Diving Suits

[roula]

Do SEALs wear different style dive suits depending on which Oceans they are operating in? I know professional divers do use different kind of suits depending on which of the worlds Oceans they are diving in but I was wondering if the Navy has come up with a suit that would fit all purposes/temps for the SEALs?

[mark]

SEALS USE DIFFERENT WEIGHTS OF WET SUIT DEPENDING UPON HOW COLD THE WATER IS. IF IT IS REALLLY COLD, THEN A DRY SUIT MAY BE USED IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SWIM SUBMERGED IN A DRY SUIT BUT IT IS SUITABLE FOR AN SDV OP.

Mark (Bud/s 170, ST-3, SDVT-1, NRST-1)

[roula]

Thanks, Mark.

[k9gsd]

SEALS USE DIFFERENT WEIGHTS OF WET SUIT DEPENDING UPON HOW COLD THE WATER IS. IF IT IS REALLLY COLD, THEN A DRY SUIT MAY BE USED IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SWIM SUBMERGED IN A DRY SUIT BUT IT IS SUITABLE FOR AN SDV OP.


That and one little pinhole leak in a dry suit in cold water is a disaster. One little leak and it is instant cold. Whereas a wetsuit will still continue to function and the mission/job can continue.

A dry suit is good in frigid waters and ice dives where you would not be able to even survive in a wet suit. A dry suit demands a little more training and skill to use. A dry suit is also more expensive than a wet suit.

Common wet suit thickness is 1/8 inch suit and 1/4 inch suit. 1/8" is lighter and more flexable with a more comfort and is good in warmer waters. 1/4" is thicker, heavier, has more bouancy (need more weight to get you down) and offers more insulation and is generally good down to 45F. I have been in colder water with a wet suit with wool long johns, wool glove and bootie liners.

IMO If there ever is an all-around dive suit, I venture to guess the sport divers demand will be greater in shear numbers and dollars than the military.

Robin
Albany, NY

[IceHeart]

Don't know if this helps at all but there is such a thing called a semi-dry suit. Apparently it lets a bit of water in, but with tight rubber at all of the openings, its also supposed to keep it out. And it provides more warmth than a wet suit, but you don't need extra training like in a dry suit.
Sorry I can't give ya any better details but i only really glanced at in when i was in the dive shop, and it was a while ago.

Ice Heart