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Deco for Divers
This is a brand new technical guide which provides a comprehensive overview of the principles underlying decompression theory. Mark Powell has written a book that for the first time allows the average diver to fully understand the principles behind this fascinating aspect of diving. This book bridges the gap between introductory books and source scientific information. What I wanted was an intermediate overview that went into more detail but wasn't written for academics or researchers. When I became a technical diving instructor I started teaching other people about decompression theory.I tried to give an overview of decompression theory at this intermediate level to give my students a better understanding of what was happening during decompression dives. This was always very popular amongst divers who, like me, had always wanted to understand more about the concepts and models underlying decompression theory. I was always being asked if I could recommend a good book which covered this area but as before, there was no such text available. Over time I started giving out notes for the decompression theory portion of my courses and these notes started building. Initially they were just a few pages but the notes became more and more comprehensive and started to cover more and more areas. Eventually they grew into this book. Winner Eurotek 2010 - Publication of Significance Award
- GenresNonfictionScience
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2008
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227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 11, 2021
A rather comprehensive overview, with some drawbacks.
For the diver that is interested in the principles and thoughts behind the models in widespread use, this is a fantastic book. As promised, it bridges the gap between the applied knowledge of decompression strategy that is taught in courses and the academic works on which they are based. The information is presented in a structured way that builds from the basics to the more complex concepts and takes the reader through the though process.
There are a few points that I'm not entirely happy with, though. The first is the easiest: the writing itself isn't too great at times. There are typographical errors throughout the book, but also sections that repeat the same info within three sentences, for instance.
The second point is that the book was written in a time when bubble models were widely considered the be-all and end-all of decompression theory. This is clearly reflected in the writing, and starting from the chapter on bubble models, Haldanian models are referred to as 'traditional' and bubble models as 'modern'. The well-known NEDU study that is widely considered to disprove the practical use of deep stops is mentioned and served off as irrelevant to the discussion. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with presenting bubble models as a more accurate physiological description of what happens during decompression, as they very well might be. But the real-world discussion is much more nuanced than the rather one-sided view presented in the book.
That being said, I'm still giving this book four stars, as the factual information presented does not appear to be coloured by the author's opinion. The bias does nothing to invalidate the content, it only adds a small amount of annoyance while reading in a time when the discussion has changed from how it was at the time of writing.
For the diver that is interested in the principles and thoughts behind the models in widespread use, this is a fantastic book. As promised, it bridges the gap between the applied knowledge of decompression strategy that is taught in courses and the academic works on which they are based. The information is presented in a structured way that builds from the basics to the more complex concepts and takes the reader through the though process.
There are a few points that I'm not entirely happy with, though. The first is the easiest: the writing itself isn't too great at times. There are typographical errors throughout the book, but also sections that repeat the same info within three sentences, for instance.
The second point is that the book was written in a time when bubble models were widely considered the be-all and end-all of decompression theory. This is clearly reflected in the writing, and starting from the chapter on bubble models, Haldanian models are referred to as 'traditional' and bubble models as 'modern'. The well-known NEDU study that is widely considered to disprove the practical use of deep stops is mentioned and served off as irrelevant to the discussion. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with presenting bubble models as a more accurate physiological description of what happens during decompression, as they very well might be. But the real-world discussion is much more nuanced than the rather one-sided view presented in the book.
That being said, I'm still giving this book four stars, as the factual information presented does not appear to be coloured by the author's opinion. The bias does nothing to invalidate the content, it only adds a small amount of annoyance while reading in a time when the discussion has changed from how it was at the time of writing.
January 15, 2024
Great book! Whether you are a beginner diver or an experienced one, this book is a must read. Easy to understand, not boring at all for a book that talks about such a technical topic and goes into so much details. I learned a lot reading it for the first time and will definitely refer to it many times in the future.
March 9, 2018
Deco for Divers is the definitive book about scuba diving physics, physiology and decompression theory. It is an absolutely invaluable read for professional and technical divers.
December 5, 2018
This is the best resource out there on decompression theory that I've come across. This is essential reading for anyone interested in or engaging in technical diving.
October 13, 2020
Excellent, provides a clear introduction and formula for dive tables. I refer to this book from time to time.
January 27, 2015
Excellent read with lots of information explaining the theory quite clearly.
October 19, 2012
Easy to read, not too mathematical. Material is presented mostly in chronological order.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews