SUIT YOURSELF
December 1995


SUITABILITY CHART
Ten common types of dive suit,
and where to use them.
SUITABILITY KEY
L=Least suitable . M= Most suitable . - = Not recommended
TYPE KEY : DS=Dive skin - 3m=3mm shortie - 5m=5mm full-length wetsuit - 7mL=7mm semi-dry Longjohn only - 7mF=Full 7mm semi-dry - DRL=Trilaminate or rubber drysuit with light undergarment - DRT=Trilamminate or rubber drysuit with thick undergarment - CNL=Compressed or crushed neoprene with light undergarment - CNT=Compressed or crushed neoprene with thick undergarment - 8mN=8mm traditional neoprene.
Location DS 3m 5m 7mL 7mF DRL DRT CNL CNT 8mN
Cold inland waters----LLMM MM
Britain/N. Europe - winter----LLMM MM
Britain/N. Europe - summer- -- LMM MMMM
Mediterranean - winter--LLMMM MMM
Mediterranean - summer-LMMMML LLL
North Red Sea - winter--LLMMM MLL
North Red Sea - summerLMMMLL- ---
South Red Sea - winterLMMML-- ---
South Red Sea - summerMMMML-----
Caribbean - winterLMMML--- --
Caribbean - summerMMMML--- --
Indian Ocean - protected reefs MMLL---- - -
Indian Ocean - open seaLLMM------
Indonesia/ThailandMMML ----- -
Tropical Pacific - protected reefsMMMML-- ---
Tropical Pacific - open sea--L MM---- -
Californian Pacific---LMMMM M-
Canadian Pacific - winter----L LMMMM
Canadian Pacific - summer----MMM MMM

Appeared in DIVER - December 1995.

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