Zero Viz Summary and Analysis

The second chapter is called "Zero Viz," a reference to the "zero visibility" that a deep sea diver sometimes encounters while underwater. The chapter is a departure from the past tense narrative form of the book and is written primarily in the present tense. In the chapter, Kurson describes some of the extreme dangers faced by deep sea shipwreck divers as well as some of the methods they use.

Deep-shipwreck diving is extremely dangerous, Kurson explains, and is very different than the shallow scuba diving that is a more popular form of diving. The first major difference is a condition called "nitrogen narcosis" that occurs at depths below 66 feet and worsens as the depth increases. Nitrogen narcosis is caused by nitrogen accumulating in the blood stream under the high pressure underwater. It impairs motor skills and reduces peripheral vision...