0 5 | EN
- to control the buoyancy
It takes practice to learn how to control the flow of air within the dry suit. The material
in your undergarments and the fit of your dry suit can add unexpected buoyancy if the
air within the dry suit is obstructed from rapidly reaching the exhaust valve. Basic under-
standing of how changes in pressure can affect the characteristics of your equipment is
essential for your ability to use your dry suit and equipment in the best and safest way.
This can be learned by studying the physics of diving.
The importance of pre-dive buoyancy compensation
Correct compensation with weights is highly important when diving with a dry suit. Too
much weight will make you feel uncomfortable and will add unnecessary strain to your
dive. Too little weight is very dangerous and can be fatal as this may limit your ability to
control the Speed of your ascent and the ability to make a safety/decompression stop.
Your buoyancy will increase while diving as you consume the air through brea-
thing.
If you feel that the deflation capacity of the exhaust valve is insufficient, the reason
may well be that you started the dive with not enough weight.
Changes made to your equipment or of the water‘s salinity will affect your buoyancy.
Compensate your weight belt accordingly.
Unexpected buoyancy and rapid ascent can be caused by any equipment attached to
you that can change in volume due to content of air (i.e. BC or certain suit materials).
This is why we, like many educational organizations, recommends the BC to normally be
emptied of air during the dive.
Learn to master your drysuit
Practice on how your buoyancy will change when you roll, turn and toss. In shallow water,
test how to hover with your feet above your head. Don‘t forget to exhale if you start to
ascend (a strap around your ankles will prevent boots and fins from slipping off). To abort
a feet first ascent; huddle up by bending your knees and body in order to minimize your
length and the difference in pressure. With your arms and fins, rotate your body to right
position. When you‘ve resumed normal position (head up, feet down), wait a while to
allow the excess air to reach the exhaust valve.
Your guide to perfect buoyancy control:
The following is a description of a procedure that will help you obtain perfect buoyancy
control. It should be performed several times and in a comfortable environment. The goal
is a controlled ascent without effort, similar to taking an escalator to the surface. Condi-
tional for this experience is that:
You are properly compensated with enough weights, so that there can be enough air in
the suit to force the valve to deflate expanding air.
That the exhaust valve is properly set and located on the highest point.
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05.05.2010 16:49:25
05.05.2010 16:49:25
