. Link image for all book categories.
. . . . All prices are $ Australian.
SPORT DIVING ..

 
I prefer to call diving on air for fun and pleasure - recreational diving. Sport gives the connotation of competition, which it must never be. We can strive to improve our skills, but not with the aim of 'beating' a competitor. Rather, recreatioinal diving is all about enjoyment, and one great way of gaining enjoyment is to assist, educate and encourage others.

It should go without saying that scuba divers must be adequately trained by an instructor authorised through one of the professional dive instruction associations. The following books are an adjunct to texts used in formal training, and should not be used by the novice without formal training. See you local dive shop for further information.

See also:
Commercial and Technical Diving for advanced techniques. 
Cave Diving. 
Hyperbaric Medicine..
A GUIDE FOR TEACHING SCUBA TO DIVERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
Frank Degman.
This excellent book proivides a guide for scuba instructors teaching individuals with special needs. It dicussed techniques for accommodating the special pysical needs which result from spinl cord injury, cerebral palsy, amputation, and other difficulties tht would be associated with scuba diving. Subject matter includes etiquette, medical aspcts, equipment, taching techniques, and develoiping a program. Softcover, about 160 pages, mono prints. 
$38.00
BASIC DIVING PHYSICS AND APPLICATIONS.
Bruce R.Wienke. 
The author is section head in the Applied Theoretical Physics Division of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and has a Masters in nuclear physics. The book covers more than just the basics and would be useful for all instructors and serious divers. Topics include the usual theory of diving physics but also extends deeper into molecular transactions and biophysics. S
oftcover, 320 pages. 
$46.00
BRITISH SUB-AQUA CLUB TITLES.
B.S.A.C. SPORT DIVING - British Sub-Aqua Club. 
The British 'bible'. An excellent technical and general instruction text not out of place in Australia. Softcover, 256 pages.
$46.00
SAFETY AND RESCUE FOR DIVERS. British Sub-Aqua Club. 
Covers accident prevention, first-aid, rescue techniques, equipment and management. Softcover, 144 pages, colour.
$38.00
COMPLETE WRECK DIVING.
Henry Keatts and Brian Skerry. 
"A Guide to Diving Wrecks" First, find your wreck.... the book covers search methods, equipment, dive procedure, wreck identification, relics and preservation. It of course leans toward American procedures but that should not deter the Australian wreck diver. 
Softcover, 270 pages. 
$38.00
DECOMPRESSION WORKBOOK.
George Lewbel. 
The theory of decompression with actual work examples. Ideal dive instruction. 
Softcover, 60 pages.
$19.95 
**** SORRY - OUT OF PRINT ******
DEEP DIVING
Bret Gilliam. 
"An Advanced Guide to Physiology, Procedures and Systems."
Covers physiology and preparation, oxygen toxicity, equipment and safety, mixed gas, dive computers , narcosis and tables. A useful instructional text. 
Softcover, 352 pages, mono photographs, drawings.. 
$38.00
DEEPER INTO DIVING. Second Edition.    Highly Recommended.
John Lippmann and Dr. Simon Mitchell.  $68.00
The first edition of this excellent book was published in 1990. This second edition is a complete re-write for the the experienced diver, the technical diver, dive instructor, other professionals using diving skills, and the diving doctor. It contains a mass of information on a wide variety of data that is not readily available in general diving texts. This book goes beyond the basics, hence its well rspected status into providing insight into diving physiology and various physical and  medical aspects of deeper diving. Divided into four sections: 1 - Physical, sensory, physiological. 2- Decompression systems. 3- Altitude considerations. 4- Technical and occupational diving. Appendices include the US Navy air diving tables, the Canadian DCIEM tables and the Buhlmann High Altitude tables. Instructor/author Stan Bugg writes, "I have read it virtually from cover to cover, and it is excellent value. It is concisely expressed, with a lot of complicated concepts explained simply,e.g. bubble formation, VPM, RGBM, origins of various deco algorithms. It is a very good summary of current thinking on deep diving." Softcover, 512 pages, mono prints, charts, tables. 
DIVER DOWN - Real-World Scuba Accidents and How to Avoid Them
Michael R. Ange.  $36.00
As a mororist, why on earth would I read a book on car accidents? Do you? Probably not, even though it may improve your on-road attitude somewhat. It seems hardly entertaining, satisfying only the morbid curiosity that is inherent in us mere mortals.   So, as divers, why should we read a book about diving accidents and deaths? I guess the parellel here ends with an appreciation that a book such as Diver Down can indeed save lives - perhaps your own. By understanding ‘what went wrong', we can claerly relate an event back to our own situations. With more knowledge of the dangers of diving (and I hate using such an expression but perhaps it is appropriate here), we can better ‘protect' ourselves and those we dive with. Of  vital importance, those who are in charge of others, such as instructors and dive leaders, will gain much and I suggest this book be compulsive reading for anyone in such a responsible position. It is an excellent book, written with authority (the author is the Technical Editor for [USA] Scuba Diver magazine), with no histrionic drama, yet the tension is there as you know that something tragic is about to happen. Each case ends with a ‘Strategies for Survival' section, a sensible analysis of what tragedy happened and how it could have been prevented.  Throughout the book, ‘boxes' of specific text provide further relevant details, such as Wreck Diving, Regulators, Dive Planning etc. Photographs are limited - those present are most relevant, and none intruding on any personal tragedy. I continue to read this book, even though I have many years of recreationl diving experience and will rarely dive again. Perhaps if something similar were available three decades ago I wouldn't have made some many mistakes! May I insist that all those in the business of recreational diving - read the book. Your life, and the life of those whom you are in charge, is always at risk. This book helps to minimise the risk. Softcover, 210 pages, a few photographs and drawings, index.
