[.ca] The Complete Idiot's Guide To Submarines (ISBN 0028644719)

Not for beginners:
In general terms de book is excellent rigarding the stuff is talking (technology, weapons, accidents and so on). The book is not for beginners because has a poor introduction, few drawings explaining the layout of a submarine, machinery arrengements (specially items like: What for the MS-1 valve?), nothing about optics, how the obtain a fire solution is not well explained and there is no diagraman in orden to explain the faced problems, etc. For a person who has never heard about a submarine this is not your book though for people who is very enthusiat about the subjet this is definitely your book.

Easy to Fathom:
'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines' is a well-researched book filled with information and advice. Michael DiMercurio explains technical terms with non-technical language, allowing the novice reader to comprehend. Underwater routine is detailed, and while the safe functioning of submarines is dependent upon a complex series of procedures being followed, DiMercurio focuses on a basic tenet. As he says on page 12; 'There's really only one rule to remember. When the captain says, "What's our position?", every submariner's primary impulse is to open the lid to find out. Resist it.' If that isn't good advice, then I'm the Governor of California.

Clean only no education required (CONER) Go NUKES!:
Can niether confirm nor deny, but damn fine story for us bubbleheads. Finally, us NUKE's get a mention longer than a sentence.

As close as you'll get without joining the Navy:
I know,you're not an idiot, so the title puts you off. My advice, though, is to swallow your pride and get this book! This is the ultimate in publicly available technical information on modern US submarines. In addition to a bit of sub history and a tour through the boat, there are extremely detailed chapters on weapons systems, sensors, and two incredible chapters on nuclear propulsion, with such detailed sub-headings as control rods, end of life cores, moderators, ship service turbogenerator, main condenser, main seawater system, thrust bearing, shaft seals and a whole lot more. He has additional detailed chapters on reactor startup, getting underway, emergencies, submarine missile systems, and a day in the life of the crew underway. As an example, in the reactor startup chapter he describes what the crew would do, and then, in considerable detail, what the effect is on the reactor. A look ahead at newer submarine classes such as Seawolf and Virginia SSNs is also included. This book includes an extensive glossary, bibliography and index. DiMercurio is a graduate of the Naval Academy and MIT, and was an officer on board the Sturgeon class SSN, USS Hammerhead. He went right up to the edge on classified material to bring readers a real appreciation of the intricate technology and skilled people involved in modern submarine operations. This book way outclasses the Clancy book on modern submarines, and is a real bargain at under $20!

About as close as you can get to classified information:
The information in this book is about as close to classified information as you're likely to see. It's definitely NOT for idiots; this is a highly detailed, highly technical book written clearly and humorously by someone who's "been there." DiMercurio's descriptions of reactor startup proceedures, power plant operations, and the hazards of being cooped up in a 34 foot diameter pipe hundreds of feet below the safety of the surface is hypnotizing. I couldn't put it down. Note to history buffs: this book contains the most plausible explaination of the Thresher sinking that I've seen. Highly recommended!