PADI Dry Suit Diver
Extend Your Diving Season. Stay Warm. Dive More.
If you’ve ever climbed out of the water feeling cold, you’ll understand why so many UK divers choose to dive in a dry suit.
The PADI Dry Suit Diver course teaches you how to dive safely and confidently using a dry suit, allowing you to enjoy colder water in comfort throughout the year.
Why Learn to Dive in a Dry Suit?
A dry suit keeps an insulating layer of air between you and the surrounding water. Unlike a wetsuit, which allows water to enter and warm against your skin, a dry suit is designed to keep you dry while helping you maintain a comfortable body temperature.
Learning how to use one properly allows you to stay warmer during longer dives, extend your diving season, dive comfortably in UK conditions, and improve confidence in colder water.
Is This Course Right For Me?
This course is ideal if you:
- Want to dive more often in the UK
- Feel cold when diving in a wetsuit
- Have recently purchased a dry suit
- Are thinking about buying a dry suit
- Plan to dive in colder destinations
No previous dry suit experience is required.
What You Will Learn
- How dry suits work
- Selecting suitable undergarments
- Correct fitting and adjustment
- Pre-dive equipment checks
- Buoyancy control while wearing a dry suit
- Managing air inside the suit
- Correct weighting
Course Requirements
- Be at least 10 years old (Junior Dry Suit Diver available from age 10 under current PADI standards).
- Hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification).
- Be medically fit to dive.
- Complete the required participant paperwork.
Can I use my own dry suit? Yes. If you already own a dry suit, we encourage you to bring it so you become familiar with your own equipment. If you don’t yet own a suit, equipment availability will follow the current booking page.
What Is Included?
- Instructor-led tuition
- Practical dry suit dives
- Air fills
- PADI Dry Suit Diver certification upon successful completion
Classroom & Practical Sessions
Private Training
We can offer 1:1 teaching and private pool sessions by enquiry for many of our PADI courses.
This is ideal if you would prefer a quieter learning environment, want extra support, or need training arranged around your availability.
Private training is subject to instructor and pool availability, so please get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk through the best option for you.
Contact UsWhy Train With Wiltshire Scuba?
As a PADI 5★ Instructor Development Centre, we spend a great deal of time diving in UK waters and understand the practical advantages of diving in a dry suit.
- Experienced UK diving instructors
- Small group sizes
- Practical, hands-on coaching
- Advice on suit selection and care
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own dry suit?
No. Course equipment should follow the current booking page. If you already own a suit, we recommend bringing it.
Is diving in a dry suit difficult?
It’s different rather than difficult. The course is specifically designed to teach you how to control buoyancy and dive comfortably while wearing a dry suit.
Will I learn how to look after my suit?
Yes. The course covers basic care, maintenance and storage to help you keep your equipment in good condition.
Is this course suitable for newly qualified divers?
Absolutely. Many divers complete Dry Suit Diver shortly after qualifying because they plan to dive regularly in the UK.
What should I do after Dry Suit Diver?
Many divers continue with Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Rescue Diver and Enriched Air (Nitrox).
Related Courses
Where Could Your Diving Journey Take You?
- Stay Comfortable — you are here
Learn to dive confidently in colder water.
- Explore More Dive Sites
Enjoy UK quarries, coastal diving and wrecks throughout more of the year.
- Develop Specialist Skills
Continue with Deep Diver, Wreck Diver or Underwater Navigation.
- Become a More Experienced Diver
Progress towards Rescue Diver and Divemaster.
Ready to Enjoy UK Diving in Comfort?
Learning to dive in a dry suit opens up more opportunities to explore the underwater world throughout the year.
Diving more is the point of every course on this page, and the Wiltshire Scuba Dive Club is what makes that cheaper and easier — 10 free air fills a year, 10% off cylinder testing and servicing, free Club pool sessions and guided Club dives. Have a look at the Club.