CLASSIC DIVE BOOKS

    U.S. Navy Diving Manual
    and other US Navy diving-related manuals.

    Please note: The books are listed for interest only, and not offered for sale.

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    See also (General, and British, European) Military operations; also US Military.
    See also Royal Navy Diving Manual.

     
    U.S. NAVY DIVING MANUAL
    Department of the Navy, Washington, USA.
    Well before the establishment of the franchised dive instruction schools, the US Navy Diving Manual was the ‘bible' for recreational divers, as well as commercial and navy divers of course. The greatest difficulty we recreational divers had was with the US Navy decompression tables which we knew, took the diver to the limit, as would be expected in a military situation - it was thought that perhaps the US Navy appreciated that a few divers would be lost  using these tables, but more work would be done. In the seventies, recreational dive companies brought out their own modified tables for recreational divers, we thinking that these would be more conservative, but in some instances the only ‘modification' to the US Navy tables was in their easier tabled presentation. Be that as it may, the book was the principle instruction manual for many years, and continued so even for recreational divers after the establishment of organisations such as PADI with their own instruction manuals. 

    So, how far back does the "U.S.Navy Diving Manual" go? From what relatively minor research I have done, it would appear that it was in 1916 that a book was published for the Navy Department with the simple title Diving Manual. However, this may have developed from the embryo of a 1905 also produced by the Navy Department, so lets start with that one.

    Much appreciation to PT and SM for assisting with this list. 

     

    ..

    .
    		1905 - MANUAL FOR DIVERS - HANDBOOK FOR SEAMEN GUNNERS
    Prepared at the Naval Torpedo Station. (Printed in) Washington, D.C. (Reprint cover, blue, top left). 
    Reprint: Sundiver Productions Company of Crystal River, Florida, prepared a new edition compiled and edited by Joe Strykowski in 1997.  This is a 66-page, A5 size, perfect bound softcover book with several mono photographs and drawings. I'm not sure if the 22 pages of photographs and drawings, relevant to the time of the original publication, were part of the 1905 book, or added later; I think they were added for this reprint. (See comment below)
    Of the original (a;s0 see comments below): there is no indication of the original format, perhaps as per the reprint. Of the seven chapters, the following subjects are presented: Requirement of divers; Description of  Diving Apparatus; Accidents That May Happen; Rules for Resuscitation; Signals; Duties of the Person in Charge of the Diver and of the Divers Tenders and Assistants; Preparation and Operation of App[aratus; Method of Instruction; Care and Preservation of Apparatus; Diving Outfit; Pressure at Different Depths. 
    As with the reprint of diver J.B.Green's "Diving With and Without Armour", perhaps there should be a warning printed not to ‘try this at home' - not to use the procedures and directive mentioned. Some are so ludicrous by today's standards that no one in their right mind would use this small booklet as a modern day diving manual, but you never know! Most of the advise is relevent anyway - but not all. It is nevertheless a superb book from the point of entertainment, and giving a first hand indication of what the novice diver had to go through.  The most humourous chapter is the first, the physical and mental attributes of a diver. He must first of all be of a phlegmatic temperament - my dictionary defines this as 1. sluggish, dull, 2. calm, cool.  Do they go together? He must not be short-necked, full-blooded or with a strong tendency to nosebleed. I guess if he was short-necked, he would not be able to see out of the front glass - but at least he could play rugby. Of course, he must not perspire freely, andnot to be a hard drinker, nor to have suffered frequently or severely from venereal disease. Men who have long trunks with well developed chest and loins generally make good divers. So far, I would have made it, especially as I have been told I have great loins!   [[ps-reprint]

    Also located:
    1905 MANUAL FOR DIVERS - HANDBOOK FOR SEAMEN GUNNERS. 
    (Originally) prepared at the Naval Torpedo Station. 
    Reprint: Hardback, green covers, 44 printed pages, plus 12 printed pages of photo plates. Dimesions: 14.5 cms tall by 11 cms wide
    I think this is an accurately reproduced copy of the 1905 US Navy diving manual as it indicates "Grateful acknowledgement to the MUSEUM OF THE MAN IN THE SEA for the loan of William Bladder's original manual for this reproduction".  It was published and sold by the HDS (USA), I bought this copy around the year 2000.  Approximately A6 in size, the main manual is professionally bound in hard green covers.  It has seven chapters and  twelve photo plates that do seem in keeping with the period of the manual, the text has been reproduced as a document, the manual has not been scanned, presumably with the exception of the plates.  The seven chapters are: 
    Chapter 1 - "Requirements for the Diver" and "Description of Diving Apparatus".
    Chapter 2 - "Accidents that May Happen" and "Rules for Resusitation".
    Chapter 3 - "Signals" and "Duties of the Person in Charge, of the Diver, and of the Diver's Tender and Assistants".
    Chapter 4 - "Preperation and Operation for the Apparatus".
    Chapter 5 - "Method of Instruction".
    Chapter 6 - "Care and Preservation of Apparatus"
    Chapter 7 - "Diving Outfit" and "Pressure at Different Depths.
    The twelve photo plates are "Diver Ready to Descend", ""The Air Pump", "Life Line, Hose and Suit", "Bands, Cuffs, Expanders, etc", "The Breastplate", "The Helmet", ""Chest Weights", "Belt and Weights", "The Shoes", "Crinoline, Knife and Belt", ""Electric Light" and "Diving Launch". The plates in this HDS (USA) edition are a lot more in keeping with the period of the manual so I think they are from the original.  [pt]

