Evaluation of Swimmer Exposure Suits in Subfreezing Waters

Three types of exposure suits for underwater swimmers were evaluated in the Arctic Ocean at water temperatures between 28.9F and 30.6F: a 3/8-inch thick, closed cell neoprene, standard wet suit; a 1/4-inch thick, closed cell neoprene dry suit worn over full nylon fur underwear; and a 3/8-inch thick...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Jenkins, Wallace T.
Other Authors: NAVAL SHIP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LAB PANAMA CITY FL
Format: Text
Language:English
Published: 1971
Subjects:
Protective Equipment
(*EXPOSURE SUITS
UNDERWATER)
POLAR REGIONS
TEMPERATURE
SYNTHETIC RUBBER
PROTECTION
GLOVES
ACCEPTABILITY
NAVAL RESEARCH
DIVING
SWIMMER EXPOSURE SUITS
Arctic
Arctic Ocean
Online Access:http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0886843
http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0886843
Description
Summary:Three types of exposure suits for underwater swimmers were evaluated in the Arctic Ocean at water temperatures between 28.9F and 30.6F: a 3/8-inch thick, closed cell neoprene, standard wet suit; a 1/4-inch thick, closed cell neoprene dry suit worn over full nylon fur underwear; and a 3/8-inch thick wet suit fabricated of noncompressible material. Four diver-oceanographers used and evaluated the suits in subfreezing water beneath the ice. It was concluded after a series of 40 dives, ranging in duration from 37 to 115 minutes, that the dry suit affords more protection and is more satisfactory than either wet suit. The wet suit of noncompressible material provides more protection at depth than the standard wet suit. None of the gloves or mittens, or any combination, afforded adequate protection for the hands. (Author)

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