A drysuit works by creating a waterproof barrier between the diver and the surrounding water, allowing the diver to stay dry throughout the dive. The basic structure and functionality of a drysuit involve several key components:
-
Material: Drysuits are typically made from materials that are completely waterproof, such as specialized waterproof fabrics or laminates. These materials prevent water from entering the suit and coming into direct contact with the diver's body.
-
Seals: Drysuits have seals at the neck, wrists, and sometimes ankles to prevent water from entering the suit through these openings. These seals can be made of latex, neoprene, or other materials that create a watertight seal around the body parts.
-
Zipper: A waterproof zipper is used to open and close the suit. This zipper is often placed diagonally across the torso or across the front of the suit. The zipper is carefully designed to prevent water from entering when properly closed.
-
Valves: Drysuits have an inflation valve and an exhaust valve. The inflation valve, often located on the chest or shoulder, allows the diver to add air from their scuba tank or an alternate air source to the suit. The exhaust valve, usually located on the upper arm or shoulder, lets the diver release excess air from the suit to control buoyancy.
-
Undergarments: To stay warm in cold water, divers wear insulating undergarments beneath the drysuit. These undergarments provide thermal protection by trapping a layer of air close to the body. The choice of undergarments depends on the water temperature and the diver's comfort level.
-
Buoyancy Control: Unlike wetsuits, which inherently provide some buoyancy due to the trapped water layer, drysuits are more buoyant because they are filled with air. Divers must manage their buoyancy using the inflation and exhaust valves on the suit to add or release air as needed.
The process of diving in a drysuit involves several steps:
-
Putting on the Drysuit: Divers put on insulating undergarments and then step into the drysuit. They ensure that the neck, wrist, and ankle seals are properly sealed against their skin.
-
Adding Air: Once in the water, the diver can add air to the suit through the inflation valve to equalize the suit's internal pressure with the water pressure.
-
Buoyancy Control: By adding or releasing air from the suit, the diver can control their buoyancy. Adding air increases buoyancy, while releasing air decreases it.
-
Exhaling Air: As the diver descends, the air inside the suit compresses. The diver needs to periodically release excess air from the suit to maintain a comfortable buoyancy level.
-
Ascent and Safety Stops: During ascent, the air inside the suit expands. The diver releases air to prevent excessive buoyancy and follows proper safety stops when required.
-
Exiting the Water: After the dive, the diver can open the inflation and exhaust valves to fully deflate the suit. This makes it easier to remove the drysuit.
Ā