"SteveB" wrote in message
news:mrege.29004$fI.14521@fed1read05...

"DeepDiver" wrote in message
...
"SteveB" wrote in message
news:2j4ge.24733$fI.11025@fed1read05...

I got the nickname from an instructor when I was getting my Divemaster
certification many years ago (I've since earned my Instructor rating). He
wanted to teach me the effects of nitrogen narcosis, but could never
observe any symptoms in me, even past the "recreational limit".

I started diving in 1969. Since I quit in 1980, I haven't had a scuba
tank on since. I would like to do some shallow water diving, maybe in
Central America this summer. You do so much, that it gets to be like
work. Cold water. Bad weather. Danger.

I can see how the difficult work aspect of commercial diving can take some
of the joy out of being underwater. Did you ever do much recreational
diving?

I hope you get back into the sport of it. Particularly in a plaec where the
water is clear and warm and filled with amazing things to see.


It was a real adventure, and I am glad I followed my heart and did it.
All diving is a kick, no matter the depth.

True. We all have to work for a living. Might as well do something
adventurous, right? Something about only living once...


As per nitrogen narcosis, it hits everyone different. Just like booze or
drugs. The trick is to know when it has hit you, and to recognize when
it's coming on.

Yes, I know. And it even hits the same person differently on different days
or under different conditions. I didn't intend to sound flipant about my
experiences below that magic depth of 130', it's just that on those dives
with that instructor where we happened to go deep, I didn't narc out. Of
course, that's not to say that if I were to go deep the next time I dive,
that I would still be resistant to the effects. One should never become
complacent.


Some people can still stay focused though impaired. To learn our limits
on CO2 buildup, we had to ride a stationary bicycle at
the bottom of a pool of water until we passed out. That was fun.
To learn our narcosis level, we just had to go into a chamber.

Sounds like some of the fun aeromedical testing and training I did when in
the Navy.


Take care.

You too. If you go diving this summer, have a safe and fun time!

Regards,
Michael