Best Books for 2023 Reading and Learning About Ocean Topics
Since our household interests have a wide range; there’s always a stack of recently-acquired books waiting for our attention. Here’s what’s on our bedside tables; some pretty deep topics!
Under Pressure
Bill handed this to me yesterday for my Winter Break reading. Early stocking stuffer! There’s a reason this gift is so special to me.
I see Gareth Lock as my parallel in the diving world; someone relentlessly investigating the human element and a holistic approach to diver training.
While I write more about sailing and train for critical dynamic incidents, I recognize that there’s something to learn from anyone who is analyzing best practices in any activity.
I haven’t started it, so here’s the blurb:
“Most incidents and accidents are down to “human error”. Unfortunately, human error is normal and common, and we can’t get rid of it. However, we can reduce the likelihood of one of those – “oh shit moments” – if we have an understanding of human factors and develop our non-technical skills.
This is a globally unique book containing decades of research and practice from high-risk domains translated into the world of recreational and technical diving. This is done through the use of numerous detailed case studies to highlight the value and applicability of these skills.
This book is a must for all divers who want to manage their risks more effectively and have fun in the process.”
Chapman’s Nautical Guides: Emergencies at Sea
After presenting “Safety at Sea” with American Sailing twice over the course of a year, I’ll now read this. When I’m writing; I’m always keenly aware of the influence of other writers. I never want to take someone else’s ideas or accidentally seem to, so, I’ve put off reading this to make sure that the contents did not influence me.
Now, it’s time to check with the legend, Chapman’s, and see what they say.
“This authoritative Chapman’s handbook covers all the vital information for dealing with marine emergencies. In easy, clear language, veteran off-shore voyager Sid Stapleton outlines the critical first steps for getting the crisis under control. Photos and line drawings.”
Spirals In Time
The Secret Life and Curious Afterlife of Seashells – that doesn’t sound like a page-turner, but the tag line did catch my attention: “A biological and cultural biography of the ubiquitous yet mystical seashell.”
As I always do, I purchased a used copy – reduce, reuse, recycle philosophy. It arrived in nearly mint condition, and I got started.
It’s a page-turner! I can’t put it down.
“In Spirals in Time: The Secret Life and Curious Afterlife of Seashells, marine biologist Helen Scales shows how seashells have been sculpted by the fundamental rules of mathematics and evolution; how they gave us color, gems, food, and new medicines.
Members of the phylum Mollusca are among the most ancient animals on the planet. Their shells provide homes for other animals, and across the ages, people have used shells not only as trinkets but also as a form of money, and as powerful symbols of sex and death, prestige and war.”
Going Ashore Made Easy – The Essential Dinghy and Outboard Manual
“Thanks for enrolling in ASA 216 Online Instructor Qualification Clinic” my email read. Ok – if I was going to pass the IQC in order to teach the “dinghy class” for American Sailing; I needed the book.
By the way – I was one of the first people in the world to earn the 216 instructor status – day before yesterday! The book works!
Initially, I thought, “How complicated can this be, I’ve been operating dinghies my entire life.”
Well, you will be delighted with this book! So much information, such clear presentation, great graphics, great tables, I highly recommend this whether you plan to take the class or not.
Partially in response to dinghy accidents in charter fleets due to sailors having lots of sail training but no dinghy training; this book accompanies the one-day AS 116 course that is so new, it’s not even on the American Sailing certifications list yet!
Knowing how to operate and maintain a dinghy and outboard is an essential part of seamanship. Dinghies help us get ashore, transport provisions, and travel between vessels.”
The Story of the Panama Canal
Published in 1913, this book gives an incredible account of the building of the Panama Canal. With an upcoming trip scheduled; I want to understand the history and planning of this incredible waterway.
There’s no information, but a friend whose uncle was a pilot on the PC owns this book. I started reading it, it’s fascinating, so I had to add it to our library and finish it.
“The Story of the Panama Canal: The Wonderful Account of the Gigantic Undertaking Commenced by the French, and Brought to Triumphant Completion by the … of Balboa to the Present Time [Illustrated]”
The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914
This book is the most-recommended on the topic, so I purchased a used copy of this as well to fill in from the publication of The Story of the Panama Canal until the present.
I haven’t begun it yet; it arrived and it’s huge! 698 pages.
“From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Truman, here is the national bestselling epic chronicle of the creation of the Panama Canal. In The Path Between the Seas, acclaimed historian David McCullough delivers a first-rate drama of the sweeping human undertaking that led to the creation of this grand enterprise.
The Path Between the Seas tells the story of the men and women who fought against all odds to fulfill the 400-year-old dream of constructing an aquatic passageway between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It is a story of astonishing engineering feats, tremendous medical accomplishments, political power plays, heroic successes, and tragic failures. Applying his remarkable gift for writing lucid, lively exposition, McCullough weaves the many strands of the momentous event into a comprehensive and captivating tale.
I Don’t Go Anywhere Without:
- Stream2Sea Reef Safe SPF 20 or 30 mineral, regular or tinted sunscreen, mask defog, shampoo, conditioner, lip balm, rash guards and more reef-safe supplies. Use my code “KimW” for 10% off.
- MyMedic Individual Bleeding Control Kits, this link and my code “KimW” will save you 10% on your purchase. We take ours everywhere.
- North American Rescue CAT tourniquets.
- Travelex is our trip insurer – click for a free quote.
- Girls That Scuba – members discount card for all things diving.
- Sailo for $100 off your next boat rental! Discount Code: “KimWa1”
- PierShare to rent your dock out or rent a dock.
- RoadId for $5 off your cycling/running/kayaking/travel id.
- Thank you for using my links – your price does not change, but they may gift me a small percentage of your sale in return for my mention, which allows me to continue to bring to you fun content.
- AD: affiliate links used.
- Thank you Bill for being the Best Sailing Partner EVER!
