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Emergency Procedures
Diving should never be undertaken without adequate training under qualified
supervision. We offer some suggestions for rectifying problems here, but this is
merely scratching the surface and may not be suitable for any particular situation.
Remember, training in a safe environment with a suitably qualified instructor is
essential.
Inflator valve is stuck open
If your drysuit inflator valve becomes stuck open, meaning the drysuit is inflating
uncontrollably, disconnect the inflation hose and press your dump valve at the
same time. This exercise should be practised in a safe environment while wearing
normal diving gloves. If you have a cuff dump, you will be able to dump the excess
air by raising your arm. In an extreme case, such as when you can't vent sufficient
air through the exhaust valve, raise your arm while lifting your wrist seal, or pull
the neck seal away from your skin (no need to raise your arm). These procedures
will allow air to quickly escape from the drysuit, but will also allow water to enter
the drysuit.
If you experience an uncontrolled ascent due to over inflation, it is important
to exhale as you ascend. We recommend that you do not undertake any diving
without adequate backup or redundancy in your buoyancy device (ensure you are
trained in the use of your buoyancy device) to ensure a safe return to the surface.
Inflator valve is stuck closed
Use your training to ascertain the correct method for returning to the surface, such
as buoyancy control, ditching of weights etc.
Exhaust valve is stuck open
If your drysuit exhaust valve becomes stuck open, your drysuit will not retain air
and will therefore not give proper buoyancy. Water is very likely to enter the drysuit
via the valve. Abort the dive and use your buoyancy device to return to the surface,
and follow what was learned in your training.
Exhaust valve is stuck closed
If your drysuit exhaust valve becomes stuck closed, it may not be possible to
vent air from your drysuit. This could result in an uncontrollable ascent. Air can
be dumped by pulling the wrist or neck seals away from the skin, allowing air to
escape. This action may cause water to enter the drysuit.
Water enters through exhaust valve
This may be caused by dirt etc. under the valve or a damaged diaphragm. Abort
the dive immediately and use your buoyancy device to return to the surface.
Air leaks through inflator valve
If this occurs, you should disconnect the inflator hose from your drysuit and use
your buoyancy device to return to the surface. Air will need to be dumped as usual
when ascending.
NDiver Drysuit Manual | East Quarry, Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9AE, UK
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