Don Cleavin – How long diesels could stay under

In my time in submarines, I think I’ve only ever seen it once when the oxygen levels got really down. I think that was out in the Far East.

We were doing trials and of course you’ve got indicators how much oxygen you’ve got in there so … Budengerg Gauges or some other … I forget now.

You’re trying to go along as long as you can possibly manage without refreshing your atmosphere and I’ve seen it in the Engine Room, or anywhere in the boat, there is so little oxygen.

You don’t notice it yourself but you’re breathing deeper.

You’re unaware of it but you’re breathing deeper and then you do notice when you strike a match. It will flare up and go straight out. Not enough oxygen to keep the match burning.