I'm a recent OW & AOW with 30+ dives, many in quarries, one in Lake Michigan, and three in ocean open water (Acapulco, Crete, Oahu). Hence not a complete newbie, but a newbie nonetheless.
I recently had a chance to read Diver Down by M. Ange, and in my opinion, it's a must-read for any OW diver. For that matter, any diver who hasn't read it yet. I've been checking the accidents/incidents forum with interest for a couple of months. At first I was surprised by the number of fatalities reported, granted world-wide, but higher than I would have anticipated. Ange's book provides informative case studies, many ending in fatalities, vividly and well-written but respectfully given the surrounding tragedies.
During my PADI OW and AOW training (I learned a lot and enjoyed them), I don't recall any mention of recommended reading although it's possible I missed them (esp. in the online OW component). For what it's worth, it's this newbie's opinion that Diver Down should be pointed out as a must-read during/after training. I have bought a couple of other related scuba diving books, but this one stands out.
I recently had a chance to read Diver Down by M. Ange, and in my opinion, it's a must-read for any OW diver. For that matter, any diver who hasn't read it yet. I've been checking the accidents/incidents forum with interest for a couple of months. At first I was surprised by the number of fatalities reported, granted world-wide, but higher than I would have anticipated. Ange's book provides informative case studies, many ending in fatalities, vividly and well-written but respectfully given the surrounding tragedies.
During my PADI OW and AOW training (I learned a lot and enjoyed them), I don't recall any mention of recommended reading although it's possible I missed them (esp. in the online OW component). For what it's worth, it's this newbie's opinion that Diver Down should be pointed out as a must-read during/after training. I have bought a couple of other related scuba diving books, but this one stands out.