    MANUAL FOR DIVERS 1905 
    Prepared at the Naval Torpedo Station, Washington D.C.1905 
    (Issued to Seamen Gunners in the US Navy). 
    Reproduction by Best Publications, USA.
    This is a wonderful reprint of a most historic and fascinatingmanual. The seven chapters include ‘requirements for divers', ‘ descriptionof diving apparatus', accidents', ‘rules for resuscitation' (do not standthe diver on his head), ‘signals', ‘preparation and care of equipment',‘pressure at depth'. 
    Softcover, 44 pages plus 22 mono plates. $35.00

    This row images from HDS(USA) reprint edition:
    This row images from Sundiver reprint edition. 
    		.

    Further comment from ps: From pt's description, it does appear that the HDS (USA) edition is a faithful reproduction in being, apparently, a direct 'copy' of the original. The photographic images are of poor quality, much less than those of the Sundiver Productions edition of 1997. Note also that the Sundiver edition has 22 pages of photographs, whilst the HDS(USA) edition has just the twelve. The Sundiver edition also has a full dress diver illustration on the inside front cover, and a photo of a full dress diver on a platformk on the inslide back cover. The Sundiver edition also has a stylized ephoto of a seated standard drewss diver on the back cover. It is not likely that these would have been in the original. Somewhat confirming that the Sundiver edition does not contain the original photographs is given by the acknowledgement that the photos are courtesy of the U.S.Navy. And note also that there are no common photos between the two editions.

    Was there a jump of over a decade to the next edition of the Diving Manual?
    (U.S.NAVY) REPORT ON DEEP DIVING TESTS
    By Gunner G.D.Stillson, U.S.Navy.
    Under the Direction of the Bureau of Construction and Repair, Navy Department, Washington D.C.
    Washington Government Printing Office,  1915. Hardcover, 252 pages. 
    The Preface: 
    The following report was prepared by Gunner G. D. Stillson, United States Navy, under the direction of the Bureau of Construction and Repair of the .Navy .Department.   In December 1912, a report was submitted by Gunner Stillson stating that our methods of diving were obsolete and our diving apparatus capable of great improvement.  In this report he suggested that a series of experiments be made, .calling .attention to the procedure of diving adopted in the English Navy as a result of the long series of tests carried out by the English Admiralty in 1906-7, the result of those tests having been to make diving in great depths of water practical and safe.
    Desiring to make an advance in all matters pertaining to diving, as to which there had been little improvement in our service for many years, the Bureau of Construction and Repair took this opportunity of investigating the whole subject.
    To this end an exhaustive series of tests experiments were undertaken, these comprising, first, a series of tests in a high-pressure diving tank ashore and later a number of tests in actual deep diving from the torpedo boat destroyer Walke in Long Island Sound, ' The tank used was one in the works of A. Schrader's Sons (Inc.), in Brooklyn, and by the use of this tank, and the equipment furnished therewith the work of the tests was greatly facilitated.
    The results of the experiments have been most satisfactory. Many changes have been .shown to be desirable in our diving equipment and apparatus, and practical rules for safe diving in. water of great depths have bean formulated.
    The Bureau desires to express its appreciation of the excellent  work .of Gunner Stillson in carrying .out these tests, and the valuable assistance of Passed Asst. Surg. George B. W. French, United States Navy, together withe the good work of the chief gunner's mates whose work assisted in attaining the valuable results.
    It is expected to supplement this report with a “Diving Manual” which will serve as a work of ready reference and instruction for diving procedure and care of diving apparatus. This volume, however, gives a full record of the experiments undertaken and results obtained. It is hoped that it will be of interest and value to those having to do with the diving in the United States Navy. It should be carefully studied by such persons, as it will make clear the reasons for departures from previouss practices and appliances and enable them to undertake diving in the future with a cleaer apprehension of the principles of the art.
    Bureau of Construction and Repair.   [fs]
    1916 - U.S. NAVY DIVING MANUAL 
    Navy Department, Washington Government Printing Office, 1916.
    --
    Reprint, presume faithfully reproduced, by Atlantic Diving Equipment Inc', Bowie, MD, USA, 2003. Softcover, 122 pages, A5 format mono photographs and drawings, perfect bound (not so perfect if you open it out fully!). [Cover image of reprint, left white.]
    Here we have what I would define as a true manual of instruction. And once again there are ‘Words preliminary' to the effect that: Today it could be dangerous and possibly fatal to use some of the information in the 1916 US Navy Diving Manual. The reprint editor, presumably Ray Mathieson, notes that the 1916 Manual ‘is the one that exemplifies the most advancements in technology and safety' but must now be considered obsolete. The comment infers that there were US Navy Diving Manuals prior to 1916. 
    MANUAL FOR DIVERS 1905 
    Prepared at the Naval Torpedo Station, Washington D.C.1905 
    (Issued to Seamen Gunners in the US Navy). 
    Reprint by Best Pubications, USA.
    This is a wonderful reprint of a most historic and fascinatingmanual. The seven chapters include ‘requirements for divers', ‘ descriptionof diving apparatus', accidents', ‘rules for resuscitation' (do not standthe diver on his head), ‘signals', ‘preparation and care of equipment',‘pressure at depth'.  Softcover, 44 pages plus 22 mono plates.
     [fs],[ps-reprint]
    1924 - U.S.NAVY DIVING MANUAL

