When using a dry suit, how much gas should a diver add?

When using a dry suit, the primary goal is to maintain buoyancy and comfort while minimizing the risk of overinflation. Adding gas to a dry suit is done to create an air space that keeps the suit buoyant and allows for insulation by trapping a layer of warmth.

Only the amount that is required for comfort is the appropriate approach because overinflating the suit can lead to various issues, such as difficulty in moving, diminished control over buoyancy, and increased risk of suit squeeze during descent, which can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. A properly adjusted amount of gas allows the diver to maintain the necessary buoyancy without compromising safety.

It's essential to find a balance between enough gas to prevent collapse of the suit but not so much that it causes the diver to become overly buoyant or rigid. This understanding is critical for safe and effective use of a dry suit during dives.