Dry suits are designed for diving in waters with temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. They are unlike a wetsuit, which allows water to flow between the diver and the suit itself as an insulating layer. Dry suits effectively prevent any water from entering the suit, using trapped air to insulate the diver from cold temperatures.
Training
Consider enrolling in a course designed for dry suit diving with an experienced and licensed professional dive instructor. This type of course will familiarize you with dry suit equipment and diving practices.
Buddy Diving
While it is always important to dive with a buddy, whether in wet or dry suits, it is a good idea to dive with someone else who is familiar with the use of a dry suit. That way you can better help each other to suit up and complete buddy checks on equipment.
Wrist and Neck Seals
Trim and adjust the wrist and neck seals of your suit properly. Wrist and neck seals that do not fit well are uncomfortable and will allow water to leak into the dry suit, reducing its effectiveness.
Neoprene Seals
Neoprene seals require stretching before use. Stretch the neck seal of your dry suit over a scuba tank for at least 12 hours. Food cans work well for stretching wrist seals.
Dry Suit Inspection
Make sure your dry suit is in good repair and in working order at least 48 hours before your dive. Check fabric integrity, waterproof zippers, valves, and neck and wrist seals for damage. This will give you enough time to make any necessary repairs before diving.
Dry Suit Insulation
Too little clothing worn under your dry suit as insulation will result in a cold diving experience and too much clothing will cause you to overheat. Adjust your insulation depending upon the temperature of the water you will dive in. Warmer temperatures may warrant a simple cotton sweat suit. For colder temperatures, try Thinsulate or Polartec dry suit underwear. On warmer days, put your dry suit on last to keep from getting too hot. On cooler days suit up first thing to stay warm.
Buoyancy Test
Check your buoyancy to determine whether the amount of weight you are using is adequate. Enter the water, take a full breath and hold it, then stay still. The waterline should be at eye level. Exhale completely. If you begin to sink, the amount of weight is correct and you are neutrally buoyant. Add additional weight to allow for the weight change in your tank as it empties.
Cleaning and Care
Once you finish a dive, rinse your dry suit thoroughly with fresh water, particularly if you're diving in saltwater. If the inside of your suit gets wet, rinse that is well. Dry your suit thoroughly to prevent mildew from forming. Lubricate the zippers with beeswax or paraffin. Place your cleaned and dried dry suit in a sealed plastic bag. Store it in a cool and dry location.
Buoyancy Compensator
Wear a buoyancy compensator at all times when dry suit diving. This device will ensure that you can maintain positive buoyancy in the event your dry suit fails.
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