Overview

In laymens terms Nitrogen Narcosis is a common problem to air divers who progress deeper than 25 metres. With Martini's law and Henry's law providing a good explanation of the this. The deeper you proceed, means the more dense the gases (in this case Oxygen and Nitrogen become). It is the nitrogen that becomes more and more potent to the body and mind as you progress deeper.

Officially, most advise not to proceed deeper than 40 metres on air due to this (and air consumption) effect. However, trained technical divers (having become accustomed to the effects) regularly go to 50 meters and beyond in air-diving.

Often refered to as 'The Rapture of the Deep' the effects of Nitrogen Narcosis are indeed intoxifying and euphoric. As the effects intensify you may panic, suffer in your sense of direction and sight, and fall unconcious.

Nitrogen narcosis is remedied by simply ascending with all effects clearing within minutes of ascending. Narcosis is unpredictable and can affect different people in different ways at different depths.

 

Wiser divers will control their breathing to a nice and smooth intake, limiting the effects of narcosis and their air consumption. This takes practice but is worth it in the long run.