The Certified Diver's Handbook

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: Switching Attitude Gears

Diving as a Lifestyle

Pursuing Your Own Interests

A Realistic Assessment of Risk

A Realistic Assessment of Cost

Chapter 2: Equipment

Masks, Fins, and Snorkels

Dive Knife

Regulators

Buoyancy Compensators

Depth Gauges

Dive Computers

Exposure Suits

Tanks

Weights and Weight Belts

Dive Bags

Chapter 3: Gear Maintenance

Mask

Regulator

Submersible Pressure Gauge

Computer

Buoyancy Compensator

Tanks

Chapter 4: Gadgets That Work, and Good Ideas

Hose and Gauge Retainers

Clip Systems

Dive Lights

Dive Slates

Plastic Ties

Clip-On Weights

Spare Air

Moldable Mouthpieces

Safety Sausages

Dry Boxes

Dry Bags

Medical Dive Insurance

Dive Equipment Insurance

Chapter 5: How to Buy Equipment

Buying New Gear

Buying Used Gear

Personalizing Your Gear

Chapter 6: Kindred Spirits and First Trips

Finding Dive Buddies

Where to Go

Chapter 7: An Introduction to Mother Ocean: Water Weight and Density

The Characteristics of Ocean Water

How Water Density Affects Light

How Water Density Affects Sound

Chapter 8: The Weather: Wind and Waves, Storms, Tides, and Currents

Wind and Waves

Thunderstorms

Currents

Chapter 9: The Marine Environment

Organization of the Ocean

The Four Life-Forms

Anatomy of a Coral Reef

Spooky and Potentially Hazardous Marine Animals

Chapter 10: Going Diving

Diving from Charter Boats

Diving from Privately Owned Boats

Diving from Shore

Drift Diving

Night Diving

Chapter 11: Staying Out of Trouble

Underwater Navigation

Buddy Problems

Chapter 12: When a Good Thing Goes Bad: Basic Rescue Procedures and Diver Problems

Rational-Patient Surface Assist

Passive-Patient and Panicky-Patient Surface Rescue

Unconscious-Patient Surface Rescue

Unconscious Patient on the Bottom

Decompression Sickness

Lung Overpressure Injuries

Some Problems of Breathing under Pressure

Hypothermia

Hyperthermia

Chapter 13: Diving in the United States

Road Trip

The Gulf Coast

The East Coast

The Great Lakes

The West Coast

Inland USA: A Place Near You

Chapter 14: International Dive Travel

Getting There

Where to Go

Appendix: Underwater Photography

Resources

Index