Dry Suit Buoyancy Control

[MASS-Diver]

I have many dives in my dry suit and I contol my buoyancy with my BCD (using my dry suit inflator to offset the squeeze). This works well for me and I was taught this way in my PADI dry suit course.

However, my buddy refuses to dive this way (he will only use his dry suit for buoyancy control). His reasons are:

1.)In the case of an uncotrolled asecent (or even a a noraml ascent under "harsh conditions"), he only has to worry about dumping air from one place (simpler the better, so he says)

2.) Given the the cold temps we see hear in MA in the winter, he likes to get as much air (ussually argon) in his suit as possible for warmth.

Any oppinons out there? I have dove with him on close to 100 drysuit dives so I don't thinks he's changing, but, I would like to win the argument.

One last thing, he also cites a Dry Suit book by Barskey to support his case of not using your BCD underwater.

 

[Dryglove]

http://www.scubadiving.com/talk/read.php?f=1&i=415690&t=415321

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by MASS-Diver
I have dove with him on close to 100 drysuit dives so I don't thinks he's changing, but, I would like to win the argument.

Of course you are the one doing it right but as for winning the argument...

You can't... so don't bother... and as long as you are diving with him your fate is tied to his...

Perhaps you should practice shared air ascents with ten foot stops and see how it goes...

Be the donee and don't let him hold onto you...

 

[JamesK]

It is my understanding with a dry suit that you want very little air in it. That your undergarments should insulate you, not the air.

As far as using no BCD, that to me is foolish. If he tears a whole in his drysuit, how is he to maintain bouyancy, and can he kick up that flooded drysuit and stay nuetral for any deco/safety stop obiligations? Your drysuit is not meant to be your BCD.

 

[MASS-Diver]

Thanks guys,


Big James, he actually does a wear a BCD (he's not quite that old school), he just doesn't use it except on the surface (or in a emergency such as a flooded suit).

 

[JamesK]

Originally posted by MASS-Diver
Thanks guys,


Big James, he actually does a wear a BCD (he's not quite that old school), he just doesn't use it except on the surface (or in a emergency such as a flooded suit).

LOL. OK! Now I understand.

I pulled this from the GUE site. It refers back to my less air is better theory.

"Drysuits that are not form-fitting will add significantly to a diver's drag. The diver should attempt to limit the air in his drysuit to reduce air transfer and increase proficiency. "