Like all pieces of equipment, a drysuit should be first tried in a controlled and safe environment. Above all, READ THE MANUAL!
The following organisations can help you with all aspects of your diving skills and also run specialist drysuit courses.
PADI
The Drysuit Diver Speciality course is intended as a safe, supervised introduction to drysuit diving. The Drysuit course will familiarise divers with the skills, knowledge, procedures, techniques, problems, hazards and enjoyment of diving with a drysuit. You’ll learn how to master buoyancy control with a drysuit, how to look after your drysuit and much more. If your planning to dive in the UK then a Drysuit is a must!
SSA
The SAA runs a number of national courses open to members. These are in addition to the standard club-based courses, such as the standard diver grades, Nitrox, etc. If you are interested in more information, please speak to your DO or Regional Representative.
BSAC
- Theory Lessons 1 & 2
- Lecture 1: drysuits and equipment
- Lecture 2: drysuit diving techniques
- Sheltered Water Lesson 3
- Using a drysuit
- Dressing and seals
- Kit up & buddy checks
- Buoyancy checks in standing depth
- Surface swims with varying degrees of inflation
- Underwater
- Buoyancy and trim
- Head first and feet first descents
- Inversion/blow up drills
- Forward roll to head up position
- Quick disconnect of inflator hose
- Surface
- Over-inflate to blow seals
- Recovery using BC
- Diver rescue
- Controlled self ascent using drysuit
- CBL buddy using drysuit
- Open Water Lesson 4
- Drysuit dive experience
- Trainee ODs
- Skills integrated into all OD OW lessons
- Ocean Divers
- Completed SO1 diver rescue lesson using a drysuit
- Sports Divers and above
- Dive to max 15m demonstrating full drysuit control