1. NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit
NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit
Presented by the NOAA Diving Center
Seattle, Washington
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

2. Global View Introduction NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit
Components
Diving procedures
Safety precautions
Key Points
Self test

3. Introduction
The NOAA standard drysuit diving outfit consists of the following primary components:
Drysuit
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Diving Unlimited International Weight and Trim System (DWTS)
Scuba cylinder
Primary and secondary regulators/gauge console
This presentation is intended for those NOAA divers that have not received training in the use of drysuits with BCDs.

4. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
Mask & Snorkel
BCD inflator under velcro
Primary regulator
Shadow regulator
Suit fill whip under right arm
Exhaust valve
Whistle
BCD
DWTS – right hand release
Backpack strap over weight belt harness
Console runs under left arm
Fins
Knife
Ankle weights
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

5. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit ‘Components’

6. DUI Weight & Trim System
NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
DUI Weight & Trim System
The DUI Weight & Trim System (DWTS) yellow weight ditch handles should be easily accessible
Place heaviest weights in front pouches
Distribute weights evenly on both sides
Backpack strap over weight belt harness
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

7. NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
DWTS Positioning
The ‘X’ in back harness webbing should be positioned between shoulder blades
Weight pouches should be positioned below hips
DWTS is worn under BCD
Backpack strap over weight belt harness
Back view
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

8. Outfit Assembly-1 The BCD is worn in the standard configuration
NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
Outfit Assembly-1
The BCD is worn in the standard configuration
The drysuit power inflator hose is connected to the LP port of first stage regulator and runs under right shoulder
Backpack strap over weight belt harness
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

9. NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
Outfit Assembly-2
The drysuit inflator valve is rotated towards diver’s right side
Backpack strap over weight belt harness
The BCD inflator hose and Shadow run over left shoulder and are secured with the Velcro strap
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

10. NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
Outfit Assembly-3
Ensure that the BCD chest strap (if used) does not obstruct the drysuit inflator valve
Ensure that the DWTS release handles are easily accessible
Backpack strap over weight belt harness
Pressure gauge console hose runs under left shoulder
Ensure the drysuit exhaust valve is unobstructed
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

11. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit ‘Diving Procedures’

12. Weighting-1 Initial adjustments:
Adjust weight to achieve neutral buoyancy at the surface with the drysuit and BCD vented completely
Add five pounds to compensate for air breathed from cylinder during dive
Distribute weight to achieve horizontal trim (test at depth)
Ankle weights are mandatory

13. Weighting-2 Final adjustments:
Hover (no swimming) at 15 fsw with 500 psi in tank
Adjust weighting and retest weight distribution

14. NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
Buoyancy Control
The adjustable volume of air inside the drysuit is used to control the diver’s buoyancy underwater. This allows for the diver to only have to vent one source of air in an emergency uncontrolled ascent to the surface.
The BCD is used for surface floatation only, unless the drysuit becomes flooded underwater, then the BCD is used for buoyancy control.
BC chest strap not connected and alternate air source not connected
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

15. NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
DWTS Ditching
To ditch the weights, grab a ‘yellow’ handle and pull forcefully away from your body
Hold weight pouches away from all other equipment and release
The DWTS is designed to allow the ditching of ½ the weight independently
Backpack strap over weight belt harness
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

16. DWTS Ditching Video NOAA Diving Program Sept 5, 2007
Backpack strap over weight belt harness
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

17. NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
DWTS Re-weaving
At the completion of re-weaving the DWTS, ensure the free-end of the ‘yellow’ cord is tucked away.
Do not tie free ends together.
Periodically check pouches for proper assembly as cords will loosen with time.
Backpack strap over weight belt harness
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

18. DWTS Re-weaving Video NOAA Diving Program Sept 5, 2007
Backpack strap over weight belt harness
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

19. Descending-1
Use the drysuit exhaust valve to manually vent air from the suit to allow descent
Kelp dive preferred over pike dive (air into feet)
Snort air into mask & under hood during descent to prevent external ear squeeze