    Dr. Sam Miller advises that this 'Diving Manual' was a reprint of Chapter 36 of the Manual of the Bureau of Construction & Repair, Navy Department, Buerau of Construction & Repair, 1924. 
    1943 - U.S. NAVY DIVING MANUAL
    Navy Department, Bureau of Ships. Supersedes the 1924 Diving Manual
     
    Soft  blue cover glued with 267 pages and 113 plates. Was also published in hard back. 
    Dimensions  23.2 cms tall by 15 cms wide.
    Divided into 21 chapters, this US Navy Diving manual is very well written and illustrated.  Starting with the development of diving and training of navy divers, it covers all aspects of US Navy diving at the time.  Focussing on the U S Navy Mk 5, it also goes onto diving with oxy-helium in chapter 18, something new and not seen in the equivalent UK manual (there was a shortage of helium at the time I gather and the USA had the monopoly).  Other equipment explained in the manual is the Miller-Dunn shallow water diving equipment, the Morse shallow water diving equipment and the Ohio Rubber Compans shallow water diving equipment (resembling a gas mask).  Plate 90 in chapter 18 (Deeper Diving by Use of Oxygen-Helium Mixtures)  shows an electrically heated under-suit for diving with oxy-helium mixtures, it’s powered by six, six volt batteries in series – the start of modern diving systems?  The section also shows the Mk 5 Oxy-Helium helmet in some detail.  Not a manual one would pick up and read cover to cover but absolutely crammed with useful information for example, there is a pullout with dimensions and details of how to make a weight belt which I know several people have done. Replaced by 1952 Diving Manual (NAVSHIPS 250-880).  [pt]
    1948 - DIVERS MANUAL - U.S.NAVY TRAINING SCHOOL.
    Navy Yard Annex, Bayonne, New Jersey. 
    This was produced for the school as a text book and not issued to the fleet as a diving manual. [sm]
    1952 - U.S. NAVY DIVING MANUAL   (NAVSHIPS 250-880)
    U S Navy Department, Bureau of Ships.
    Supersedes 1943 Diving Manual
    Soft tan cover, glued and black tape to spine with 160 printed pages. Dimensions 26 cms tall by 20 cms wide.
    This version of the manual has increased in size but reduced in pages from the previous version in 1943 however, it is still well illustrated with 137 B?W photographs and diagrams, one of which folds out.  Now on glossy paper, the manual is divided into 9 parts:
    1 History and Development of Diving.
    2 Basic Principles of Diving.
    3 Diving Equipment.
    4 Diving Procedures.
    5 Medical Aspects of Diving.
    6 Diving with Helium-Oxygen Mixtures.
    7 Summary of Safety Precautions.
    8 Diving Accidents.
    9 Component Parts of Standard Diving Equipment.
    1959 - U. S. NAVY DIVING MANUAL (NAVSHIPS 250-538)
    U S Navy Department, Bureau of Ships
    Supersedes 1952 Diving Manual (NAVSHIPS 250-880)
    Soft tan cover, loose leaf with a metal sliding clip for removing leaves. Dimensions 26 cms tall by 20 cms wide.
    The same dimensions as the 1952 manual but now a lot more pages.  There are 4 parts to the manual and each part is divided into chapters, each of which is extremely well illustrated:
    Part 1 General Principles of Diving 249 - pages. Illustrated with 61 plates and 34 tables.
    Part 2 Surface Supplied Diving – 99 pages. Illustrated with 84 plates and 1 table.
    Part 3 Self Contained Diving – 72 pages. Illustrated with 54 plates and 5 tables
    Part 4 Diving Accessories – 13 pages. No plates or illustrations.
