Loss Of Thermal Insulation At Depth; Fitting The Suit; Inflation Gases; Proper Maintenance - Scubapro DRYSUIT Manual Del Usuario

thermal undergarment will be compressed and the diver compensates for this by adding air
during descent and venting air during ascent, to remain neutrally buoyant.
! WARNING
BUOYANCY CONTROL IN A DRYSUIT IS MORE COMPLEX THAN IN A WETSUIT
AND IS A VITAL SKILL TO BE LEARNED DURING THE INSTRUCTION IN THE USE
OF A DRYSUIT.
7.3

Loss of Thermal Insulation at Depth

Drysuits in general provide thermal insulation by creating an air space between the diver and
the cold water.
Neoprene
In a neoprene suit, the neoprene material becomes thinner under pressure (see above) and
loses not only buoyancy at depth, but also some insulation value. Divers planning to spend
time at greater depths must account for the diminished thermal protection at depth by
wearing added under suit protection.
Trilaminate
As the material is a membrane only, the thermal insulation value of the material alone is
minimal and does not change with depth. However, divers planning to spend time at greater
depths must account for the colder temperatures normally found there by wearing added
under suit protection.
7.4

Fitting the Suit

Proper fit in a drysuit is very important. Too loose a fit will allow such hazards as too much
air moving around in the suit, difficult buoyancy control and if the legs are too long, the
boots can slip off the divers' feet. Seals that are too loose will leak. Too tight a fit can result
in restriction of blood flow causing loss of feeling in the extremities, or lack of oxygen to the
brain. Seals that are too tight will also restrict blood flow.
7.5

Inflation Gases

We recommend using air for inflation. Argon can be used by properly trained divers. Do
not use gas mixes with elevated oxygen levels, or with helium (Tri-Mix, etc.). Helium is an
excellent heat conductor, and will significantly reduce the thermal efficiency of the suit,
risking hypothermia.
7.6

Proper Maintenance

A drysuit is a complex piece of equipment designed to keep a diver comfortable in extreme
conditions. Treat is with respect, maintain it properly, and inspect it for wear and damage
BEFORE & AFTER each dive. Failure to take these precautions may be hazardous.
7.7

Allergies

In addition to the possible allergic reaction to latex used in the neck and wrist seals, a small
percentage of the population is known to experience allergic reaction to neoprene. Although
this is less of a problem with drysuits than with wetsuits, as the diver normally wears an
under suit to separate the drysuit from his or her body, some exposure can still result.
Be sure to determine you are free from neoprene allergy before purchasing any neoprene
product.
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