Started at 28 (stupid, I know) - 2 packs a day within about 2 years from that. Proved that quitting Cigarettes is easy by doing it several times...
Quit for good at 42 when Jules got preggers with Benji. 6 years this coming July, no smoking.
I will say, however, that in my opinion one of the BEST things about finishing up a long dive was sitting on the back of the boat, and lighting up that cig. I can fully understand why Cousteau used to light up after a dive.
'Course, when I tried to do it like him (Red Beanie, Red Ball-Bag Speedo's), my shipmates refused to even acknowledge my existence...
Kevin.