Also, what is your "Maximum." depth on air, and what physiological effects did you experience?
Sorry, I missed this part. I think it is fair to say that we (the entire class) were all pretty blasted at 285'/87M -- which was part of the point of the training. Nobody was completely out of control, unable to manage their equipment (deep sea gear), or respond to communications. Tasks were pretty basic like tying simple knots and verbal arithmetic questions. Knots were pretty tough even on deck in these rigs.
Obviously this was not Scuba so risk was far more manageable. Very simple work could be accomplished, but not much more. Considerable concentration was essential. The biggest problem for most of us was compromised sensory function:
- Tunnel vision
- Numbness-like sensations that interfered with speech and manual dexterity
- Hearing became distorted
- Metallic taste sensations
I know that many new divers believe that diving in 306'/93M of water on air is deadly. By extension, accomplishing complex work, like salvaging a submarine, is impossible. I guess that Chief Stillson and his crew didn't get the memo.
US Navy Experimental Diving Unit
Chief Stillson's assignment coincided with the development of early submarines, and the tragic accidents that accompanied them. Stillson and his divers were sent to salvage the submarine F-4 after she sank off Pearl Harbor Hawaii with all hands in 1915. She was in 306'/93M of water. Divers experienced severe impairment caused by Nitrogen Narcosis which prompted the US Bureau of Mines to suggest Helium-Oxygen as a breathing mixture.