The PADI Dry Suit Diver Specialty Course is one of the most valuable specialty courses for divers in the UK and other temperate-water destinations.
While wetsuits provide insulation by allowing a layer of water to warm against your skin, a dry suit keeps you completely dry, providing greater thermal protection, comfort and flexibility during colder dives.
Whether you're diving local UK wrecks, exploring inland dive sites throughout the winter or planning adventures in colder waters overseas, learning to use a dry suit will significantly increase your comfort, safety and enjoyment underwater.
During the course you'll learn how dry suits work, how to choose appropriate undergarments and how to safely manage the unique buoyancy characteristics associated with dry suit diving.
Under the guidance of an experienced PADI Instructor, you'll gain practical experience in both confined water and open water while developing the confidence to dive in a dry suit safely and comfortably.
During the course you'll learn:
Dry suit setup and maintenance
Selecting appropriate thermal undergarments
Buoyancy control while using a dry suit
Managing air movement within the suit
Proper weighting techniques
Safe ascent and descent procedures
Preventing and managing common dry suit problems
Emergency procedures and recovery techniques
Post-dive care and equipment maintenance
Maximising comfort during cold-water dives
The course combines practical skill development with real-world diving experience, ensuring you're prepared to enjoy dry suit diving in a variety of conditions.
Upon successful completion, you'll earn the internationally recognised PADI Dry Suit Diver Specialty certification, allowing you to confidently dive using a dry suit within the limits of your training and experience.
For UK divers, the Dry Suit Diver Specialty is often considered an essential certification, helping you stay comfortable and extend your diving season throughout the year.
To enrol on the PADI Dry Suit Diver Specialty Course you must:
Be at least 10 years old
Hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another recognised training organisation)
Be medically fit to dive
Dry suit hire may be available. Please contact Sussex Diving to discuss equipment requirements.