20. Descending-1 Videos

21. Descending-2
Add just enough air to the suit to control buoyancy and to reduce the effect of suit squeeze
Should the drysuit inflation valve stick in the open position, immediately disconnect the inflation hose and abort the dive

22. Descending-2 Videos

23. Ascending Begin kicking to the surface
Adjust dry suit exhaust valve to release excess air and position valve at highest point
Add air in short bursts (about seconds), wait for effect
Monitor ascent rate (30 fpm) and be ready to manually exhaust excess air from the suit
Once at the surface inflate BCD for surface floatation

24. Emergency Venting
If rapidly expanding air inside the drysuit cannot be vented via the auto/manual suit exhaust valve, emergency venting procedures must be initiated immediately using either, or both of the following techniques:
Breaking the neck seal
Breaking the wrist seal

25. Managing Excess Buoyancy-1
Problem: Out-of-control ascent due to loss of weight belt, stuck inflator valve, or over-filling suit
Recommended corrective actions:
Try to grab hold of a stationary object (e.g., bottom, downline, piling, etc.) to buy time to take corrective action
Manually vent suit
Perform an emergency “rollout” procedure
Flare-out, spread eagle to increase drag
Because of the potential for lung barotrauma, the diver should exhale during ascent

26. Managing Excess Buoyancy-1 Video

27. Managing Excess Buoyancy-2
Forward roll
Head down
Strong kick down & around into a head up
Left arm up and bent
Flared position
Exhale
Backward roll
Back arched
Strong kick to head up
Left arm up and bent
Flared position
Exhale

28. Managing Excess Buoyancy-2 Video

29. Managing Loss of Buoyancy
Problem: Loss of positive buoyancy due to inability to inflate suit or flooding of suit.
Recommended corrective actions:
Use BCD to assist in swimming to surface
If BCD unavailable, even a flooded suit can be swum to the surface
Surface at normal rate and exit water (which may be difficult and may require removing or cutting and drain the suit)
Consider dropping half or all weights
Check and continue to monitor for hypothermia

30. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit ‘Safety Precautions’

31. Safety Precautions-1 Drysuit
Use a buoyancy compensation device for surface flotation and emergency back up
Know your equipment and emergency procedures
Practice your drysuit diving skills under controlled conditions until they become second nature
Ensure your dive partner is familiar with your drysuit system
Use the correct amount of insulation for the water temperature and exercise rate while diving

32. Safety Precautions-2 Drysuit Con’t.
Proper weighting should allow you to make a safety stop at fifteen feet upon completion of your dive with a cylinder containing 500 psi (34 Bar) of air
Check your valves, zipper and seals before each dive
Perform routine preventive maintenance on drysuit and valves regularly
If additional servicing is needed have it performed by a qualified repair technician only

33. Safety Precautions-3 DUI Weight & Trim System
Always check to ensure that all of the weight pockets are securely closed before donning the DWTS
Use right hand to release weights on right side and left hand for left side weights
Do not dive with the DWTS system unless you are able to operate the release cords properly
Do not thread the waist belt through the DWTS weight release handles
Do not use the DWTS unless you have practiced and mastered the weight ditching procedure

34. Safety Precautions-4 DUI Weight & Trim System Con’t.
Overfilling the weight pouches prevents the flaps from fully engaging the pile on the pockets and the weights will not be held securely in the pouches
Always ensure there is sufficient positive buoyancy in drysuit before removing BCD while wearing the DWTS

35. Safety Precautions-5 Buoyancy Compensator Device
In an emergency do not depend solely upon a BCD to lift you to the surface, be prepared to swim and even drop some or all your weights if necessary
Be prepared to use the oral inflation function of the power inflator to add air to the BCD in the event the power inflator mechanism fails
Never use your BCD (or drysuit) to lift heavy objects (>10lbs) underwater
Do not attempt to breathe the air in the BCD due to potential contamination

36. Safety Precautions-6 Buoyancy Compensator Device Con’t.
Never be weighted so heavily with your diving system that you cannot establish immediate positive buoyancy at the surface by ditching your weights
Before each use, be sure to soak the cylinder bands in water before attaching the BCD to the cylinder
Ensure that the BCD does not interfere with operation of the drysuit inflator valve or exhaust valve, or the weight pouch release handle of the DWTS

