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

by Clay Coleman

The real-world guide for divers who want to enjoy their sport to the fullest More than half of the 1.5 million people who achieve scuba certification each year are stymied in their pursuit of the sport because they lack time and money to enjoy the exotic diving experiences they've read about, and don't want to be confined to group dives. The Certified Diver's Handbook is the only guide to help them create their own diving adventures on any budget, on any schedule, in waters local or distant, and without the restrictions of group demands. Thirty-year diving veteran and photojournalist Clay Coleman provides the insider's tips and how-to advice divers need to equip, plan, and execute their own diving expeditions. Divers will learn how

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2004

Reviews

[Adam Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've gotten my basic scuba diving certification. I'm ready to stop following instructors around and really learn to dive. Uh, now what? The dive instructors I've asked about it haven't been much help about how to get off the rails and start learning for yourself.

This book was exactly what I was looking for. The thesis is that, once you've gotten your certification, it's time to become an independent and self-reliant diver. It spells out exactly how to do that: how to rent or buy gear, how to find dive buddies, underwater navigation, how to find dive sites within driving distance of your home, and much more.

The author has a wry sense of humor and a lot of great stories to tell from his decades of diving. I enjoyed his anecdotes about diving in the 70s when divers would just strap tanks to their back and jump in – no dive computers, no BCDs.

Highly recommended for any certified diver wondering what's next.

[Lori Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this already. This is an excellent reference. The author explains the science behind why different pieces of gear work the way they do. He reminds you how to care for gear, and why the procedures work. Reading the descriptions of each piece of gear is also helpful to build understanding of what features you might want in a new piece of gear.

He also gives tons of advice on optional equipment--enough advice to keep Amazon delivering something new to my house on a regular basis. :-). But I have found his advice incredibly helpful and safety-conscious.

Some of the key info I picked up: details on the Spare Air, the SeaCure mold able mouthpiece, Pelican boxes. His home-brew ear flush was absolutely key for me--it made the difference between keeping my ears in good shape or losing dive time due to questionable ear pain.

[Derek W. Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

No certification yet, haven't even begun classes. I have snorkeled, and that's what got me interested in diving. This book has me even more interested -- it seems to be to diving what Jules Bergman's "Anyone Can Fly" is to aviation: a great introduction to what you can do, and more importantly, who you can be, as a diver. Very real-world, personable writing style, logically organized, and strikes (for me) a good balance of safety and adventure.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very useful read. Yes, there's a big chunk in the middle that's fairly repetitive, especially if you have been certified recently; but the rest of it is pure gold. The chapter on underwater navigation alone is worth the cover price.

[Heidi Fidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whole lot! Even after I did my training for my open water certification.