The Society For
Human Performance In Extreme Environments
Into the abyss: An ill-fated expedition into one of the world's deepest underwater caves (1997). Vetter, C. Human Performance in Extreme Environments, v 2(1), p. 13 . Reprinted from Outside Magazine, November 1994, with permission. Illustrates the team and mission dynamics occurring throughout training for and during the actual record setting cavedive in which lives were lost.
Cave Diving Magazine Articles:
Stunt man (May 1996). Norman, G. Forbes (Forbes FYI Section), v 157(9), p. S59(4). The attraction of cave diving is not the promise of beautiful fish or coral reefs, or fascinating wrecks or treasure, but the challenge of the unknown. The cave diver's most crucial skill is the ability to resist panicking. A cave diving adventure off the Bahaman island of Andros is described.
Deep, dark and deadly (Oct. 1994). Taylor, M.R. Sports Illustrated, v 81(14), p. 5(6). Sheck Exley held world scuba diving depth records and had written books on diving safety following the death of his older brother William in a diving accident. While attempting a new depth record in Mexico, he failed to surface. His body was found at 904 feet.
Relaxed vigilance almost ends in cave diving tragedy (April, 1993). ('I Learned About Diving From That' Section). Shanks, B. Skin Diver, v 42(4) p. 182(1). Dive enthusiasts should conduct a careful examination of their equipment before initiating cave dives. Proper emergency diving procedures such as buddy breathing can save a diver's life in the event of equipment malfunction.
Lost in an underwater cave (Sept. 1992). ( Diver survives underwater cave ordeal) Thomas, M. Reader's Digest, v 141(845), p. 79(6). Divers must possess special diving knowledge if they intend to try underwater cave diving. As cave drownings become a frequent occurrence, inexperienced divers should at least bring along an experienced cave diver when undertaking diving explorations.
Down deep danger zones; the fanciest dive can also be the deadliest (Aug. 1988). Barol, B. Newsweek, v 112(7), p. 65(1).
The following books on underwater cave diving are available through the National Speleological Society, Cave Diving Section (NSS -CDS). Books may be ordered from: NSS Cave Diving Section P.O. Box 950, Branford, FL 32008-0950. Add $3.00 for shipping. Florida res. add 6% sales tax. Foreign orders add 10% surface, 25% for air. All funds in US currency or Bank Draft. (2-3 weeks delivery).
Caverns measureless to man (1995). Exley, S. In this book, the author tells of his nearly fatal beginnings as a cave diver, of his instant obsession with the sport, of his evolution into a master teacher of safety and cave diving techniques, and of the many dives on which he set length and depth records. Over 15 maps and more than 70 photos (many in color). Cave Books, 338 pp. Hardcover (40140; $33.00) and softcover (40145; $22.00).
The art of safe cave diving (1995). National Speleology Society. Cave diving is a risky business. Considering this and the number of individuals who die scuba diving in caves as well as those few who die cave diving, you may be wondering why anyone would ever do it. It's a question frequently asked and "either you're one of us and you understand it; or you aren't and you don't." Whichever group you fit into, you'll find this an interesting and informative book well worth your time. By the end of the book you should know whether you are one of us or not. Covers all aspects of cave diving and written by some of the leading cave divers. Softcover (NSS # 01-0381); $34.95).
The darkness beckons (1991). Farr, M. Covers the history of cave diving by one of Britian's foremost divers. Hundreds of photos. Daidem, 280 p. (40110; $45.00)
The cave diving group manual (1990). Balcombe, F.B., Cordingley, J.N., Palmer, R.J., Stevenson, R.A., & Bradford, B. (Eds). The official British manual covering all aspects of the British tradition from history, equipment and techniques to photography, sump diving, and mixed gas. Numerous diagrams and photos (many in color). Castle Cary Press, 268 p. (40800; $45.00).
The Wakulla Springs project (date unspecified from source). Stone, W.C. (Ed). The second (and last?) pressing of the Wakulla Project by Dr. Bill Stone is rapidly disappearing. Hardcover (40130; $35.00) and softcover (40135; $25.00)
Cave diving communications (1990). Prosser, J. & Grey, H.V. Comprehensive, illustrated text covering all forms of communications in underwater caves: light signals, hand signals, touch contact and slates, with a special chapter on the use of lines and reels. NSS-CDS, 68 p. (40900; $8.00).
Deep into blue holes (1989). Palmer, R. A profusely illustrated account of the British Expedition to Bahamian blue holes by one of the world's leading cave divers. Many color photos. Unwin-Hyman, 164 p. (40700; $45.00).
NSS cavern diving manual (1988). Zumrick, J., Prosser, J., & Grey, H.V. The standard reference work on cavern diving. Covers most of the underlying principles behind safe cave diving. NSS-CDS, 121 p. (40100; $15.00).
Basic cave diving - A blueprint for survival (1986). Exley, S. Extremely clear presentation by the premier explorer Sheck Exley of the basic rules of cave diving derived from accident analysis. NSS-CDS, 46 p. Softcover (40200; $7.00).