The London Diving Chamber is now offering “Dry Dives”. This is an excellent way to experience the effects of Nitrogen Narcosis in a controlled, safe environment, particularly if you’re an Open Water Diver, and haven’t experienced diving at depth.

Even those of us who are used to diving at depth may not be aware of just how narked we are. A Dry dive can be structured to compare the time taken to do simple mental tasks at the surface with the time taken at depth, and the results can be surprising. The first time I did a dry dive, I was amazed to find that it took me twice as long to write my name backwards at 40m as it did on the surface.

So, I’d like to arrange a visit to LDC (London Diving Chamber). They currently schedule their dry dives for 6.30pm on Thursday evenings and 10am on Saturday mornings, but can do other times subject to demand.

The cost is £25 per person, and we need a minimum of 4. If you’d be interested in joining me for a Dry Dive, please register your interest on the Events Page (don’t forget to Log In first), or leave a comment below, or both.

What you can expect on the day

1. Divers will fill in a Self-Certification Medical Form and a Waiver form.
2. they will then enter the chamber, in groups of up to 8, accompanied by an LDC tender
3. they will breathe the surrounding air which will be slowly pressurised to the agreed depth (up to 50 metres)
4. After staying at depth for the agreed time, the divers are slowly brought back to surface pressure, deco stopping as necessary.
5. On leaving the chamber, LDC will sign and stamp Divers log books (yes - this counts as a proper dive!)

I will also be taking along a few mental puzzles, and those who want to can try them on the surface and then again at depth, to compare the results.

You can find more information on the London Diving Chamber website.