Diving suit

Diving suit is a garment or device designed to protect a diver from the underwater environment. It is a crucial piece of diving equipment used in various forms of underwater diving, such as scuba diving, free diving, and saturation diving.

History

The concept of the diving suit has been around for centuries. The first recorded design was in 1535 by Guglielmo de Lorena, but it wasn't until the 19th century that practical diving suits were developed. These early suits, known as standard diving dress, were made of waterproofed canvas and used a diving helmet to supply air.

Types of Diving Suits

There are several types of diving suits, each designed for specific diving conditions and activities.

Wet Suits

Wet suits are made from neoprene and allow a thin layer of water to enter the suit, which is then warmed by the diver's body heat. They are commonly used in warm water conditions.

Dry Suits

Dry suits are designed to keep the diver dry and are used in colder water conditions. They are typically made of foam neoprene, crushed neoprene, vulcanized rubber, or heavy-duty fabric.

Semi-Dry Suits

Semi-dry suits are a hybrid of wet suits and dry suits. They have seals at the neck, wrists, and ankles to minimize water exchange, but allow a small amount of water into the suit.

Hot Water Suits

Hot water suits are used in commercial diving where the diver is supplied with hot water from the surface that circulates through the suit, keeping the diver warm.

Safety and Risks

While diving suits provide protection, they also come with risks. Divers must be aware of potential hazards such as decompression sickness, hypothermia, and suit squeeze, a condition caused by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the suit.

See Also

• Diving helmet
• Diving bell
• Underwater diving