PADI....

Warm and Dry: Dry Suit Diving

Cold water diving has become more popular these days as a result of the relative ease with which divers can adapt to the surroundings when diving in a dry suit. Thus, the PADI Dry Suit Diver specialty course is hot.

In some parts of the world, divers are oriented to dry suit use from their first confined water session. Cooler year-round water temperatures may require that dry suits be worn to provide students with adequate thermal protection while underwater. In other parts of the world, dry suits are worn during the colder months to prolong the diving season. Fortunately, lower prices and better availability have made dry suits much more accessible.

This exciting and informative course is designed to develop your knowledge of when a dry suit is needed; what types of dry suits are available; the different types of dry suit accessories; dry suit maintenance; and how to make minor repairs to your dry suit. You'll also develop your ability to perform important dry suit skills and learn how to plan, organize, and conduct safe dives while using a dry suit.

One of the first topics covered in your Dry Suit Diver specialty course relates to basic thermal considerations and how we get cold underwater. There are eight variables that may increase the likelihood that you will get cold on a dive, including: water temperature; length of exposure; effectiveness of thermal protection worn; your body's ability to generate heat; your body fat composition; your body surface area to mass ratio; how quickly you acclimatize; and your degree of activity while underwater.

The course also includes a review of how a dry suit is constructed, with information relating to the materials used in a dry suit. Possible materials include: neoprene foam dry suits; coated fabric; crushed neoprene; vulcanized rubber; and trilaminate. Other topics covered in this course deal with weight systems, BCDs, and buoyancy adjustments necessary when wearing a dry suit. For instance, because of the air that can be trapped beneath the dry suit due, it's not uncommon to wear additional weight when diving in a dry suit. You'll also learn some basic dry suit care, maintenance, storage and packing tips, and important information pertaining to handling emergencies.

The PADI Dry Suit Diver Specialty course includes two open water training dives, along with a confined water session for those divers who have little or no experience using a dry suit. The first open water training dive focuses on familiarizing students with their dry suits and how to properly check their equipment. Once the dive commences, students devote their time to mastering their buoyancy control while diving in a dry suit. The second training dive is designed continue work on buoyancy skills, as well as work on proper descents and ascents using dry suits.

Whether you're a seasoned dry suit diver or someone considering the purchase of a dry suit, a PADI Dry Suit Diver specialty course will keep you warm and dry in any conditions.