    Part 3 sees the introduction of SCUBA open circuits regulatorsand re-breathers are discussed; models like the Lambertson Amphibious Respiratory Apparatus, Pirelli Model LS901, Drager Model Lt Lund II and the British Clearance Diver Breathing Apparatus (CDBA) 
    Replaced by 1963 U S Navy Diving Manual (NAVSHIPS 250-538)
    July 1963 - U.S. NAVY DIVING MANUAL (NAVSHIPS 250-538)
    Heavy board covers, single quarto size sheets, bound with two (perhaps also three), flat wire springs through punched holes; 454 pages, many drawings, chart, mono photographs. 
    Part 1 - General Principles od Diving: Introduction to diving; Underwater Physics; Underwater Physiology; Basic Diving Procedure; Diving Tables: Diving Hazards; General Safety Precautions; Selection, Qualification and Training (for Navy divers); Reporting; Technical Information. (Total 248 pages). 
    Part 2 - Surface Suplied Diving: History; Equipment; Diving Communications; Diver's Air Suply; Boats and Floats; Diving Procedures; Dressing the Diover; Descent; Working the Bottom. It will be appreciated that this section refers to standard dress ‘hard-hat' diving. The section also includes the use of Helium-Oxygen mixtures. (Total 99 pages).
    Part 3 - Self Contained Diving: Introduction; Techniques; Equipment; Open-Circuit Scuba; Closed-Circuit Scuba; Semiclosed-Circuit Scuba; Safety Precautions; Emergency Procedures. (Total 77 pages). [ps]
    1970 US NAVY DIVING MANUAL  (NAVSHIPS 0994-001-9010)
    Navy Department, Washington DC 20350. 
    Supersedes 1963 Diving Manual (NAVSHIPS 250-538)
    Pale blue cover, loose leaf with a metal sliding clip for removing leaves.
    Dimensions 26 cms tall by 20 cms wide.
    Same size and format to the 1963 manual but nearly double its size (in pages) now and extremely well illustrated with photographs, diagrams and tables, some of which fold out to at least double the size.  On the front cover, it now appears that this manual went on general sale as it states “This document has been approved for public release and sale; it’s distribution is unlimited” although there is no indication how much it sold for.   The manual is now divided into 3 parts and has 6 appendix's, labelled “A” to “F”, details as follows:
    1. General Principles of Diving: 223 pages with 39 diagrams and 34 tables
    2. Surface Supplied Diving: 76 pages with 60 diagrams.
    3. Self Contained Diving: 62 pages with 36 diagrams.
    A. First Aid and Emergency Procedures: 97 pages with 90 diagrams and 1 table.
    B. Technical Information, Gas Mixing, Gas Analysis and High Pressure Systems: 36 pages with 11 diagrams.
    C. Technical Information on Surface Demand Diving: 23 pages with 15 diagrams and 3 tables.
    D. SCUBA Technical Manuals and Information: 92 Pages with 62 diagrams and 9 tables.
    E. Marine Life: 17 Pages with 12 diagrams and 2 tables
    F. Selection, Qualification and Training Personnel: 32 Pages but no diagrams or tables.
    Everything seems to have expanded now although many of the photographs appeared in previous versions of the manual.  In appendix “D”, there are even full instructions to service the “Aqua Lung DA Aqua Master” regulator.This manual is absolutely huge.  I didn't realise until I looked at it closer, there are deatils for servicing and care of scuba stuff as well. [pt],[ps]
    1973 US NAVY DIVING MANUAL (NAVSHIPS 0994-001-9010)
    See comment below. 
    From a dealer's description:
    Published by U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington DC, in 1973, in two volumes; no dustjacket. Volume 1 Air Diving is in a 3-ring binder; Volume 2, Mixed Gas Diving is a small book of 9 x 11 inches. 

