Books on Decompression Theory/Tech Diving

[gxsr_sarge]

I'm really interested in learning as much as I can about decompression theory and modeling (i.e., history, physiology, compartments theory, tissue loading, theory behind the various models, decompression techniques, etc.) as well as anything I can read on the subject of technical diving. I don't want to follow tables as such but really want to know what's "behind" them.

I've purchased two of Bruce Wienke's books (Basic Decompression Theory and Technical Diving in Depth that I thought, based upon the title, would serve my needs. However, they are a bit too technical and obviously written for the super-advanced technical diver with a solid knowledge and/or academics. The Naui Master Scuba Diver book, believe it or not, gives a great "intro" into deco/reco theory but it too general.

I was wondering whether there was anything else written sort of "in between" the above in order to bridge the gap. I don't mind formulas, etc. but would also like more explanatory narrative. And YES - I've already done a forum search but can't seem to find any solid semi-unanimous recommendations.

Thanks

[Blackwood]

Rather than books, I think there is a lot to be learned from the various whitepapers.

Erik Baker's are written in a way fairly intelligible way.

There are a lot of good papers over on Erik Maiken's site: ftp://www.decompression.org/pub/

edit: whoops, it seems to be password protected now. That's new to me.

[gxsr_sarge]

edit: whoops, it seems to be password protected now. That's new to me.

Thanks Blackwood. Would you by chance be able to send along one of their articles?

[gxsr_sarge]

Found one:

Bubble Decompression Strategies (http://www.decompression.org/maiken/Bubble_Decompression_Strategies.htm)

[Blackwood]

I have tons of stuff at home. I can email you later.

But I'd keep an eye on this page: Technical VPM Publications (http://www.decompression.org/maiken/VPM/VPM_Publications.htm)

Hopefully he'll realize that it's password protected and open it back up soon.

Until then, these are good starting points:

Baker - Understanding M Values (http://www.gap-software.com/staticfiles/UnderstandingMvalues.pdf)

Baker - Clearing up the confusion about Deep Stops (http://www.ddplan.com/reference/deepstop.pdf)

[gxsr_sarge]

Blackwood: Thanks for those links. During the search for Maiken's articles, I encountered those articles and a ton more so I think I'm set with articles/whitepapers for now.

I'd still like, however, other folks' opinions re decent books .....

[Divin'Hoosier]

(i.e., history, physiology, compartments theory, tissue loading, theory behind the various models, decompression techniques, etc.)

PADI's Enc of Recreational Diving actually has a good presentation of these concepts, obviously from a recreational perspective.

Three other books I've found helpful:

Gilliam, Bret. Deep Diving, Revised Edition. Aqua Quest Publications, 1995.
Jablonski, Jarrod. Getting Clear on the Basics: The Fundamentals of Technical Diving.
Lippmann, John. Essentials of Deeper Sport Diving. Aqua Quest Publications, 1992.

[Gene_Hobbs]

I'm really interested in learning as much as I can about decompression theory and modeling (i.e., history, physiology, compartments theory, tissue loading, theory behind the various models, decompression techniques, etc.) as well as anything I can read on the subject of technical diving. I don't want to follow tables as such but really want to know what's "behind" them.

Good timing on this question gxsr_sarge,

Mark Powell in the UK just released his new book, "Deco for Divers (http://www.dive-tech.co.uk/deco%20for%20divers.htm)". I can not say enough good things about the book. I had the pleasure of reading an early draft of the book and anxiously await my copy of the final version. Mark went to great lengths to collect and summarize a tremendous body of work and then went the extra step of having researchers review and provide feedback on the content before release. That kind of attention to detail is all too rare these days. GREAT BOOK! (and fabulous starting point)

A sample chapter can be downloaded at the link above.

[super7]

Thanks for the link,Gene_Hobbs. Just what I was looking for.
I've placed an order already.

[gxsr_sarge]

Gene,

Thanks for the information. Based upon the reviews, it sounds like the intermediate type of book that I am looking for.