DIVE LIKE A PRO - 101 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR SCUBA SKILLS AND SAFETY
Robert N. Rossier. 
$22.00
You can do all the specialist courses, perform dozens of dives and read countless books, and yet often the fundamentals of good safe scuba diving are forgotten. If it is too much of a cliche to say that this book will save your life, it will at least make your diving easier, more comfortable, more ‘profssional', and more safe. What more could you want. One of the credentials of the vry experinced author is that he was on the team that deisgned th support systems for the NASA Space Station. Not much water up there, but he hs the skills to pass on fropm his many decades of sport and commercial diving. 
Softcover, 104 pages, no photos. 
DIVING INTO DARKNESS. 
The Elements of Safe Night Diving. 
Robert Rossier. 
A must-read for anyone who engages in night diving. Why night dive? Because this is when the ocean is at its most lively, when the nocturnal animals come alive. The book covers all tecnical and safety aspects of night diving, what to expect, how to be prepared, and what equipment to use. 
Excellent. 
Softcover, full colour throughout, 110 pages. 
$42.00
DIVING WITH SHARKS and other Adventures Dives.
Include practical advice for experienced divers. 
Jack Jackson 
Beautifully photographed and presented, this is an interesting books for those who have ventured beyond the odd dive at the end of the jetty. Covers the fascinating experieinces of diving with sharks, whales, dolphons, manta rays, and turtles, potato cod and sea snakes, with locations throughoput the world, including Australia of course. There is an informative section on diving in strong currents, and wreck diving covers twelve sections including the Yongala, Andrea Doria and Truk Lagoon, and of course the Prsident Coolidge. Finally, the chspter on closed overhad environmnts includes cavern and sinkhole diving, and under the Antarctic ice. A very interesting read, informative and beautifully presented. An appendix provides a brief directory of locations with a star graded system for experience required. 
Softcover, large A4 format, 160 pages, full colour throughout. 
$28.95
DRY SUIT DIVING
Barsky, Long & Stinton. 
A must for anyone using a dry suit, or contemplating buying one. Chapters include: Why thermal protection is important; Contaminated water diving; Types of dry suits; Dry suit valves,  undergarments, and accessories; Setting up and dressing; Diving in a dry suit, Maintenance and repairs. 
Softcover, 185 pages, many mono photographs.
$34.00
HEALTH & FITNESS IN PLAIN ENGLISH. 
Dr. Jolie Bookspan. 
At last, a book that is honest in telling us how, and why, we should be exercising. Superbly written by the author of the acclaimed Diving Physiology in Plain English, it disproves the myths of the commercial weight-loss and exercise programs, and replaces them with a practical program together with why they are important. I've personally learnt great deal from this book, and whereas I am not shedding pounds of fat, I now know why I am not fit, and what I should do about it. Covers abs, stretching, workouts, body-building, weights, what works & doesn't, heart, cholesterol, osteoporosis, body fat tests, weight loss, nutrition, vitamins, health foods, diets, supplements, ergogenc aids, pain & injury, back pain, neck, shoulder, and knee pain, ankle sprains, leg cramps, headaches; Fun Facts and an A-Z Glossary Step-by-step instructions for better health and fitness. Funny, jam-packed, practical, easy to understand, everything-all-in-one-source. And a genuine money-back guarantee if you dont think this is the best book available on keeping fit and healthy.
Softcover, 363 pages.
$54.95.
RECREATIONAL SCUBA DIVING. A Guide to Safe Diving.  Highly Recommended.
Steve Sinclair and Russelll Kenley. 
For many years there has been a dearth of good, independant, dive ability books that cover more than the basics without being too technical, all within the parameters of a true sport diving level. This is an exceptional book and provides the diver with the functional knowledge necessary to continue diving after basic instruction. It is a must for any diver, even those who perhaps have the expereince underwater but need to brush up on their theory. It is also an excellent book for the non-diver, the potential diver attempting to determine the skills that will be aquired and required for open water dive certification. It complements the formal dive school and association text, taking the required knowledge just step further.   Softcover, 242 pages, many mono photogreaphs, drawings and charts. 
