One diver, after a seemingly brief period below the surface, discovers that his gas supply has run perilously low. Another, paralyzed, bobs helplessly on the surface, and when a poorly trained divemaster attempts rescue, things go from bad to worse. Two other divers, fascinated by the bountiful undersea life of the Caribbean, fail to notice that a powerful current is sweeping them rapidly away from their unattended boat.
These are just a few of the true stories you will find in Diver Down, most of them involving diver error and resulting in serious injury or death. Each of these tales is accompanied by an in-depth analysis of what went wrong and how you can recognize, avoid, and respond to similar underwater calamities. This unique survival guide explores the gamut of diving situations, including cave and wreck diving, deep-water dives, river and drift diving, decompression sickness, and much more. It shows you how to prevent tragic mishaps through:
- Inspection and maintenance of primary and secondary diving gear
- Learning and following established safety protocols
- Confirming the training and credentials of diving professionals
- Practicing emergency responses under real-world conditions
About the Author
Captain Michael R. Ange is a senior member of the Technical Training Staff for SDI & TDI (Scuba Diving International & Technical Diving International), International Training Director for Emergency Response Diving International, and contributing author and technical editor for SCUBA Diving magazine. A published writer and photojournalist, Mike has a personal training background as varied as his list of diving students which includes military personnel, law enforcement officials, and technical and recreational enthusiasts. Certified with several agencies, he holds instructor trainer ratings that include Advanced TRIMIX, Semi-Closed, Closed Circuit Rebreathers, Technical Wreck, and Cave. Additionally he’s a Certified Advanced Diver Medic with the International Board of Undersea Medicine and an USCG Licensed Master with Power, Sail and Commercial Towing endorsements.
