Deco for Divers by Mark Powell

[HenrikBP]

This book was reviewed elsewhere on SB by Lynne earlier this year, but I just read the book and thought it deserved a mention in this new, dedicated review section. Very well written book covering a fairly complicated topic in a straight forward and easy to understand manner. Well, ok - a few sections I needed to re-read :)

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/marine-science-physiology/266681-book-review-deco-divers.html

Deco for Divers by Mark Powell (http://www.dive-tech.co.uk/deco%20for%20divers.htm)

Amazon.com: Deco for Divers: Decompression Theory and Physiology (9781905492077): Mark Powell: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Deco-Divers-Decompression-Theory-Physiology/dp/1905492073)

Henrik

[Brian Sharpe]

It was so clearly written that I could actually understand most of it.

A must read for any diver!

[Doc Harry]

You gotta buy it.

[Rhone Man]

I thought it was excellent, but he could have benefit from a better proof reader. There were a couple of places were there were obvious typos (although the only dangerous one that I spotted was where inexplicably he switched from referring to ppO2 to ppN2 in a series of formulae when he clearly was referring to the partial pressure of oxygen!).

[Zippsy]

also two thumbs up. very good and different explanation of m-values.

[coldwaterswimmer]

There were a couple typos/mistakes in some of the formulae, but otherwise clearly laid out and written.

[demisvmax]

Just ordered it!

[TSandM]

Yes, there are quite a few typos, and some mislabeled graphs (but only one that I remember that couldn't be puzzled out, if you knew what he was TRYING to say). Even with those faults, though, the book is something I think every active diver ought to own and read.

[Zoliaster]

For what its worth, I would also give it a thumbs up.

[svyper]

It's a great book if you don't want to go through the pain of searching for articles and research papers on deco theory. If you have already done that, then you won't get that much out of the book.
And two thumbs down on the editorial work. I don't think a book from a publishing house (as opposed to one published by the author himself) should have that many typos, repetitions, mislabeled graphs, etc.



This book was reviewed elsewhere on SB by Lynne earlier this year, but I just read the book and thought it deserved a mention in this new, dedicated review section. Very well written book covering a fairly complicated topic in a straight forward and easy to understand manner. Well, ok - a few sections I needed to re-read :)

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/marine-science-physiology/266681-book-review-deco-divers.html

Deco for Divers by Mark Powell (http://www.dive-tech.co.uk/deco%20for%20divers.htm)

Amazon.com: Deco for Divers: Decompression Theory and Physiology (9781905492077): Mark Powell: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Deco-Divers-Decompression-Theory-Physiology/dp/1905492073)

Henrik

[explorer08]

In my eyes this book is at present the best on the market, regarding that topic. It should be mandatory for instructors and I strongly recommend it for every advanced diver.

[vrakis]

I rarely say it, but this book ranks as 5 out of 5 on my scale.

All divers seriously interested in decompression theory should read it.

As stated above, a lot of typos.

On page 133 there is a fault in the explanation of the oxygen window. The graph illustrating the text shows a reduction of ppO2 from 0.8 to 0.05 bar, but the text describes a reduction of ppO2 from 0.9 to 0.5 which results in the faulty statement "A drop of 0.3 bar between the arterial and venous systems." - a sentence that should read "A drop of 0.75 bar between the arterial and venous systems.".
0.75 bar corresponds with the illustration and the later sentence "…as compared to a drop of only 0.75 bar in the previous example.".
On the graphs 59, 60 & 61 associated with the text above, the labelling if the Y-axis is missing (should be "Oxygen content (ml)"). Missed labelling of the axis in graphs is by the way a common problem in the book.

Safe Diving!
Vrakis

[Jax]

This book was reviewed elsewhere on SB by Lynne earlier this year, but I just read the book and thought it deserved a mention in this new, dedicated review section. Very well written book covering a fairly complicated topic in a straight forward and easy to understand manner. Well, ok - a few sections I needed to re-read :)

Henrik

I am about finished with this, and it is an excellent read. I found several sections that needed a re-read and downright study. Well worth it if you care about how the deco of today came about, and how your computer works.

[TSandM]

I really think this is a book that should be in the collection of any avid diver. Both educational and readable, and gloriously illustrated with Gareth Locke's beautiful photographs, it is really a great reference.

[Tom Kreider]

I strongly recommend this book for any diver considering Advanced Nitrox and Deco Procedures or really anything beyond basic recreational diving. I've found it to be invaluable to my continuing education.

[David Wilson]

Maybe a trivial point, but wouldn't it have been better to call the book "Decompression Theory and Physiology for Divers?" For people outside the scuba community, the shorter title "Deco for Divers" is perhaps too reminiscent of what an art appreciation book (art deco) might be called.