    .
    		1975 US NAVY DIVING MANUAL (NAVSEA 0994-LP-001-9010)
    Published by (United States) Naval Sea Systems Command, Navy Department, Washington; December 1975. 
    Plain blue plastic covered three-ring binder; 270mm wide by 310mm. Each sheet 215 x 280mm.  In two parts: Air Diving; Mixed-Gas Diving. 
    Each section has a tabulated divider. Many hundreds of pages. 
    Note the registration numbers of this 1975 edition, and previous 1973 edition. This is explained on a single sheet at the beginning of the manual, as follows. The U.S. Navy Diving Manual NANSHIPS 0994-001-9010, September 1973, has been in circulation for over a year. During this time, comments and recommendations for change have been received from the fleet and from other activities, military and civilian. Additionally, advaancements in diving technology have necessitated updating certain information so that the manual remains a current, useful tool for the diver. The recent consolidation of the Naval Ship Systems Command and the Naval Ordnance Systems Command to form the Naval Sea Systems Command necessitated a changee in the Diving Manual's designation. Note that the U.S.Navy Diving Manual is now designated NAVSEA 0994-LP-001-9010. 
    From a sale notice on internet: 
    U.S. Government Printing Office 1975-01-01 Ring-bound Very Good From a private collection. No writing or highlighting and the pages are still white. Includes volume 1-air diving NAVSEA 0994-LP-001-9010 & volume 2-mixed gas diving NAVSHIPS 0994-001-9010. This ring bound book is a little over 1.5 inches thick. It has 21 tabbed sections titled history of diving, underwater physics, underwater physiology, operations planning, scuba diving air, surface supply diving air, air decompression, diving emergencies, apprendices, index, mixed gas theory, operations planning, underwater breathing apparatus, surface supply diving mixed gas, deep diving systems, oxygen diving operations, surface supply decompression, mixed gas scuba decompression, helium oxygen saturation diving, appendices, index. D1.  [Asking price was around $140 AUD.    [ps]

    (Image bottom left is of front page of Part 1). 

    NOTE: From 1973 the US Navy Manual was printed as loose sheets in a three-ring binder; each page is 230 (height) x 165mm. The binder has appeared in two designs, as shown left and below. I believe that copies may have a different binder to that of the original, or that the same edition may have both binder designs - that is is no concern for anyone using the contents. The binder shown left on my copy of the 1975 may or may not be the original. I believe the first binder was as shown below for the 1988 edition with the white central insignia, and when the publishers they ran out of this, they used the binder with  the blue strip. Or could that be the other way around. Whatever - it does not matter which binder is used - it should not affect its original and resale value. 
    Further: A reader has kindly advised that his copy of the 1975 edition has a binder that is the same as the 1988 edition below. That I believe is the first and original binder for the 1975 edition, not the binder that I have, shown above. 
    1985 US NAVY DIVING MANUAL.
    Volume 1 Air Diving, Revision 1, date 1 June 1985 Navsea 0994-LP-001-9010, several changes.
    Volume 2 Mixed-Gas Diving , July 1981  Navsea 0994-001-9020.  [sm]
    1988 US NAVY DIVING MANUAL.
    Volume 1 Air Diving, Revision 1, date Rev 2 15 December 1988 and others. 
    Volume 2 Mixed-Gas Diving , Rev 2 dated 1 October 1987 Navsea 0994-001-9020.  [sm]
    1990s  US NAVY MANUAL  (Revision 4)
    Published by Best Publishing Company, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.
    Comprised two separate volumes, loose leafed in three-ring binder 25cm (vert), x 23 cm.
    US NAVY VOLUME 1 Air Diving.
    US NAVY VOLUME 2. Mixed-Gas Diving. 
    It would appear that this was the 4th Revision - according to the publishers and .....  contains the most up to date decompression tables, and techniques for avoiding decompression sickness. 
    (Cover image left, blue, gold,black).
    Note: Vol 1 Rev 2 dated 15 February 1993, with permanent change 1 issued 15 July 1996. Later changes 1997. Navsea 0994-LP-001-9010. 
    Vol 2 originally issued 15 May 1991, permanent change 2 25 November 1994, change 3 15 May 1996. [sm]
    From Best Publicationns catalog: The U.S. Navy Diving Manual is the authoritative and comprehensive source of information for commercial, sport, and military divers. Newly revised and updated, the Manual describes state-of-the-art technology in diving and includes major changes in diving equipment, operations, decompression procedures, and the prevention and treatment of decompression sickness. Special appendix of formulas and conversion factors, record keeping and reporting, sea stale chart, diving communication guidelines, ice/cold water diving operations, qualification and training of diving personnel, and much, much more. Over 600 pages, illustrated, available with specially designed and patented binders. 
    Volume 1: Air Diving • History of Diving • Underwater Physics • Underwater Physiology • Operations Planning • SCUBA Air Diving • Surface-Supplied Air Diving Operations • Air Decompression • Diving Emergencies • And more! 
    Volume 2: History of Mixed-Gas Diving • Mixed-Gas and Oxygen Diving Operations Planning • Saturation Diving • Surface-Supplied Mixed-Gas Diving Operations • Closed Circuit Mixed-Gas Diving * Purity Standards for Diving Gases • Cylinder Standards 
    2000s   U.S.NAVY DIVING MANUAL  (Revisions 5, 6)
    U.S.NAVY DIVING MANUAL
    Now published (at least by 2008) by Aqua Press, Essex, UK.  Www.aquapress.co.uk
    It appears that AquaPress first published 'Revision 5', then in 2008 published 'Revision 6'.
    Both revisions were available in looseleaf or caebound (hardcover). Hardback, 950 pages.
    "For many decades the US Navy Diving Manual has been the ultimate reference source for the diver. It is now available for the first time as a complete book. Potential readers may feel challenged by the sheer size of the work. At over 950 A4 pages the book is unsurpassed in technical detail and depth. As the ultimate diving reference work the book contains everything you ever wanted to know about diving and many aspects that you could never imagine! The manual is however surprisingly easy to read. The volumes contained in this one book are as follows:-
    Volume 1: Diving Principles and Policies 
    Volume 2: Air Diving Operations 
    Volume 3: Mixed Gas Surface Supplied Diving Operations 
    Volume 4: Closed Circuit and Semiclosed Circuit Diving Operations 
    Volume 5: Diving Medicine and Recompression Chamber Operations
    These volumes mean that despite the books size the individual volumes make for user friendly reading. Each section has been extensively researched and is widely regarded as the technical standard for diving information and procedures. The manual is easily referenced and used internationally by recreational, commercial, and military divers because of its authoritative and approved procedures. "

