. Quite literally you quickly feel quite happy, carefree and life is good. I noticed that people were beginning to fall over, for heavier people this was quite a lucky thing to happen since the breathing mask was wrenched from the face, for some less fortunate people the mask suspended their head just above deck level and they could continue breathing the nitrogen.

As luck would have it quite a few of us realized what was happening and quickly w

Narcosis this is the state of stupor, drowsiness or unconsciousness produced by drugs.

In the case of diving this is brought on by nitrogen.

Compressed air has two basic components, 79% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. At increased pressure the nitrogen component is responsible for the onset of narcosis.

The signs of this are feelings similar to those of intoxication, carefree, a detachment from reality, over confidence and as a diver you need to be aware of the onset of any of these feelings.

Sensitive people may be affected at less than 30 metres. The severity of symptoms will increase as depth increases.

The onset of the condition is rapid as is the recovery. You must take seriously any feelings associated with this condition and reduce your depth. As your depth decreases the symptoms should disappear. Make sure your diving companions are aware of what is happening so they can keep a close eye on you and react accordingly.

To avoid this condition you can restrict your dives to less than 30 metres.

Death can result from this condition so do take it seriously.

I have been subjected to the effects of nitrogen but in different circumstances. Nitrogen is an inert gas that is sometimes used to extinguish fires in enclosed spaces. On one submarine exercise we simulated a fire in the missile compartment. When this occurs the compartment is isolated and nitrogen is pumped into it to extinguish any fire. This involves the closing of various valves to direct the gas to the correct place.

During this particular exercise the valves were operated in the wrong sequence. Everyone on board had donned their breathing apparatus, a mask and lead, the lead being plugged into an overhead line which contains air. The air unfortunately was nitrogen. Quite literally you quickly feel quite happy, carefree and life is good. I noticed that people were beginning to fall over, for heavier people this was quite a lucky thing to happen since the breathing mask was wrenched from the face, for some less fortunate people the mask suspended their head just above deck level and they could continue breathing the nitrogen.

As luck would have it quite a few of us realized what was happening and quickly we

as a diver you need to be aware of the onset of any of these feelings.

Sensitive people may be affected at less than 30 metres. The severity of symptoms will increase as depth increases.

The onset of the condition is rapid as is the recovery. You must take seriously any feelings associated with this condition and reduce your depth. As your depth decreases the symptoms should disappear. Make sure your diving companions are aware of what is happening so they can keep a close eye on you and react accordingly.

To avoid this condition you can restrict your dives to less than 30 metres.

Death can result from this condition so do take it seriously.

I have been subjected to the effects of nitrogen but in different circumstances. Nitrogen is an inert gas that is sometimes used to extinguish fires in enclosed spaces. On one submarine exercise we simulated a fire in the missile compartment. When this occurs the compartment is isolated and nitrogen is pumped into it to extinguish any fire. This involves the closing of various valves to direct the gas to the correct place.

During this particular exercise the valves were operated in the wrong sequence. Everyone on board had donned their breathing apparatus, a mask and lead, the lead being plugged into an overhead line which contains air. The air unfortunately was nitrogen. Quite literally you quickly feel quite happy, carefree and life is good. I noticed that people were beginning to fall over, for heavier people this was quite a lucky thing to happen since the breathing mask was wrenched from the face, for some less fortunate people the mask suspended their head just above deck level and they could continue breathing the nitrogen.

As luck would have it quite a few of us realized what was happening and quickly w

happening so they can keep a close eye on you and react accordingly.

To avoid this condition you can restrict your dives to less than 30 metres.

Death can result from this condition so do take it seriously.

I have been subjected to the effects of nitrogen but in different circumstances. Nitrogen is an inert gas that is sometimes used to extinguish fires in enclosed spaces. On one submarine exercise we simulated a fire in the missile compartment. When this occurs the compartment is isolated and nitrogen is pumped into it to extinguish any fire. This involves the closing of various valves to direct the gas to the correct place.

During this particular exercise the valves were operated in the wrong sequence. Everyone on board had donned their breathing apparatus, a mask and lead, the lead being plugged into an overhead line which contains air. The air unfortunately was nitrogen. Quite literally you quickly feel quite happy, carefree and life is good. I noticed that people were beginning to fall over, for heavier people this was quite a lucky thing to happen since the breathing mask was wrenched from the face, for some less fortunate people the mask suspended their head just above deck level and they could continue breathing the nitrogen.

As luck would have it quite a few of us realized what was happening and quickly w

compartment. When this occurs the compartment is isolated and nitrogen is pumped into it to extinguish any fire. This involves the closing of various valves to direct the gas to the correct place.

During this particular exercise the valves were operated in the wrong sequence. Everyone on board had donned their breathing apparatus, a mask and lead, the lead being plugged into an overhead line which contains air. The air unfortunately was nitrogen. Quite literally you quickly feel quite happy, carefree and life is good. I noticed that people were beginning to fall over, for heavier people this was quite a lucky thing to happen since the breathing mask was wrenched from the face, for some less fortunate people the mask suspended their head just above deck level and they could continue breathing the nitrogen.

As luck would have it quite a few of us realized what was happening and quickly w

. Quite literally you quickly feel quite happy, carefree and life is good. I noticed that people were beginning to fall over, for heavier people this was quite a lucky thing to happen since the breathing mask was wrenched from the face, for some less fortunate people the mask suspended their head just above deck level and they could continue breathing the nitrogen.

As luck would have it quite a few of us realized what was happening and quickly went around pulling masks off the crewmembers. Needless to say the exercise was aborted and new instruction promulgated to the fleet to ensure that all valves are operated in the correct sequence.

So remember to be alert to signs of nitrogen narcosis.

Enjoy your diving.