Two groups of divers were compressed to 300 msw [meters sea water] with heliox (n = 3) and trimix (n = 3). Neuropsychological testing was performed repeatedly during the compression and on reaching 250 and 300 msw. On the 2nd day the trimix group was tested before and after a gas change to heliox. For the heliox group there was a marked increase in tremor and EEG slow waves, and reduction of alpha band and in hand-grip strength. For the trimix group visuomotor coordination was impaired. In the cognitive performance tests the heliox group was most impaired at 250 msw, whereas the trimix group was most impaired at 300 msw. Before the gas change to heliox the trimix group showed impaired performance in some tests. After the gas change, performance returned to predive levels, except for perceptual speed. There was an increase in tremor immediately after the gas change. There was a marked HPNS [high pressure nervous syndrome] effect during compression on heliox. This effect was not observed in the trimix group, but this group was mildly intoxicated on reaching saturation depth. The tests indicated slight narcotic effects also after 26 h, but this disappeared after the change to heliox.