    Also: United States Navy Diving Manual, Revision 6 (ISBN: 1598044818 / 1-59804-481-8) 
    Defense Dept. - U.S. Navy - Naval Sea Systems. 
    Claitor's Law Books and Publishing, 2009. Ring-bound. Book Condition: Brand New. 6th; five-volume set edition. 992 pages. 11.90x11.50x3.30 inches.
    U.S.NAVY DIVING MANUAL
    Revised 6th Edition
    Published by AquaPress, UK, 2008
    From AquaPress:  The Revised 6th Edition of the United States Navy Diving Manual incorporates many changes. The first major change is a complete revision of the air diving procedures and air diving tables in Chapter 9 of the Manual. 
    “The procedures and tables are the mature product of ten years of work including testing, rigorous analysis, and Fleet Diver feedback. The bottom line is that these new tables and procedures represent a quantum step forward in safe diving practices and correct identified safety deficiencies in the existing air tables that have been part of the manual virtually without significant change for fifty years.”  Captain Rich Hooper USN Faceplate Magazine Vol 11 No. 2
    The second major change concerns the operation and procedures of the Oxygen Regulator Control Assembly (ORCA), a key material element that enables the proper implementation of the preferred air
    diving decompression regime in the revised Diving Manual: decompression with oxygen. The third addition is the training requirements for Oxygen Worker Training, a necessary element for commands to
    manage the oxygen systems which are required for the revised procedures.
    For twenty years the US Navy Diving Manual has been the ultimate reference source for the diver. AquaPress are pleased to announce the publication of the 6th version of the US Navy Diving Manual. The US Navy Diving Manual is now available for the first time as a complete manual. Potential readers may feel challenged by the sheer size of the work. At over 950 A4 pages the book is unsurpassed in technical detail and depth. As the ultimate diving reference work the book contains everything you ever wanted to know about diving and many aspects that you could never imagine! The manual is however surprisingly easy to read. One of the reasons for this is that the manual is actually made up of five individual books or volumes. 
    The volumes are as follows:-
    Volume 1: Diving Principles and Policies 
    Volume 2: Air Diving Operations 
    Volume 3: Mixed Gas Surface Supplied Diving Operations 
    Volume 4: Closed Circuit and Semiclosed Circuit Diving Operations 
    Volume 5: Diving Medicine and Recompression Chamber Operations
    These volumes mean that despite the books size the individual volumes make for user friendly reading. Each section has been extensively researched and is widely regarded as the technical standard for diving information and procedures. 
    The manual is easily referenced and used internationally by recreational, commercial, and military divers because of its authoritative and approved procedures. 
    This 6th Revision contains the most up to date decompression tables, and techniques for avoiding decompression sickness. This manual is a must for all serious divers.
    Price: RRP AquaPress (2016) $88 English pounds. On internet, second-hand., (2016) $651 AUD
    For complete content index see: https://www.aquapress.co.uk
    [ps]
    U.S.NAVY DIVING MANUAL  (Revision 6)
    Published: Military Bookshop, 15 June 2012
    Paperback. 994 pages. Dimensions: 11.0in. x 8.6in. x 2.1in.
    From sales blurb:
    Since the 1950s, the U. S. Navy Diving Manual has served as the internationally recognized standard for allowable exposure while breathing compressed air at varying depths. For many years, the 19561957 Diving Manual air tables also provided the prescribed decompression schedules for dive profiles that exceeded allowable exposure limits. Due to concern over unacceptable rates of decompression sickness and key research on hyperbaric medicine that has developed mathematical models for gas exchange in human tissues, the U. S. Navy has now totally revised the Manuals air tables to make use of this valuable new research. These changes, together with those to the Manuals other sections, represent the most comprehensive updating of Navy diving procedures since 1956. Among the key sections affected by this thoroughgoing revision are: Air decompression definitions; Emergency procedures; Repetitive dives; Variations in rate of ascent; Surface-supplied mixed gas diving procedures; Diagnosis and treatment of decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism; Recompression chamber operation. In addition to these key updates, the Manual provides extensive information on medical treatment for dive injuries; dangerous, predatory, and venomous marine animals; and many other topics of interest. It also includes numerous authoritative charts and tables covering all aspects of the diving experience. Revision 6 of the U. S. Navy Diving Manual represents the culmination of extensive research and empirical validation of its core - the crucial air tables that can mean the difference between life and death. These tables, as well as the detailed and carefully researched text, make this latest edition of the Manual an indispensable reference and instructional source for military and civilian divers alike. 
    Value at the time (2016) AUD $330   [ps]

