Answer
Apr 02, 2024 - 12:59 PM
The dump valve on a drysuit should be adjusted based on your depth and buoyancy needs during a dive:
- **Starting the Dive (Descent)**: The dump valve is typically kept closed to prevent water from entering and to allow air to be added to the suit for insulation and buoyancy control.
- **During the Dive**: You can adjust the dump valve to manage buoyancy and comfort. As you descend and the pressure increases, you may need to add air to the suit, keeping the valve closed to retain this air. To release excess air and maintain neutral buoyancy, especially as you ascend, you'll open the dump valve. Many divers use an automatic or adjustable dump valve set to a preferred buoyancy level, allowing excess air to vent automatically as they ascend.
- **Ascending**: The valve should be open or set to automatically release air to prevent the suit from becoming too buoyant and ascending too quickly, which can lead to a rapid, uncontrolled ascent, a serious risk for decompression sickness.
- **Surface**: Once on the surface, the valve can be closed to retain warmth, or adjusted as needed for comfort and to vent any excess air as you exit the water.
In summary, whether the dump valve should be open or closed depends on your current activity, depth, and need for buoyancy control. Proper use of the dump valve is crucial for maintaining comfort, warmth, and safety throughout the dive.
- **Starting the Dive (Descent)**: The dump valve is typically kept closed to prevent water from entering and to allow air to be added to the suit for insulation and buoyancy control.
- **During the Dive**: You can adjust the dump valve to manage buoyancy and comfort. As you descend and the pressure increases, you may need to add air to the suit, keeping the valve closed to retain this air. To release excess air and maintain neutral buoyancy, especially as you ascend, you'll open the dump valve. Many divers use an automatic or adjustable dump valve set to a preferred buoyancy level, allowing excess air to vent automatically as they ascend.
- **Ascending**: The valve should be open or set to automatically release air to prevent the suit from becoming too buoyant and ascending too quickly, which can lead to a rapid, uncontrolled ascent, a serious risk for decompression sickness.
- **Surface**: Once on the surface, the valve can be closed to retain warmth, or adjusted as needed for comfort and to vent any excess air as you exit the water.
In summary, whether the dump valve should be open or closed depends on your current activity, depth, and need for buoyancy control. Proper use of the dump valve is crucial for maintaining comfort, warmth, and safety throughout the dive.
