Customer Reviews

NOAA Diving Manual: Diving Science and Technology, Second Edition

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

THE best [ or one of, at least] authoritative reference book on SCUBA techniques and equipment for recreational divers today. I finished the {c}2001 4th Edition in March.

Reading and owning it is a must for serious divers everywhere, if only for its latest contribution: updated and simplified nitrox tables, designated NN32-A and NN-36A. Readable and comprehensive, it covers nearly all skills for recreational SCUBA, and more. Its akin to getting many certification agency courses in one text, but speaks with the safety record and thoroughness of NOAA procedures [ no inter-agency rivalry here.]

In my readings, it has all useful civilian elements of 1999 USN Diving Manual FM 20-11, such as USN no-stop and decompression tables, advance staged decompression diving, nitrox, recreational diving equipment, mapping procedures, and search and recovery in more detail [ the USN Manual appears to have ommitted tables on whole body oxygen toxicity, potentially a serious omission.]

The USN Diving Manual is written in an easier to read format, and is competitive as a pocket synopsis [ USN Diving Handbook] but is outclassed by the relevance of the NOAA material to civilians. From emergency care to the mechanics of underwater habitats, this book was carefully prepared, beautifully printed in heavy stock paper and bound to last >~10 year cycle between editions. I can't be sure if this is the best format where technology changes quickly, but it is handsome and sturdy.

For DIR aficionados: encyclopedic work tends toward widespread practices rather than pioneering work. So, if Hogarthian diving becomes de rigour its likely to be part of this manual, just as cave and tech diving are represented, regardless of critics of DIR and NOAA.

THE best [ or one of, at least] authoritative reference book on SCUBA techniques and equipment for recreational divers today. I just finished over half of the {c}2001 4th Edition tonight.

Reading and owning it is a must for serious divers everywhere, if only for its latest contribution: updated and simplified nitrox tables, designated NN32-A and NN-36A. Readable and comprehensive, it covers nearly all skills for recreational SCUBA, and more. Its akin to getting all the certification agency courses in one text, but speaks with the safety record and thoroughness of NOAA procedures. In my readings, it has all useful civilian elements of 1999 USN Diving Manual FM 20-11, such as the USN no-stop and decompression tables, but also dives into advances in staged decompression diving, nitrox, recreational diving equipment, mapping procedures, search and recovery in more detail [ the USN Manual lacks a discussion and tables on whole body oxygen toxicity, potentially a serious omission.]

The USN Diving Manual is written in an easier to read format, and is competitive as a pocket synopsis [ USN Diving Handbook] but is outclassed by the relevance of the NOAA material to civilians. From emergency care, to underwater habitats, this book was carefully prepared, beautifully printed in heavy stock paper and bound to last >~10 year cycle between editions. I can't be sure if this is the best format where technology changes quickly, but it is handsome and sturdy.

As an active diving instructor (NAUI, IANTD, NSS-CDS, and NACD, among others) and author on scuba diving safety (The Antarctic Research Diving Manual, IANTD's Understanding Rebreathers, and about 200 diving articles in magazines), I always read new references on diving with a critical eye. When I received my copy of the 4th Edition of the NOAA Manual, I expected to see the same, old, tired information presented in the same, old, tired way as in the Third, Second, and First Editions. In short, I expected "more of the same." I was wrong.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Jim Joiner, as the Senior Editor, had not fallen into that trap. Jim did an excellent job of getting his individual contributors and reviewers to put fresh thought, material, and graphics into their work, measurably improving the content and readibility of the text. Already one of the "standard" texts on diving, this edition of the NOAA Manual far surpasses the previous editions, and provides up to date information on a wide range of subjects and procedures.

If you are at all serious about diving, this book is a "must have." Buy one now, even if you already have the earlier editions... it is well worth the money!

This is by far the best and most complete collection of diving knowledge i have seen. It is not an introduction to diving, but realy a manual for all levels of divers, from the novice diver searching for futher information, to the experienced instructor looking for the latest updates. Dont miss it.

I sincerely feel that the NOAA Diving Manual should be a required text for anybody who is a diving professional. The information presented is valuable to all divers: recreational, technical, scientific, and commercial. I refer to this text often and bring it to all classes I work.

This is by far the most comprehensive publication on Dive related topics I have ever seen. It is a well organized manual that goes into great detail on every topic. The manual itself is a work of art. Each page is high quality glossy paper full of excellent diagrams and illustrations. I started reading it and can't put it down. A great addition to your dive library.

This volume is impressive. Certainly an unparalleled achievement in diving manuals. I can't claim to have read it completely, that will take a while, but it is obviously a very complete treatment of applied diving technology. It is well organized, well written and very well thought out. Many changes from earlier editions, with up to date information on highly technical subjects. Also clear explinations of the basics: Physics, physiology, first aid and such. It is certainly for the serious reader, miles beyond the basic SCUBA manuals. It covers diving operations from an planning viewpoint also. It is the accumulation of the work of many of the most athoritative people in the field. I work as a volunteer at the Navy Undersea Library at Keport WA where there are hundreds of books and manuals on diving technology. This one certainly stands out as a remarkable tome on the subject.

This book contains everything you need to know to understand the sport and science of diving. I used the Second Edition, dated 1979, when I was preparing for my Assistant Instructor certification through San Jose State University, in California. It was such a great help, I recently purchased a more recent copy just to stay current with new information. The knowldege you can gain from this tremendous book will make you a better, safer Diver. This book explains the physics of diving, the physiology of diving (medical facts and anatomy), diver training, diving equipment, diving emergencies, hazardous animals, hyperbaric chambers, and much more. It is a little pricey, but an invaluable addition to your library.

Great Book. Invalueable to anyone from rec. divers to commercial/tech divers. Now I'm waiting for the 4th edition to come out.

All you want and need to know about equipment, selection, care, dive planning, procedures, tables, on & off gassing, first aid rescue, mix gas etc etc etc One of the best books i ever read about diving, a must have from novice to advanced, deep & mix gas divers....