13 replies to this topic

[Trimix2dive]

Last weekend an interesting question.

Is there a way that divers who smoke, can smoke and dive at the same time?
Or should they just stick nicotine patches on the bodies?

I don't smoke. But you that do, try to give others that do some ideas on how to get the "fix" while under water.

I would like to think of this tread as a public service thread to those in our group who smoke.

[Mishelle]

Interesting topic.
I do not think that divers are really down long enough to "suffer" nicotine withdraw.

As for a patch, you should NOT wear one if you are a smoker who does not intend to quit.

[cmt489]

Not being a smoker, my thought is that this is just one more incentive for people to quit!

On another note, if a person is so addicted so as to have a craving while underwater that must be satisfied, I am thinking that there is a definite problem with this person's smoking habits! Last I checked, chain smoking and diving (or any other physical activity for that matter) certainly do not go hand in hand! And anyone that smokes that much has definite health concerns to think about.

[Walter]

Logistically, it would be a bitch.

[Vulture]

This is a very bad solution, but I know people who do it. Well, not diving, but flying on longer sorties.

They would chew tobacco for their nicotine fix. I would imagine you could do the same diving. Hopefully not with any rental reg that I would use anytime in the future...

I can see this being an issue for long duration dives. you know, those crazies who spend 8-10+ hours underwater.

But I can't stand either stuff, so am very happy I don't have the problem.

[Trimix2dive]

Logistically, it would be a bitch.

Walter -

One of the people during our mensa conversation, proposed injecting cigarette smoke into the tank creating a light carbon monoxide mix. He was given the "special" I've had too many beers award for that one.

[Latitude Adjustment]

What boggles my mind are the divers who do smoke, it sure isn't helping their SAC but I guess they just buy bigger tanks or doubles.

[Walter]

It also increases their chances of AGE.

[Dive_Girl]

It also increases their chances of AGE.

Took the thought right out of my head. And those divers that are underwater for many many hours should REALLY reconsider the combination of smoking and diving.

And, I am not knocking people who choose to smoke, just very concerned when it comes to safety and diving.

[Latitude Adjustment]

This weekend I saw two cousins I use to baby sit and the heavy smoking and drinking has definetly AGEd them, they look older than me now! Of course the one is lucky to be alive after lighting up a smoke in his fathers dark room, kaaaboom!

[sun50]

It also increases their chances of AGE.

Walter;
Tell us more about A.G.E. and smoking/diving. That's not covered in classes.
Doug

[DandyDon]

Yep, it's obvious the thread originator doesn't smoke, or he would already know that posting one on the subject is going to get more comments from nons - unless you attempt to restrict discussion "for smokers only,' in which case it'll only be about half nons.

I'll spend several hours in non-smoking environments when flying and changing, and while I don't miss it much - I do carry a can of "Bandits" - little snuff filled pouches that one sucks on a little to ease the nicotine withdrawal. I also use them on the one non-smoking boat I patronize, but hate it when I forget to spit it out before going in. Not a good thing to have in your windpipe. So far, I have always remembered by the time I get to the 15 foot equipment check.

I do have a waterproof cigarette pack case. I think I'll put it and a small towel in a zip lock, inside my BC pocket so I can dry my hand enough to light up on the drift line. Like after sex, I do like a smoke after a dive.

Edited by DandyDon, 16 August 2005 - 07:31 PM.

[Walter]

Smoking weakens the tissues in your lungs, making it easier for the alveoli to rupture. Smoking also damages the lungs ability to discharge mucus which increases the odds the alveoli will be blocked, making it possible for the alveoli to rupture even without holding your breath.

[ScubaHawk]

I'm sure all of us smokers appreciate the public service announcements, but now back to the regularly scheduled topic. It figures this question would come up at a Mensa meeting, I've seen weirder. Putting aside the logistics of lighting a cigarette, lets say you have a full face plate with room for a small cig, or a small pressurized bell,or bag you could stick your head into, one of the key drawbacks to smoking at depth would be the high partial pressure of the O2. It would be a QUICK smoke! If you were deep enough, you may come back up with new facial features.