Looking around I felt that I was able to offer a book to fill a gap in the market. One of the main aims was to remain totally un-biased as far as promoting one diver-training agency over another. Although always a member of the British Sub Aqua Club I wanted to show the many avenues available to new trainees. The book was my first venture as a writer and I feel proud at what I have achieved, the publisher (Crowood Press) were very supportive and together I believe we produced a fine product.
The book was released in 1999 and the beginner is guided through the sport. The attractions of the sport and the equipment required are covered along with the basics of learning to dive. Safety precautions and first aid complete the practical instruction. Illustrated throughout with a mixture of line drawings and photos this book is an essential companion to anyone learning to dive Types of dives we do and popular holiday destinations are covered to entice the reader into this exciting sport.
With the success of my first book, I started putting my energies into writing and had some limited success with some diving magazine features. I did not really find this too productive and found the popular magazines sometimes complicated to work with. I have no plans to cut myself off from the diving community altogether, after all 15 years of diving experience must be worth something.
I was approached by a representative of the Sub Aqua Association (SAA), who informed me that they were looking for an author that could compile a diving reference manual for their organisation. Since its beginning the Sub Aqua Association (SAA) relied upon clubs to organise their own training schedules using literature of their own choice.
It was felt that the Association was now in a position to offer its members a manual of its own truly dedicated to the Association and I was fortunate enough to be awarded the commission by the Association to write a comprehensive diver training manual for them, with the help of a few chosen representatives from the Association I started on writing a diver-training manual dedicated solely to the SAA.
In preparing the manual I had assistance from a number of sources, the manual is testament to their dedication. The manual is illustrated throughout with both line drawings and photographs supplied by people I am pleased to have as close colleagues. Written in an easy to understand format throughout with full colour photos, tables, and drawings this book combines the essential knowledge needed for taking those first steps toward safely acquiring your personal passport to becoming a diver, along with the practical skills provided by the diving instructor.
The manual contains:
The manual has gone through a revision with new improved illustrations. The manual is an invaluable tool to all, whether taking your first steps or being a seasoned diver, no divers bookshelf, whatever their affiliation should be without a copy.
During a quiet period in the production of the manual I pondered my next endeavour. The wreck of the hospital ship the SS Rohilla has always intrigued me, it was a wreck I used when introducing students to their first open water dive, being close to the harbour it was one often used for convenience.
I had read many years earlier a book about the ship which centred on those lost who originated from ‘Barnoldswick’ a small cotton weaving town in Lancashire.
I wondered what else there might be to the story and set about writing a book at least for myself, as research progressed I sound found that I would not be able to do justice to the story without writing a comprehensive manuscript. I began contact with many individuals some professionally and have now many new acquaintances, and close friends. They have helped provide additional information and material that has helped to produce a wonderful manuscript. The book is something I am very proud of! I have a new publisher for this project who seem as enthusiastic as I do.
Built in 1906, by the Harland and Wolff shipyard, Belfast (of Titanic fame) as a passenger and cruise liner, the Rohilla joined her sister ship ‘Rewa’ (featured briefly in the book) as a permanent troop ship. In August 1914 the Rohilla was requisitioned as a Naval hospital ship. Of those who survived the loss a Miss Roberts also survived the sinking of the Titanic. Amongst the crew were 15 men from a small cotton weaving community, the men were amongst those responsible for the care of Prince Albert brought onboard the Rohilla at Scapa Flow, the Prince was later crowned King George.
In a severe gale the ship ran aground just 600 yards of the shore, so close to safety yet so far in terms of the insurmountable circumstances. The story unfold's to explain many heroic attempts to save those onboard including carrying a lifeboat over land to launch in poor sea conditions. Many more interesting facts and features await the reader – a book not to be missed. To effectively illustrate the book I have used line drawings and original photographs of the vessel as well as photographs of artefacts from the ship and her wrecking, ,any photographs never having been published before!
Many more interesting facts and features await the reader, a book not to be missed.
“Into The Maelstrom” - The Wreck Of The SS Rohilla.
ISBN: 0752423843
Tempus Publications Limited
The Mill, Brinscombe Port,
Stroud,
Gloucestershire,
GL5 2QG
01453 – 883300
E - Mail Tempus Publishing
Copyright © Colin Brittain 1999 - 2008