Review of Choosing and Using Dive Computers

As technology advances, choosing the dive computer that fits our needs can be a hassle. As a diving educator obtaining several credentials, I find this recent release from Hammerhead Press, Choosing and Using Dive Computers, easy to understand and all of the most important points about dive computers are covered. This DVD clearly provided simple but straight-forward information on selecting the right dive computer.

As a certified dive equipment repair technician, I also appreciated the care information included as a chapter. The section addressing the basic care and maintenance of dive computers definitely increases awareness in divers to help cut repair cost.

This DVD is an excellent source for anyone who is considering purchasing a dive computer and wants to know more about dive computers.

I purchased your DVD 'Dry Suit Diving In Depth' and found it to be one of the best resources available anywhere on this subject. I had previously purchased a video and book on dry suits from other publishers, but they were sorely lacking in their content when compared to yours.

Thanks for making such outstanding educational products for divers!

Dan Teoli

(Thanks to Dan's wife for sending his photo!)

Review of Underwater Digital Video Made Easy

I am not an underwater videographer, but this book made me want to become one, and that speaks volumes of its qualities. It really is a high art form to write a clear, yet comprehensive “How-to” guide book without resorting to complex language or a huge volume of intricate words and technical phrases. This book is a good example of how well it can be done. There is sufficient detail, precisely balanced with brevity, presented with ease of navigation.

This guide starts at the beginning with the considerations that surround the purchase of a camera and housing, then takes the reader through a natural progression of chapters leading up to the last chapter, which addresses what you do with your finished masterpiece when you are ready to distribute it. The nine other chapters that lie in between could almost pass for a self study course textbook in underwater photography, or at least serve as a very handy reference.

Authored by the accomplished writer, videographer and commercial diver, Steve Barsky, who is the main author, with fellow dive professionals Lance Milbrand and Mark Thurlow, decades of experience are packed into the book’s 190 pages all those very valuable small tips come from working many years. From selecting your equipment, story board to topside shooting, tips, setting up your gear and performing shoots with available light or setting yur own lighting, to maintenance of and editing and distribution… everything you will need is here and then some.

I don’t quite know if I fully agree with the title of the  book. Videography, it seems, as with u/w photography, requires diligence and dedication, so can it be made ‘easy’? In any case, semantics aside, this book on underwater video certainly lowers the bar.

            Peter Symes, Editor of … X-Ray Scuba Magazine

Review of California Marine Life Identification DVD

I LOVED THIS DVD! I've been diving in California for about 45 years, and thought I knew all about the marine life here. Not so! This is a wonderful DVD chocked full of great photography and lots of interesting information about my underwater friends. And I learned a bunch!

Having seen Barsky's other DVDs and read many of his books, I'm not surprised at all that his latest offering is of the highest quality.

Mark Perlstein

NOTE: This photo of Mark with a nice yellowtail was shot by diver Larry Naylor.

The Simple Guide to Commercial Diving - is a straight-talking insight into this unique and challenging industry.  Barsky and Christensen have collaborated to produce a book that is beautifully illustrated combined with relevant written experiences from their days in the field. They present a no-nonsense discussion of what it takes to prepare and succeed as a commercial diver.

The book is a “must read” for persons considering entering into commercial diving and a good addition to any diver’s personal library. An added bonus is the many early photographs taken by industry pioneer Bev Morgan not previously published.

As commercial diving educators, we are constantly dealing with students who have diverse backgrounds and impressions of what commercial diving is about. 

Skillfully assembled into well defined segments, this book paces its way through many of the pitfalls of investigation.  The Case Histories were invaluable. I obtained this book in an effort to not only help to better prepare myself to investigate diving accidents but also to look forward in an attempt to eliminate some of the mistakes that led to fatalities while diving. This book gave many interesting and varied cues through these Case Histories.   

During all this time I always tried to find the best books and text to share with my students. And for sure, one of the best sources for me have always been the books written by Mr. Barsky.

All of the books that I had the opportunity to take a look at have been very well done. Clear, up to date and objective texts with excellent pictures and drawings- a must have for everyone that loves to dive and learn more about this amazing activity. Congratulations for helping us to improve our diving knowledge!

Safe dives,
Marco Reis, from Brazil

We are continually referencing material from the book, and have not found a better guide to the type of work that we do. We have recently begun hard hat diving, and the book has once again been an excellent source of information making our transition into helmets much easier. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has even the remotest possibility of entering such an environment.

Jon McBurney
Process Engineer
Lockheed Martin REAC
U.S. EPA/ERTC Dive Team Member

I never considered diving in a dry suit to be hazardous. As a Public
Safety Diver I am mandated, for safety reasons, to dive dry. I began using a
dry suit four years ago with no "OFFICIAL" training, I simply relied on trial
and error. I was not the only one relying on this training method. Matter of
fact many divers, whether recreational or public safety, purchase a suit and
are only giving a demonstration during one or two pool sessions by the
seller. Sometimes inadequate research is done before purchasing a dry suit.
This may simply be because the diver is unfamiliar with certain dry suit
diving essentials.

Recently I completed a dry suit diving course. I also obtained a copy of
"Dry Suit Diving" by Barsky, Long, & Stinton.

The information contained in
this book far exceeds what I learned in the dry suit diver class. "Dry Suit
Diving" not only teaches you the essentials of dry suit diving, but also
teaches the history and advancements of the dry suit. "Dry Suit Diving" even
goes as far as teaching you proper maintenance and how to make simple
repairs. Repairs that may cost you hundreds of dollars at a dive shop. Not to
mention you may not have the suit for weeks.

As a Public Safety Diver I have gained a plethora of knowledge reading - "Dry Suit Diving."

I will even go as far as saying I have picked up on some life saving techniques! Ron Wenzel, Patrolman Lincoln Park Police Department (New Jersey) Denville Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team