     
    U.S. NAVY DIVER'S HANDBOOK
    US Navy Air Decompression Table Handbook and Recompression Chamber Operator's Handbook
    First Edition ?
    Revision May 1989
    This handbook provides a convenient and readily-available pocket guide (4" x 6-3/4") to air decompression procedures and tables, administration of recotn-pression treatment, chamber operations, and emergency first-aid procedures. Pocket-sized, with waterproof and tearproof pages, tabbed for easy on-site reference. An essential tool for all professional divers, tenders, hyperbaric chamber operators, diving physicians, and sport divers. Colour tables and charts, plastic-covered spiral binding.
    United States Navy DIVING TECHNICAL MANUAL
    A composite presenting a spectrum of technical subjects for the advanced diver, commerical diver, underwater specialist, and equipment manufacturer. Each section describes the most up-to-date procedures and state-of-the-art technology. 
    First edition: ?  (At least 1995).
    This companion volume to the U.S. Navy Diving Manual provides a wealth of technical diving information on these topics: 
    Section No. D48A Underwater Cutting and Welding (112 pp., 38 illus., 18 tables) 
    Section No. D48B Underwater Photography for Hull Inspection (28 pp., 27 illus.) 
    Section No. D48C Underwater Inspection, Testing and Monitoring of Offshore Structures (146 pp., 10 tables) 
    Section No. D48D Field Experience with Recently Developed Nondestructive Examination Systems (26 pp.,13 illus./charts) 
    Section No. D48E Evaluation of Color Underwater 1'V and Topside Equipment (48 pp., 9 illus., 4 tables) 
    Section No. D48F Underwater Ultrasonic Inspection (14 pp., photo) 
    Section No. D48G Underwater Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Naval Ships (360 pp., 99 figures/photos, 9 tables) 
    Section No. D48H A Procedure for Doing Multiple Level Dives on Air Using Repetitive Groups (60 pp., 21 tables, 3 figures, 3 worksheets) 
    Section No. D48S Complete set in 2 specially designed binders.

