An Introduction to Technical Diving [CD-ROM]

Ann Kristovich (Author), Elizabeth Hunt (Author), Jim Bowden (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 1999

An Introduction to Technical Diving CD-ROM introduces the realm of technical diving through the experiences of the expeditionary team El Proyecto de Buceo Espeleologico Mxico y Amrica Central, led by world record holders Jim Bowden and Dr. Ann Kristovich.

Technical diving departs from normal recreational diving limits as established by recreational training agencies, and it incorporates the use of specialized equipment and techniques. This realm of diving increases the requirements for risk acceptance, equipment, knowledge, skills, and preparation, as well as the level of danger. Despite this increased level of risk, technical diving continues to be a challenging, exhilarating, and rewarding endeavor. The various types of technical diving offer their participants a chance to experience worlds otherwise unseen - a labyrinthine cave system, the mysteries in the depths of a frozen lake, and the history of a sunken shipwreck.

This CD-ROM defines, elucidates, and pictorially portrays the various types of technical diving, as well as the equipment and skills needed to safely participate and/or pursue certification. Although it is not intended to be a substitute for formal training, An Introduction to Technical Diving CD-ROM provides comprehensive detailed information in a beautifully illustrated format and can be used as either a reference source or an educational aid for divers of all training levels.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... a useful and visually compelling reference work that deserves a place in every diver's library." -- Australian Scuba Diver Magazine - July/August 1999

"... it will answer essentially everything about technical diving you've wanted to know ..." -- Sport Diver Magazine - January 1999

"An Introduction to Technical Diving is one of the most comprehensive compilations to date. Smartly written and beautifully illustrated, the CD captures the ethereal spirit of exploration ..." -- Scuba Times, January/February 1999 issue

"Looking through this you will never need to ponder why anyone would want to go cave diving again." -- Dive Girl - Summer 1999 issue

"The mysterious world of technical diving unfolds through this beautifully illustrated CD-ROM." -- GreatOutdoors.com - June 1999

From the Back Cover

Proceeds from the sales of this and future CD-ROMs will fund the exploration efforts of the Proyecto de Buceo Espeleologico Mexico y America Central.

Product Details

• CD-ROM
• Publisher: Grale Company (January 15, 1999)
• ISBN-10: 0965786021
• ISBN-13: 978-0965786027
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,176,436 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Little more than a brochure..., November 9, 2000

By 

Taj Deluria - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Technical Diving (CD-ROM)

The CD is woefully short on content. I figure that if you were to print it out on paper, it might add up to no more than 25 or so pages. There's very little the CD actually says outside of what you could learn if you were able to chat with a technical diver for 10 minutes. I went through the CD in all of 20 minutes, and started scrounging around if there were any sections I missed. There were none.

I can't help but shake the notion that the CD was just slapped together with no real fore-thought. There are a lot of nice photographs, but even then the captions are rarely informative. Don't expect a National Geographic, where it can be enough to just view the photos and read their captions.

The interface is visually engaging, but otherwise, the CD seems a bit empty to me. There are no in-depth discussions on the equipment used, and what makes them different from recreational type equipment, neither are there discussions on the special techniques or considerations for the type of diving involved.

Neither are there enough anecdotal information about actual technical dives done. There are no real stories, which would have made the disc completely worth it.

Perhaps the title is all too apt. It's what I would expect of the introduction chapter to a book about technical diving. I can imagine that a non-diver, or a diver who's really new into diving might find it very worthwhile.

Sadly, I find it not worth the value. More can be learned by simply surfing the 'Net for maybe an hour or so. Or better still get a real book on the topic.

If you're interested at getting into this type of diving, and expecting a searchable reference to serve as a means to jumpstart your knowledge base, this CD isn't it.

My two cents: skip this CD, and move on to something better.

Dive safe and often!

taj d.

divemaster

5.0 out of 5 stars a must see for those interested in technical diving!, January 24, 2001

By 

"clarocasey" (Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Technical Diving (CD-ROM)

as a new cave diver i was delighted to find a CD ROM on technical diving. this was a nice exploration of the many facets of technical diving. well written and well produced, this CD is worth the time and the money. for what it's worth, as a fairly new "technical" diver, i have been overwhelmed by the political nature of the sport...and i was suprised by the negative reviews posted for such a great product. you be the judge

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars An expensive postcard, January 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: An Introduction to Technical Diving (CD-ROM)

Having met nearly all of the people involved in making this CD, I must say that it is extremely disappointing--they have more interesting stories posted for free on the net.

Most of what is contained in this CD can be found in greater detail in product manuals--in other words, stale. Furthermore, there is information I would classify as misleading and even dangerous in some cases. This CD is an impressive example of how to use Shockwave Macromedia, but lacking in substance

The products recently available from gue.com, such as "Getting Clear on the Basics: The Fundamentals of Technical Diving" actually cost less and are far more appropriate for those looking into technical diving.