read this book. I had even purchased all my own gear in that amount of time. I wish that I had read this book immediately after my scuba class because I felt the information was valuable in selecting equipment as well as discussing dive trips. This is the stuff that they don't teach you in class. The author's style makes it an easy read for any diver. Plus, he is even willing to laugh at himself from time to time. I am going to have my son read it next.

This is a wonderful book for the newly certified diver, or for the older diver who has finished a refresher course. It covers a lot of the things that Open Water classes don't have time to cover in a lot of depth (no pun intended) but that are essential to safe, fun diving. The author discusses every topic of interest to the newly certified diver, from continuing education to selecting gear. The writing style is pleasant and easy to read. I would even recommend the book to those who are not yet certified, because it will give them a good overview of issues to consider as a new diver.

Learn to maximize those diving skills you were taught and truly make your diving adventures what they should be; safe and fun. Clay Coleman has put together his experience, skills, and plenty of helpful hints that go far beyond what you can ever learn in a dive course. Be ahead of the pack while developing your skills and planning your dive adventures. This book is a must for new divers as well as experienced divers.

Being a newly certified diver, I had the question "Now what?" This book is like having an experienced diver as a constant friend who never tires of giving advice (and sharing some great anecdotes!) I highly recommend it.

Having not been diving in 1.5 years, I wanted to review some things before getting back in the water, so I bought this book. I thought this book was great. The author talked about his experiences, some techniques he has found useful, and procedures/ways to make things easier. Seems to cover everything, from multiple chapters on equipment to shore vs boat diving, how to deal with problems etc, etc. Very easy to read and understand how to apply what you read.

As a newly certified open water diver, I know that there is a lot to learn. Open water certification allows you to dive safely (within limits) but it can't prepare you for all of the variations in diving. This book is a great guide to get you started on many different topics in diving.

For me, the most useful chapters related to buying gear. The author went into tremendous detail about the gear you will need as a scuba divier, particularly about regulators and BCs. It definitely made me a more informed consumer when I bought my first set of gear.

I highly recommend this book.

Very helpful book! Covers everything not covered in your OW certification class, and then some. Clay Coleman is a life-long diver who wraps up all of his knowledge and helpful hints in "The Certified Divers Handbook". Topics include equipment (what works and what doesn't), what to expect on that first dive trip, how to strike out on your own (can't find a dive buddy), important weather conditions, staying out of trouble, dive sites in the U.S and internationally, and much more. His style of writing keeps you reading and laughing at the same time. I find myself referring back to this book frequently as I continue to gain diving experience (primarily for his helpful tips/hints on all topics), and I consider it invaluable. If a newly certified or "fantasy" diver (one that talks the talk but rarely ever actually gets wet) is going to buy one book, this should be it. You will be educated, motivated, and ready to hit the water!

Students get Certified everyday without really knowing how to dive, much less dive safely. Some become multi-card newbies, collecting more Certifications without learning much more, but most simply drop out when they realize they don't know what they're doing, what to shop for, where to go, and so forth. SCUBA diving would be much safer and more fun for all involved if more newbies would spend so little to learn so very much, and - it's a fun read.

As suggested by the title, the author provides solid information for just certified divers. For people with a few years of scuba experience much of the book will be useless.

Also the book represents just one man's opinion. I prefer to go online to a scuba forum and ask my questions there, which usually yields the a variety of answers and the most up-to-date information.

If you have the chance, I suggest you skim through the book before buying.

This book covers all the basics and then some. Unless you dive every week this book is a must have as a refresher and a way to keep you focused on diving and striving for the next step in learning. The paper is high quality and it's written in a fun to read format. I Really enjoyed this book.