     
    1953 US NAVY CUTTING AND WELDING MANUAL  (NAVSHIPS 250-692-9)
    Bureau of Ships, Navy Department, Washington 25, DC
    Supersedes the following: Summary of Recent Advances in Underwater Cutting (NAVSHIPS 250-692-3); and Manual of Underwater Welding (NAVSHIPS 250-692-4).
    Bound in stapled booklet form with card covers, 106 printed pages. Dimensions 26 cms tall by 20 cms wide
    The booklet is the same dimensions as all contemporary US Navy diving manuals but this is in booklet form.  It is extremely well illustrated with photographs and line drawings throughout.  It was printed in six sections as follows:
    1 Underwater Cutting and welding. Sub-divided into 3 parts: General, Underwater Cutting and Underwater Welding.
    2 Safety in Underwater Cutting and Welding. Sub-divided into 4 parts: General, Operation of Electric Cutting and Welding Equipment, Operation of Oxy-Hydrogen Cutting Equipment and Safety in Diving.
    3 Arc-Oxygen Method of Underwater Cutting. Sub-divided into 8 parts: General Considerations, Electrical Equipment, Arc-Oxygen Underwater Cutting Torches, Arc-Oxygen Underwater Cutting Electrodes, Oxygen, Techniques in Arc-Oxygen Underwater Cutting, Safety Precautions and Practical Applications.
    4 Metal Arc Method of Underwater Cutting. Sub-divided into 4 parts: General Considerations, Equipment, Technique for Metallic Arc Underwater Cutting and Safety Precautions.
    5 Oxy-Hydrogen Methods of Cutting. 
    Sub-divided into 14 parts: General Considerations, Equipment, Oxy-Hydrogen Underwater Cutting Torch, Oxygen Hydrogen and Compressed Air Cylinders, Regulators and Cages, Hose, Underwater Lighters, Manifolds, Protective Clothing, Setting Up Equipment, Torch Operating Instructions, Oxy-Hydrogen Cutting in Air, Production Cutting and Safety Precautions.
    6 Underwater Welding. Subdivided into 7 parts: General Considerations, Electrical Equipment, Electrode Holders and Electrodes, Auxiliary Equipment, Preperation for Welding, Techniques in Underwater Welding and Safety Precautions.
    I am not a professional diver but the manual seems to go into the subject very deeply and with some really good illustrations both photographic and line drawn.  [pt]
    1956 US NAVY SUBMARINE MEDICAL PRACTICE  (NAVMED-P 5054)
    Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, Washington
    Bound and glued in book, card cover, 357 printed pages.  Dimensions 26 cms tall by 20 cms wide
    Like all the US Navy Diving Manuals, the book is very well illustrated in the text with both black ? white photographs, line diagrams and tables, many of which also appear in the US Navy Diving Manuals.  Although this manual is not a diving manual as such, there are sections that deal with diving as well as medical practice.  It is divided into 2 parts but part 1 is sub-divided into 2 sections as follows:
    1.1 Deep Sea Diving and Underwater Medicine Practice.
    1.2 Diving With Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.
    2.0 Submarine Medicine Practice.
    The manual seems to be a supplement to the 1952 diving manual as it frequently refers to the “current manual”.  For example, there is a reference to “DM-825”, this means that the reader should refer to the Bureau of Ships Diving Manual paragraph 825 and so on.
    Part 1.1 is divided up into six chapters and has two chapters related to medical subjects: “Medical Aspects of Diving” and “Diving Accidents and Safety Precautions”.  The remaining chapters seem to be a surface demand diving manual.  Part 1.2 is divided into eleven chapters, again resembling a self contained diving manual with 4 chapters relating to medical aspects: “Safety Considerations in the Use of SCUBA”, “Specific Medical Problems with the Use of Scuba”, “Physiological Considerations in the Design and Evaluation of Breathing Apparatus” and “Oxygen Tolerance”.
    Part 2.0 deals with submarines and submariners and is divided into five chapters: “Submarine Habitability and Clothing”, “Submarine Personnel Selection and Assessment”, “Medical Problems in Submarines”, “Escape from Submarines” and finally “Medical Problems of Future Submarines”. 
    The manual must have been freely available as the title page states: 
    For sale by the Superintendant of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington 25, D. C. – Price $2.00.  [pt]
    1974 DIVING EQUIPMENT SET: 2 PERSONS; 120 ft DEPTH  Code: SC 4220-97-CL-E01
    (Department of the Army Supply Catalogue). 
    Published by: Headquarters, Department of the Army, Washington D.C.
    Supersedes SC 4220-97-CL-E01 dated October 1968.
    Stapled, salmon coloured card cover, 18 printed pages. 
    Binding has three holes, presumably for ring binding.  Dimensions 27 cms tall by 21 cms wide
    This is an army stores catalogue and contains photographs as well as text descriptions.  Each part listed contains a national stock number as well as a description.  Items listed range from divers telephones to weightbelts, suits, helmets, gloves, lamps, knives, boots, spanners, etc, ets, etc. 
    Inside this manual is another paper stapled manual dated July1974 for “Diving Equipment Set: 2 Persons; 100ft Depth” numbered SC 4220-97-CL-E02, also from the Department of the Army.  [pt]
    1951 - Chapter 94 SALVAGE Section II - Diving 
    (NAVSHIPS 250-000-9452)

    U S Navy Department, Bureau of Ships. 
    This seems like a part of a much larger manual as it is referred to as "Chapter 94"  Cound in soft pastel green cover which is glued to the inside which in turn has the contents stapled. There are 93 printed pages it is extremely well illustrated with many of the same photos, drawings and diagrams that are in previous and subsequent manuals.. Dimensions 26 cms tall by 20 cms wide.  The manual is divided into 5 parts: 
    1 Diving Equipment
    2 Diving Procedures
    3 Decompression
    4 Summary of Safety Precautions
    5 Component Parts of Standard Diving Outfits

     
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