What is covered in a PADI drysuit diver course?

[drk5036]

Hey guys,

So I ordered my Seaskin Ultra drysuit and am looking to get it some use. Based off of recommendations of a few people, I've signed up for the PADI drysuit diver course. The trick to this, and the reason I'm posting this thread, is that I live in northern Japan, and the dive shops here don't speak English. I've lived in Japan for 5 years now and can speak some Japanese, but I'm honestly not sure how it's going to go (I'm more than a little apprehensive about the language barrier). When I signed up I let the instructor know there could be language issues, but he basically said if there were problems he would demonstrate and I could follow him. No one can speak underwater, anyway (additionally, one of my friends trained with him before and said he was really nice, and that I shouldn't be worried).

So, regarding the course, from what I've seen online it generally covers donning and doffing the suit, general instruction on how to dive with it, and emergency procedures (for example, how to recover if you end up in a leg-up position). Are there other things I should expect?

Luckily, the "theory" on drysuit diving I'm completely good with, so I think that shouldn't be an issue.

Also, I was looking to get some advice on weighting. I've been doing a fair amount of diving here using my stainless freedom plate, really heavy steel 10 L cylinders, and my Hollis neotek semi-dry suit. I dive with 4 kg of lead, which is basically perfect. Any ideas on a ballpark estimate for what I should dive with my first time out in the drysuit? 6 or 8 kg?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Edward3c]

Not PADI, but BSAC's drysuit course elements are explained here. There is also a BSAC Japan franchise, here.

Even after 25 years, and over 1,000 dives, using a drysuit I still have to remember to drive it, complacency causes most problems.

 

[rongoodman]

Probably the most controversial element will be you being taught to use the drysuit for buoyancy control instead of your wing. You might want to consider adding a couple of trim pockets to your upper cam band so you don't end up having to add all the extra weight to the middle of your body.

 

[Valyngar]

Probably the most controversial element will you being taught to use the drysuit for buoyancy control instead of your wing. You might want to consider adding a couple of trim pockets to your upper cam band so you don't end up having to add all the extra weight to the middle of your body.

Thats madness. You should use wing and buoyancy control and only use suit so that it doesn't crush you too much.

 

[Edward3c]

Thats madness. You should use wing and buoyancy control and only use suit so that it doesn't crush you too much.

Using the buoyancy device requires managing two bubbles (high task loading), hence why we teach suit only. On more advanced dives >30m using both is acceptable.

 

[Valyngar]

Using the buoyancy device requires managing two bubbles (high task loading), hence why we teach suit only. On more advanced dives >30m using both is acceptable.

Oh, that is what here in Finland is known as old style, when they didn't even use wings at all. Now days it teached like I said.

 

[Fin Finder]

Briefs, not boxers.

 

[lexvil]

The amount of lead you need will vary with the amount of insulation, you may find that with the ultra neoprene suit it won’t be much different than the neotek semi dry but you will have the option of thicker undergarments when colder which will mean more weight.

I use the suit for buoyancy because for me eliminating the squeeze happens at about the same time as allowing the loft of the undergarments to stay warm. The neoprene will feel more like a wetsuit than a bag suit does.

In the course you’ll learn the roll to avoid going feet up and how easy it is to control buoyancy with a slight roll to vent air. Trim is very important and will be a big part of the learning curve, managing the bubble takes time but becomes second nature.

 

[ScubaSquatch]

Just did the PADI drysuit course a few weeks back...

Rough course outline based on memory..
Classroom: Types of drysuits, care and maintenance, discussion of techniques used when diving
Pool: Doff and Don, weight check, Fin Pivot, hover, buoyant feet recovery(Tuck and roll), remove replace drysuit inflator hose, how to vent when surfacing
Open water: Repeat of all the pool skills plus remove and replace inflator hose while wearing gloves.

 

[tursiops]

Probably the most controversial element will be you being taught to use the drysuit for buoyancy control instead of your wing.

That is not a PADI requirement. It is offered as possibly "more efficient" depending on the kind of drysuit. The IM says:

There is no performance standard in the course that requires buoyancy control with the suit.

It is a more complicated skill to control both, hence many instructors avoid it, but they shouldn't. Enough air in the suit to prevent squeeze, and the rest of the buoyancy comes from the BCD, that's the goal.
OP, find an instructor who teaches it that way.