Scuba Dive Suit History and Basics

LeisurePro Tip: Scuba suits have come a long way since they were invented in the 1800's. Scuba suits were created to satiate man's curiosity about the ocean. No longer trapped in a dive bell, a scientist could freely explore the ocean floor and breathe underwater, while keeping a normal body temperature. Modern day dive suits are used for much the same purpose, but provide for more mobility than the original suits that could way up to 200 pounds. They also prevent hypothermia with special material that keeps the body warm through the conservation of body heat. There are two types of diving suits: the helmet suit and the scuba suit.

The helmet suit completely encloses the diver with a helmet and a watertight suit. A hose is connected to the helmet, where oxygen is pumped into the suit. This type of suit does not allow for a lot of mobility, but due to the constant air supply from the hose, the diver can stay underwater much longer than in other suits.

The scuba dive suit is made out of a rubber-like material. There are two types, a wetsuit and a dry suit. The scuba wetsuit is generally worn without clothing, as the material keeps a layer of water between the suit and the skin. The water uses the body heat to stay warm and provides insulation against cold water. The dry scuba dive suit is waterproof so a diver can wear clothes underneath. For both suits, a portable oxygen tank is strapped to the driver from which a regulator allows the diver to breathe naturally and keeps the air pressure in the lungs equal to the pressure of the water.