Can we talk about the whole drysuit vs hot water debate down in the Gulf?

I was working a salvage job off Port Fourchon last month and two guys on my crew nearly came to blows over which setup is better for 80 foot dives. One swears by his drysuit with thick undergarments, the other runs a hot water system every time and says I'm crazy for even considering dry. So which side are you on for deeper dives like that, or does it just depend on the temp that day?

2 comments

2 Comments

stone.thomas27d ago

Wait, you're saying two guys on the same crew nearly threw hands over drysuit versus hot water at 80 feet? That's insane, I thought everyone knew hot water is the only way to go that deep in the Gulf.

elliotl2427d ago

Ha, yeah that sounds about right for Port Fourchon. I've done enough work out of there to know temp swings can catch you off guard even at 80 feet. Hot water is great for comfort on longer jobs, but drysuit with the right under layers works fine if you're not staying down for hours. The real trick is watching the bottom temp that day, not just surface. If it's a quick run in and out, drysuit is less hassle. If you're sitting on the bottom for prolonged periods, hot water wins every time.