Mark Powell’s book on technical diving is finally available

[KenGordon]

Has anyone here read the book yet? A review of the book would be great and how it compares with things such as the TDI or PADI technical texts.

I have read the first third and skipped forward to read particular bits to see the treatment.

It is easier than Deco for Divers, and approaches the subject is a comprehensible way. In particular it discusses things quite broadly rather than focusing on narrow points, but explains why a thing matters.

It is clearer than the TDI materials, it is trying to be readable more than agency courses do and being for a different purpose it manages that.

It covers more stuff than I expected, covering trimix and reabreaths to an extent.

I think it would be interesting to anyone with an interest in how diving works and anything beyond following a guide. Pretty much anyone on SB who actually dives (excluding the pub people arguinging for the sake of it) would find this book interesting.

Actually, I would say everyone who dives should read it, even if they never intend to do deep, long dives, there will be something that makes them say ‘oh, I see now!’.

 

[UFOrb]

I can't wait for my copy and am eager to learn from this great author/diver

And a nice bloke too. He even had time for me on the morning of his daughter's wedding for my Nitrox practical!!

If his interpersonal skills are anything to go on then the book should be thorough and clear. I’m not planning on going down the technical route but I’m tempted to buy the book for the reasons KenGordon suggested.

 

[stuartv]

@KenGordon Can you give a couple of examples of things you have learned from the book?

 

[In2theabyss]

Ordered mine, Only 2 left on Amazon

 

[Marie13]

I’m about 8 chapters in. I already think this is better than TDI’s Intro to Tech manual (which I’ve already read several times and have already done the bookwork ahead of ITT in August - it’s winter here on the Great Lakes! )

 

[Jeremy Williams]

Deco was available as an ebook and I’m holding out for this one to get posted too.

 

[KenGordon]

@KenGordon Can you give a couple of examples of things you have learned from the book?

aquaCorps history.
That a particular turn of phrase can lead to reading in a Welsh accent.
That I must have missed the point of how to place chest D rings.

So far I have only read chapters which are reasonably introductory and I expect to have good knowledge of. I have done courses that cover almost he entrire book so I’d hope there is nothing too new in there, just stuff I have forgotten.

There is a lot of basic material diving attitude, on how to chose and configure kit, core skills and core theory. That is all good to read and far better presented than in the agency manuals. It has discussion of pros and cons of various ways of doing something, that is not usual in agency materials.

 

[Marie13]

again, I'd make the same comment...

Powell's discussions in D-4-D was an outstanding presentation of some very complex topics. I am quite certain his approach to this book will continue to provide clear discussions.

The only thing that could be improved is the font used! It’s a very light black. Could be much darker.

 

[BoltSnap]

The only thing that could be improved is the font used! It’s a very light black. Could be much darker.

The Brits like to save money in every way possible even in ink. Masters of efficiency!

 

[letterboy]

~~snip~~Pretty much anyone on SB who actually dives (excluding the pub people arguinging for the sake of it) would find this book interesting. ~~snip~~

We don't always just argue for the sake of arguing.

Sometimes we do it because we're not allowed to troll regular users