SDI Dry Suit Diver
Develop the knowledge and practical skills required to safely plan and conduct dives while using a dry suit in cold water and specialised diving environments
Duration
1 day, 2 dives
Max Depth
Within recreational no-decompression limits
Level
Advanced Recreational Speciality
Next Step
SDI Full Face Mask Diver / SDI Deep Diver
Overview
The SDI Dry Suit Diver course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to safely dive while using a dry suit.
Dry suits provide thermal protection by keeping the diver dry throughout the dive, making them an ideal choice for cold water environments and extended diving activities. Proper training is essential because dry suits introduce buoyancy-management considerations and operational procedures that differ from wet suit diving.
Training focuses on:
- dry-suit selection,
- equipment configuration,
- buoyancy control,
- emergency procedures,
- thermal protection,
- and dry suit maintenance.
At N9BO℠, Dry Suit Diver training develops the confidence and competence required to safely enjoy diving in colder environments while extending comfort and dive opportunities throughout the year.
Course Facts
- Course name: SDI Dry Suit Diver
- Level: Advanced Recreational Speciality
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 10, SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent)
- Ratio: Maximum of 8 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: Students use dry suit, suitable thermal undergarments, standard open water scuba equipment, buoyancy compensator device, dive computer, appropriate weighting system
- Depth / environment: Within recreational no-decompression limits, Open water training sites, Cold water environments, Inland dive sites, Coastal diving environments
- Format: Academic development + dry-suit theory + equipment workshops + buoyancy-control exercises + 2 open water dives
- Duration: Approximately 1 day, 2 open water dives
What You’ll Learn
- Learn how dry suits function and how they differ from wet suit systems
- Apply buoyancy control techniques specific to dry suit diving
- Develop confidence managing dry suit inflation, venting, and trim underwater
- Practise emergency procedures and problem management related to dry-suit use
- Improve comfort, thermal protection, and operational capability in cold water environments
Prerequisites
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Certified as SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent).
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
A dry suit is an exposure protection system designed to keep the diver dry by preventing water from contacting the body during the dive.
Dry suits provide:
- improved thermal protection
- increased comfort in cold water
- longer dive times in cooler environments
- protection from challenging environmental conditions
Yes.
Dry suits introduce an additional air space that must be managed throughout the dive, requiring specialised buoyancy control techniques.
Yes.
Although commonly associated with cold water diving, dry suits may also be used in temperate and specialised diving environments where additional protection is desired.
Many divers continue into:
- SDI Ice Diver
- SDI Deep Diver
- SDI Full Face Mask Diver
- SDI Night / Limited Visibility Diver
- advanced environmental and speciality diving programmes
Ready to Extend Your Diving Season?
Whether you want to explore cold-water environments, improve comfort during longer dives, or expand your diving opportunities, our team will help you develop the skills required to safely dive in a dry suit.
Go Pro with the SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Expand your diving knowledge through internationally recognised SDI training programmes delivered by experienced course directors and instructor trainers at N9BO℠. Build confidence, aquatic awareness, and practical skills that support lifelong enjoyment of underwater activities.
