Scuba diving in the tropics

[Bede735]

I've never dived before, so I don't know a lot about it - but, of every video I've see of people diving in tropical waters - they all seem to wear wetsuits. Why is that? Surely this is not required due to the high water temperatures - so wouldn't wearing a Speedo be more appropriate?

[ReservedEnthusiast]

This is an uneducated guess, but I think it could be for protection from the sun. Being in the tropics, you'd need sunscreen which wouldn't last very long underwater, and I am PASTY white so I extra-need it.

Or, perhaps it protects you if you brush up against wildlife underwater. My dad recently brushed against a shark which left a scar, and my mom once had an incident with some fire coral. Neither one of them were in wetsuits and were only snorkeling. Based on their experiences, I'd probably wear a wetsuit myself, to be honest!

Are you thinking of going scuba diving?

[dorcas3]

Gives you more displacement!

[Blue Nike]

Although the water is warm (low 80s) compared to what you find in the higher latitudes, immersion in it for an hour or more can easily chill you -- divers don't move very fast at depth, so they don't generate a lot of extra body heat. Also, the suit offers protection against brushing against coral, and protects the skin against chafing from the heavy scuba gear. At usual diving depths, sun protection is not an issue.

Me, I prefer snorkeling on the surface. Most interesting sea life can easily be seen there, there's no 30 minute dress up / dress down before and after the dive, and I can wear as brief a suit as I want.

Current favorite is Sporti Euro. Just wish they came in more colors.

[area51tazz]

As a PADI MSDT, I can verify all of this. Good on ya Blue Nike.

I do agree that most of the cool stuff is at shallower depths... but it's just so much fun to get close to it..snorkeling doesn't do it for me anymore :P I still dive in a brief and a neoprene surf vest if the water is warm enough...but you do have to pay attention to the coral and animals that are near you.

Originally Posted by Blue Nike

Although the water is warm (low 80s) compared to what you find in the higher latitudes, immersion in it for an hour or more can easily chill you -- divers don't move very fast at depth, so they don't generate a lot of extra body heat. Also, the suit offers protection against brushing against coral, and protects the skin against chafing from the heavy scuba gear. At usual diving depths, sun protection is not an issue.

[Captain.Jammer]

Originally Posted by area51tazz

As a PADI MSDT, I can verify all of this. Good on ya Blue Nike.

Sorry for being ignorant, Area51Tazz, but what is a PADI MSDT?

[PSDave]

The wetsuits worn in the tropical waters aren't as thick as those worn in cold waters. Besides preserving body temps, they also protect against things like coral and jellyfish. They are also padding against the harness and the air tanks.

[Bede735]

What about sharks? Would they be more likely to chomp on bare flesh rather than clothing? After all, the first victim in the Jaws film was naked.

[area51tazz]

Originally Posted by Captain.Jammer

Sorry for being ignorant, Area51Tazz, but what is a PADI MSDT?

MSDT = Master Scuba Diver Trainer

[Captain.Jammer]

Originally Posted by area51tazz

MSDT = Master Scuba Diver Trainer

Thanks!

I did find out that PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.

Nice to know we have a SCUBA pro amongst us.