37. Key Points
The primary components of the NOAA standard drysuit diving outfit include: suit, DUI weight and trim system, BCD, scuba cylinder, and primary & secondary regulators with gauge console
The use of the above outfit requires special training
The drysuit is used for underwater buoyancy control; whereas, the BCD is used for surface floatation
Adjust weight to achieve neutral buoyancy at the surface with the drysuit & BCD vented completely
Be prepared to manage suit control problems – uncontrolled blow-ups are the most dangerous emergency situation that can occur and must be prevented

38. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit ‘Self Test’

39. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #1: A diver should adjust weight to achieve ______ buoyancy at the surface with the drysuit and BCD vented completely.
Positive
Neutral
Negative
B or D, but not A
ANSWER: B. Neutral

40. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #2: True or False: The heaviest weights should be placed in the rear pouches of the DUI W&TS.
True
False
ANSWER: B. False

41. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #3: When worn correctly, the weight pouches of the DUI W&TS should be positioned:
Above the diver’s hips
At the diver’s hip
Below the diver’s hips
Lower in the front than in the rear
ANSWER: C. Below the diver’s hips

42. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #4: True or False: The DUI W&TS is designed to allow the ditching of weights from either side independent of the other side.
True
False
ANSWER: A. True

43. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #5: True or False: When properly configured, the drysuit inflator hose is routed under the diver’s left arm.
True
False
ANSWER: B. False. It runs under the diver’s right arm

44. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #6: True or False: In normal operations, underwater buoyancy is controlled using the BCD; whereas surface flotation is controlled by the drysuit.
True
False
ANSWER: B. False

45. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #7: The maximum amount of air that should be maintained in a dry suit at depth is the minimum amount necessary to:
Prevent suit squeeze
Maintain required buoyancy
Offset loss of buoyancy from items collected underwater
Both A and B, but not C
ANSWER: D. Both A and B, but not C

46. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #8: True or False: The preferred surface dive to use with a dry suit is the pike dive.
True
False
ANSWER: B. False. The kelp dive is preferred

47. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #9: Arrange the following in order of priority. If diving in a dry suit and you feel yourself floating upward feet first, you should:
Flare out to slow the rate of ascent
Try to grab hold of something
Invert yourself and vent the suit by pulling on a seal
Invert yourself and vent the suit by using the exhaust valve
ANSWER: B, D, C, A

48. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #10: The amount of weight required for a specific drysuit ________.
Is directly related to the type of undergarment worn
Is not related to the type of undergarment worn
Is inversely related to the type of undergarment worn
Is the same for a ¼” wetsuit in saltwater
ANSWER: A. Is directly related to the type of undergarment worn
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

49. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #11: The most dangerous emergency situation that can occur with dry suit diving is:
A flooded suit
An uncontrolled ascent
A stuck inflator valve
A leaking exhaust valve
ANSWER: B. An uncontrolled ascent
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

50. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #12: True or False: The use of either a BCD or DUI W&TS with a drysuit is optional?
True
False
ANSWER: B. False. They are both required
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

51. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #13: The three methods of manually venting a drysuit include all of the following EXCEPT?
Depressing the exhaust valve
Disconnecting the suit inflation hose
Breaking the neck seal
Breaking the wrist seal
ANSWER: B. Disconnecting the suit inflation hose
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

52. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #14: Should the drysuit inflator valve stick in the open position, the diver should:
Disconnect the suit inflation hose and continue dive
Disconnect the suit inflation hose and terminate dive
Manually depress suit exhaust valve and terminate dive
Manually depress suit exhaust valve and continue dive
ANSWER: B. Disconnect the suit inflation hose and terminate dive
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit

53. NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
NOAA Diving Program
Sept 5, 2007
NOAA Standard Drysuit Outfit
QUESTION #15: True or False: If used, the optional BCD chest strap should not interfere with operation of the drysuit inflator valve.
True
False
ANSWER: A. True (BCD chest strap is optional)
NOAA Standard Drysuit Diving Outfit