## What Are the Old Scuba Diving Suits Called?
Before the development of modern scuba diving equipment, divers used a variety of unique suits to protect themselves from the cold and pressure of the underwater environment. These early diving suits were often made from materials such as leather, rubber, and canvas, and they employed a variety of design features to keep divers warm and dry.
Standard Diving Dress
The standard diving dress, also known as the hard hat diving suit, was the most common type of diving suit used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This suit consisted of a copper helmet, a weighted leather jacket, and a pair of lead-soled boots. The helmet was fitted with a faceplate and a mouthpiece, and it was connected to a surface-supplied air hose. The weighted jacket and boots helped to keep the diver anchored to the bottom, and they also provided protection from the cold.
Free-Flowing Diving Suit
The free-flowing diving suit, also known as the wetsuit, was developed in the 1950s as a more flexible and comfortable alternative to the standard diving dress. This suit is made from a thin layer of neoprene, a synthetic rubber that provides insulation and buoyancy. The wetsuit is designed to fit snugly against the diver’s body, and it allows water to circulate between the suit and the diver’s skin. This water provides insulation, and it also helps to keep the diver cool in warm water.
Semi-Closed Diving Suit
The semi-closed diving suit, also known as the semi-dry suit, is a hybrid between the standard diving dress and the wetsuit. This suit is made from a thicker layer of neoprene than the wetsuit, and it features a built-in hood, gloves, and boots. The semi-dry suit is designed to keep the diver dry in cold water, but it still allows some water to circulate between the suit and the diver’s skin. This water provides insulation, but it also helps to keep the diver cool in warm water.
Closed Diving Suit
The closed diving suit, also known as the drysuit, is the most advanced type of diving suit available. This suit is made from a waterproof material, such as rubber or nylon, and it features a built-in hood, gloves, and boots. The drysuit is designed to keep the diver completely dry in cold water, and it also provides protection from the pressure of the underwater environment.
Other Types of Diving Suits
In addition to the four main types of diving suits described above, there are a number of other specialized diving suits that have been developed for specific purposes. These suits include:
Diving Bell Suit: A diving bell suit is a specialized diving suit that is used for underwater construction and repair work. This suit is made from a waterproof material, and it features a large, bell-shaped helmet that provides the diver with a constant supply of air.
Rebreather Suit: A rebreather suit is a specialized diving suit that is used for deep diving. This suit is equipped with a rebreather, which is a device that recycles the diver’s exhaled air. This allows the diver to stay underwater for longer periods of time without having to surface for air.
Surface-Supplied Diving Suit: A surface-supplied diving suit is a specialized diving suit that is used for underwater exploration and photography. This suit is connected to a surface-supplied air hose, which provides the diver with a constant supply of air. This allows the diver to stay underwater for longer periods of time without having to carry a heavy air tank.
## Conclusion
The development of diving suits has played a major role in the history of diving. These suits have allowed divers to explore the underwater world in safety and comfort, and they have made it possible to perform a wide variety of underwater tasks. Today, there are a variety of different diving suits available, each designed for a specific purpose. This allows divers to choose the suit that best meets their needs, and it ensures that they can safely and comfortably explore the underwater world.