Diving suits

A diving suit is a garment or device designed to protect a diver from the underwater environment. Diving suits can be divided into several types depending on their function and the diving environment they are designed for, including wetsuits, drysuits, and atmospheric suits.

Types of Diving Suits

Wetsuits

A wetsuit is made from neoprene, a type of synthetic rubber that provides thermal insulation, abrasion resistance, and buoyancy. Wetsuits are primarily used in warmer waters as they allow a small amount of water to enter the suit, which is then warmed by the diver's body heat.

Drysuits

Unlike wetsuits, drysuits are designed to prevent water from entering the suit, keeping the diver dry. They are used in colder waters where thermal insulation is critical. Drysuits are made from materials like neoprene, crushed neoprene, or laminated fabrics.

Atmospheric Diving Suits

Atmospheric diving suits (ADS) are highly specialized suits that maintain a constant atmospheric pressure around the diver, regardless of the depth. These suits are rigid and allow divers to operate at great depths without the need for decompression.

History

The development of diving suits has evolved over centuries, starting from simple air-filled animal skins to the sophisticated suits used today. Early suits were designed to extend bottom time and protect divers from cold and hazardous environments.

Materials

Modern diving suits are made from a variety of materials:

• Neoprene - Used in wetsuits and some drysuits for its insulation properties.
• Rubber - Often used in the seals of drysuits to ensure water tightness.
• Metal - Used in the construction of atmospheric diving suits to withstand high pressure.

Usage

Diving suits are used in various underwater activities including scuba diving, commercial diving, and military diving. They are essential for providing thermal protection, buoyancy control, and physical protection from marine hazards.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of diving suits is crucial for their longevity and performance. This includes thorough rinsing with fresh water after each use, proper drying, and storage away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation of materials.

See also

• Underwater diving
• Scuba diving
• Commercial diving
• Military diving