FPDocMatt
Contributor
Definition: A nickname for the effects of Nitrogen Narcosis. The theory developed by divers is that every ten meters (33 feet) of depth is the equivalent of drinking a martini. At 30 meters (100 feet), the depth at which Nitrogen Narcosis becomes noticeable the feeling is said to be the equivalent of having consumed 3 martinis. 40 meters (130 feet) would be 4 martinis, etc.
[SIZE=+1]The comparison to having had "three Martinis" is apt, and it has been stated that one should consider the narcotic effect of one Martini for every 50 feet of sea water.[/SIZE]
Nitrogen narcosis is also called "the martini effect" because divers experience an effect comparable to that from one martini on an empty stomach for every 50 ft of depth beyond the initial 100 ft.
As you can see from these 3 random quotes from the web, there is no consistency among definitions of the Martini Effect.
Is the problem that it's purely subjective? Or is there actually a definition that's accepted by the scuba diving community?