Customer Reviews

Shipwrecks: Diving the Graveyard of the Atlantic, 2nd

5 star:		(3)
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Mr. Farb has imparted an impressive degree of research and personal diving experience in this second edition to his original 1985 work. The reader will find comprehensive histories of each wreck featured, detailed maps of the wrecks as they presently exist, and useful advice on how to dive each wreck. Even sport fishermen will find this work useful, as each wreck description contains useful information on what species inhabits the area. Experienced divers and recreational fishermen are yearning for a 3rd edition, however, since time and weather have impacted many of these wrecks and some mysteries have been solved, such as the location of the "Ario" wreck, while new mysteries have been uncovered (are the Papoose and Hutton wrecks reversed?). Additionally, each wreck description should include precise GPS or Loran coordinates to assist first time visitors to the wreck sites. Many locations in the 2nd edition, when provided, are often inadequate for the reader to find the wrecks.

Rod Farb has long been known as one of the experts on finding and exploring shipwrecks. This book passes some of his knowledge onto the rest of the diving community, as well as to anybody interested in maritime history. Farb has obviously done an excellent job of researching his material. 'Shipwrecks' doesn't just contain a list of wreck descriptions, as other similar books do. In addition, Farb has written some narrative about the history of each ship that gives the reader a feel for the vessel itself.

Extremely well written and packed with lots of useful information. My only regret is that I did not have this book before I went on my first wreck dive. Book goes into detail on wrecks up and down the NC coast - a must for anyone with an interest in diving the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Not only are wrecks given a full review, but also charter companies with boat specs and strengths and weaknesses of each charter. You cannot call yourself a serious wreck diver without this wreck bible.

Having lived on the Outer Banks growing up, but not getting into diving until recent years, I was suprised at the extent of the wrecks off the North Carolina Coast, and the WWII historical perspective. On the positive side, this book presents an extensive history of many of the wrecks, depths, temperatures, and dive charters operating to the wrecks. On the negative side, I was expecting more gear and equipment recommendations, and explanation of techniques used on the wrecks, but didn't find it.

I've had this book since it was released in 1991. I actually met Rod Farb at a NC Diving Event. I live in NC and do a fair amount of diving off the coast and always, always, always take this book with me.

Rod's knowledge and experience is evident in every page. The author gives a brief history of each wreck, exact coordinates to locate the wreck, how the wreck rests at the bottom, and unique facts about the resting site. The book also include dive charters all over the Carolina's and a great resource guide.

When I say brief history, I mean to the point and concise but the author tells you interesting facts, such as, what company built the ship, other names the ship had, how it came to rest in the graveyard of the Atlantic. In some of the shipwrecks he retells accounts of the crew and their rescue or demise.

Each wreck listed has everything you need to know to plan your day of diving and develope a safe fun dive plan. From depth of the water the wreck is resting in, to the artifacts you can discover in the sand, and if you can retrieve anything from the wreck. He even shows diagrams and pictures of the layout of the wreck on the bottom of the ocean.

This is a facinating book if your interested in shipwrecks of all kinds and a must have if you are an avid scuba diver off the coast of NC. All sorts of wrecks are contained in the pages of this book from the purposely sunk for artifical reefs, to the casualties of storms, and the fatalities of War.

See you on the bottom!
girldiver:)