$54.00
SCUBA DIVING - A WOMAN'S GUIDE. 
Clare Walter. 
Although written by a woman for women divers and potential divers, with ‘a woman's voice', and ‘a woman's approach', I would have thought there would be more information relevant to the physiology of women and how their diving differs from that of men, for which most of the ‘how-to' texts are written. However, what is provided is relevant and questions like ‘are women at greater risk o decompression sickness whilst menstruating?' are awnswered well. Pregnancy of course is mentioned, as well as general fitness, body fat etc. Softcover, 142 pages, mono prints, drawings and charts. $36.00
**** SORRY - OUT OF PRINT *****
SCUBA EQUIPMENT CARE AND MAINTENANCE. 
Michael Farley and Charles Royer. 
This excellent book was first published in 1980, and has had an update in 1988 and now in 1996. It is an extremely popular book and a must for all divers. Covers all equipment from mast and wetsuit to dive lights, photography equipment, dive computers, BCs, tanks and valves - you name it. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure and this book could save you heaps.
Softcover, mono photographs, 176 pages. 
$28.00
SCUBA LIFE SAVING
Albert Pierce. 
From the R.L.S.S. of Canada, used in Australia as a definitive instructional text. Softcover, 186 pages. $24.00
SOLO DIVING
Robert Von Maier. 
'The Art of Underwater Self-Sufficiency'. A controversial topic; the book explores the for and against arguments. 
Softcover, 121 pages. 
$24.00
SPORT DIVING
A.P.Balder. 
First published 1968 - an interesting general book on the basics but not quite up to date. Some good info for a low price. A good primer. 
Softcover, 336pages. 
$5.00
SUB-AQUA ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY
Leo Zanelli. 
A useful book. Informative. 
Hardcover, 114 pages.
$8.00
TAKING THE PLUNGE. 
Bill McBride.
$28.95
Its great that the ‘older', or should I say more experienced idvers, put pen to paper and leave a record of the fascinating years of diving before PADI and all the other alphabet soup instructor groups came on the scene. Not that their safety induced instruction wasn't warrented, but perhaps some of the excitement went out of the game. ‘Forty Crazy Years Under Water' - a collection of interesting and humourrous anecedotes from an instructor and retailer. "Its been forty years of laughs, adventures, and interactions with some pretty spectacular people".  I particularly liked the chapter on "Scuba Students to Remember', and ‘Is Scuba For You?' covering 18 misconceptions of.  A very interesting and funny book. Softcover, 204 pages, all text.
THE COMPLETE SCUBA DIVING GUIDE
Dave Saunders. 
Well presented British book; easy to read, clear diagrams and photographs. 
Hardcover, 142 pages. 
Limited stock.
$28.00
THE DIVERS HANDBOOK. 
Alan Mountain. 
This is an exceptionally well produced book, full of colour on virtually every page, and gives a great background to sport diving. Although not an instruction book, it is nevertheless a book full of detail and educational material. Chapters include A Brief History of Diving, The Natural Laws of Diving (exceptionally well illustrated), Equipment, Health and safety, The Sea, Reefs, Dangerous Marine Organisms, and an excellent chapter on various types of diving and diving activities. Would make a brillliant gift to any diver, be they a novice or experienced. Interesting reading and well worth having. 
Softcover, medium format, dust jacket, 160 pages, gloss art paper, full colour.
$34.00
THE ESSENTIALS OF DEEPER SPORT DIVING.  Highly Recommended.
John Lippmann. 
A detailed technical text for all advanced divers. Strong on technique and decompression. Provides a thorough discussion on physiological and psychological considerations of deep diving,; also altitude diving, oxygen administration, planning and conducting a dive. 
Softcover, 252 pages, medium format, mono photographs, diagrams and charts. 
$42.00 
THE EXPEDITION & DIVING OPERATIONS HANDBOOK. 
Stephen Arrington. Twenty-four chapters and several checklists on preparing for a div expedition. I didn't think it was so complex, but then we are not talking about a quick dive at portsea Pier. The author is the chief diver for the Cousteau Society, and here we are talking about a more substantial dive trip where he covers such subjects as cameras and dive equipmnt, medical, airports, customs and forms, accommodation, home and location bases, chartering, various specialty diving (wreck, ice, high altitude), emergency etc etc. A very useful book for anyone planning a dive trip involving several people to a remote location. Great for dive operators planning trips overseas. 
Softcover, 130 pages. 
$42.00
THE MAGIC OF SCUBA DIVING
Bill Silvester. 
Packed with advice for the novice and advanced diver. Ideal for the diver who wants more information on diving principles and practice. Based on the original instructional text for Australian divers, Down Under Scuba Diver. This edition printed 1987, but still a very interesting book, and excellent value. 
Softcover, massive 452 pages. 
Limited stock.
$10.00
Oceans Enterprises, 303 Commercial Road, Yarram, Vic 3971, Australia.