Understanding Deep Sea Diving Suits: Why the Hands Are Covered

The deep sea presents a challenging environment for humans, characterized by high pressure, cold temperatures, and potential hazards. This article delves into the purpose and functionality of deep sea diving suits, specifically explaining why the hands are covered, despite the soft appearance of the lower body suits.

Purpose of Diving Suits

Diving suits play a crucial role in deep-sea exploration, ensuring the safety and comfort of divers. The main purposes of these suits include:

Pressure Protection

At great depths, water exerts significant pressure on the body. While the atmospheric pressure at sea level is about 14.7 psi (pounds per square inch), it increases by approximately 1 atm (14.7 psi) for every 33 feet of water depth. Diving suits, especially those designed for deep-sea diving, help mitigate this pressure by providing internal protection.

Thermal Insulation

Deep-sea environments can be extremely cold, posing a risk of hypothermia even in water that feels relatively warm at the surface. Diving suits incorporate insulation materials to maintain the diver's body temperature and prevent heat loss.

Protection from Hazards

Diving suits also provide protection against cuts, scrapes, and stings from marine life or sharp objects on the ocean floor. This is vital for the diver's safety during any underwater activity.

How Diving Suits Work

Diving suits can be categorized broadly into two types: hard suits and soft suits, each with unique features and functionalities.

Hard Suits (Atmospheric Diving Suits)

Hard suits, also known as atmospheric diving suits (ADS), maintain an internal pressure equal to surface pressure. This design allows divers to operate at great depths without being crushed by the external water pressure. ADS are typically used for extremely deep dives, often in research or military operations.

Soft Suits (Wet Suits and Dry Suits)

While soft suits may appear soft and flexible, like leggings, they are engineered to provide insulation and a degree of buoyancy.

Wet Suits

Wet suits are made from neoprene, a rubber-based material. These suits trap a thin layer of water between the suit and the body, which then warms up due to the diver's body heat. Neoprene is particularly effective at providing insulation in cold water.

Dry Suits

Dry suits, on the other hand, aim to keep the diver completely dry. They feature seals at the neck and wrists, preventing water from entering the suit. Dry suits are often layered with insulating garments underneath to enhance thermal protection.

Hand Coverage: Why the Hands Are Covered

The coverage of the hands in diving suits is essential for both protection and dexterity. Here are the reasons why the hands are covered even though the lower body suits look soft:

Gloves for Protection and Dexterity

The hands are covered by gloves, which serve dual purposes: protection against cold and injuries, and allowing for necessary dexterity. Deep-sea diving gloves are usually thick and insulated to prevent heat loss, ensuring that the diver's hands remain warm and protected.

Mobility and Dexterity

While gloves do reduce dexterity compared to bare hands, they are designed to allow for essential movements, such as manipulating equipment and interacting with the underwater environment. This balance between protection and functionality is crucial for safe and efficient deep-sea diving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, diving suits are indispensable for protecting divers from the extreme conditions of the ocean at great depths. The soft appearance of the lower body suits belies their engineering and functionality. Gloves, while reducing dexterity, are integral to the suits, providing vital protection and ensuring the diver can perform necessary tasks. Understanding the purpose and design of diving suits is crucial for anyone interested in deep-sea exploration or scuba diving.