SDI Dry Suit Diver Course
The ocean hides some of the most beautiful and exciting underwater life in the world. Many of these locations are cold, filled with kelp forests, colorful anemones, seals, rock formations, and historic World War II shipwrecks. These dives are amazing, but the cold water can limit your time and comfort.
The SDI Dry Suit Diver Course at Blue Water Ascent teaches you how to dive safely, warm, and confidently in cold or icy waters. With the right training and equipment, you’ll stay dry, warm, and focused on every dive.
Dry suit diving isn’t just for very cold places. Many divers also use dry suits in temperate and tropical locations during the colder seasons. Dry suits help you dive longer, feel more comfortable, and enjoy every moment underwater.
Why Choose Dry Suit Diving?
A dry suit keeps water away from your body. This helps you stay warm, dry, and full of energy during the dive.
With a dry suit, you can :
- Stay underwater longer
- Breathe more quietly
- Focus better on your surroundings
- Enjoy more marine life
- Avoid diving too early because it's cold
Dry suit diving feels natural and controlled. With proper training, it becomes easy, safe, and very comfortable.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is suitable for the following people :
- Certified divers looking to dive in cold or frigid waters
- Divers traveling to cold or temperate locations
- Divers looking for longer dive times
- Divers looking for more warmth and comfort
- Divers working towards SDI Advanced Diver or Master Scuba Diver
- Divers looking to extend their diving season
Course Prerequisites
To join this course, you must:
- Be an SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent)
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Junior divers as young as 12 years of age may join with parental consent.
What You Learn in the SDI Dry Suit Diver Course
This course gives you strong knowledge and hands-on skills to use a dry suit correctly and safely
Types of Dry Suits
You learn about different dry suit styles, including:
- Shell suits
- Crushed neoprene suits
- Standard neoprene suits
Each type has different benefits and uses. You learn when and where to use each one.
Seals and Suit Features
You learn how dry suits are built and how each part works, including:
- Latex seals
- Neoprene seals
- Self-don (front entry) suits
- Rear-entry suits
- Integrated boots
- Zipper guards
- Warm neck collars
- Suspenders
Dry Suit Undergarments (Insulation)
You learn how to stay warm inside the suit by choosing the right insulation :
- Compression-resistant layers
- Proper fit and layering
- Staying warm on long dives
Valves and Buoyancy Control
You learn how to control air and movement underwater :
- Inflator valve use
- Dump valve placement
- Balancing dry suit air and BCD air
- Maintaining good trim and body position
Maintenance and Care
You train in proper dry suit care, including :
- Cleaning your dry suit
- Zipper care
- Seal maintenance
- Minor field repairs
- Handling stuck valves
Emergency Skills
You learn how to handle problems calmly and safely :
- Managing uncontrolled ascents
- Recovering from inverted positions
- Solving dry suit malfunctions
- Safe emergency procedures
In-Water Skills You Practice
During training dives, you practice :
- Proper donning and doffing of a dry suit
- Dive planning
- Buoyancy check and correct weighting
- Inflating and deflating the dry suit
- Hovering and trim control
- Controlled ascents and safety stops
- Emergency drills
- Ascend, exit, and log dives
These skills help you move smoothly, safely, and confidently underwater.
What’s in It for You?
After successfully completing the course, you can dive in a dry suit without the direct supervision of an instructor, as long as the conditions are similar to your training.
You will benefit from :
- Warm and long dives
- Access to cold water dive sites worldwide
- Extended diving season
- Better buoyancy and control
- Increased underwater confidence
- SDI Advanced Diver or Master Scuba Diver credit
This course improves your overall diving performance.
Certification Requirements
To earn your SDI Dry Suit Diver Certification, you must :
- Pass all knowledge quests with a score of 80% or higher
- Successfully complete all open water dives and skills
- Demonstrate good judgment in dive planning and execution
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own dry suit?
Not always. Some dive centers rent them. Having your own suit often improves fit and comfort
Is dry suit diving more difficult than wetsuit diving?
No. It is different, not difficult. With training, it becomes easy and very comfortable.
Can junior divers join this course?
Yes. Divers 12 years and older can join with parental consent.
Does this count towards the Advanced Diver certification?
Yes. It counts as a full qualification for the SDI Advanced and Master Scuba Diver programs.
Can I use a dry suit in warm water?
Yes. Many divers use dry suits in cold weather for extra warmth and comfort.
Dive warm. Dive with confidence. Dive all year round.
On Blue Water Ascent, you get the skills, comfort and confidence to explore a new underwater world. Stay warm, stay dry and enjoy long, rich dives in every season.
