Cressi Dry Suit User Manual
This manual provides essential information for the use and maintenance of Cressi Dry Suits for diving. Please read it thoroughly before use.
Brand: Cressi
Website: www.cressi.com
Introduction
This manual guides users on the operation and maintenance of Cressi Dry Suits for scuba diving, highlighting potential risks associated with their use. It is crucial to read and understand all instructions before using the suit.
Product Description
Cressi Dry Suits are designed to provide complete protection from water ingress and offer thermal insulation, enhancing comfort during dives. Water entry is prevented by specialized fabric seams and seals at the neck and joints. A special watertight zipper allows for easy donning and doffing, while inflation and deflation valves (located on the chest and left arm) regulate internal air pressure to compensate for depth changes.
Conditions of Use and Safety
Cressi Dry Suits are reliable and durable, but adherence to specific usage conditions is vital for maintaining quality and ensuring user safety.
Water Temperature
Cold waters are defined as temperatures below 21°C (70°F), while icy waters are below 5°C (40°F). Dives in icy waters are particularly dangerous and require specialized equipment, training, preparation, and precautions. Cold can reduce physiological functions, posing a risk of injury.
Environmental Considerations
Avoid using the suit in contaminated environments or areas with high hydrocarbon concentrations, as contact with substances like gasoline or lubricants can damage the suit.
Intended Use
The suit is designed for diving and thermal protection. Avoid any use that deviates from its intended purpose. Protect the suit from impacts and abrasion during dives.
⚠ WARNING
- This suit must only be used by individuals trained in its operation or accompanied by a certified instructor. Practice all functions in a controlled environment (e.g., a swimming pool) before using it in open water.
- Ensure you have completed all emergency procedures covered in specialized diving courses. Regular practice is essential even after obtaining certification. Failure to comply can lead to dangerous, uncontrolled ascents or loss of buoyancy control, posing severe risks to personal safety.
- Never exceed the depth limits specified in your diving certification.
- Do not use the dry suit as a flotation or rescue device, as it does not guarantee that your head will remain above water.
- For surface swimming and safety, use a Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) with an independent inflation system. This device provides buoyancy support and is not a substitute for swimming ability.
- Dry suits and BCDs are not replacements for swimming skills.
- Do not use ballast systems without quick-release mechanisms.
- Familiarize yourself thoroughly with your equipment and all related emergency procedures.
- Read all manuals for equipment used with the dry suit.
- Do not dive with malfunctioning equipment. Contact an authorized service center for any issues.
- Always dive with a buddy who is familiar with your dry suit and equipment.
- Ensure that personnel on land or on a boat are available to provide assistance in case of an emergency.
- Be aware of your own limitations and never exceed them.
- Wear a thermal undergarment appropriate for the planned dive conditions.
Materials and Components
Cressi Dry Suits are constructed from Neoprene or Trilaminate materials, providing protection from water and reducing heat loss. The materials are joined by special bonding and/or non-continuous seams to prevent water ingress. A metal watertight zipper facilitates easy donning and doffing.
Watertight Zipper
The watertight zipper offers a wide opening for convenient use and effective external protection. Its teeth seal against rubber lips to prevent water entry. The zipper can be positioned diagonally across the front or horizontally across the shoulders and may feature a protective flap. Assistance from a dive buddy is recommended for opening and closing the zipper.
Low-Pressure Hose
This hose connects to a regulator's low-pressure port (LP UNF 3/8") to supply air to the suit's inlet valve. The maximum pressure should not exceed 15 bar (225 psi). It features a quick-connect fitting similar to those on BCDs. To connect, pull back the fitting, push the hose onto the valve, and release. To disconnect, pull back the fitting and remove the hose. Connection/disconnection can be done under pressure or underwater.
⚠ WARNING: Only use original Cressi hoses. If replacement is necessary, use genuine Cressi hoses.
Inlet Valve
Located on the chest, the inlet valve serves as the air source to inflate the suit. It connects to the low-pressure hose. Air is introduced by pressing the side or central button. When disconnected, the valve must prevent water entry or air leakage.
Exhaust Valve
The exhaust valve releases excess air from the dry suit without allowing water to enter. It is typically located on the upper part of the left arm. Air can be released manually by pressing the cap on the top of the valve while lifting the arm towards the surface, or automatically when a specific internal pressure is reached. The automatic pressure release point can be adjusted by turning the outer cap.
Thermal Protection
Effective thermal protection is crucial to prevent hypothermia, which can impair physiological functions. The level of warmth provided by a suit depends on several factors:
- Water temperature
- Body build
- Individual physiology
- Fatigue
- Thermal properties of the material
While dry suits are designed for cold water, it's important to understand your body's reaction to temperature changes. Wearing appropriate thermal undergarments, including a thermal suit, socks, thick gloves, and a hood (if not integrated), is highly recommended, especially in cold or icy waters.
Thermal Undergarment
A properly fitted thermal undergarment is essential for warmth and to prevent physiological impairment. Its thickness should match the water temperature, activity type, and the diver's physique.
Hood
The hood is vital for protecting the head, a significant area of heat loss. If it is a separate item, ensure it is at least 5mm thick and fits snugly around the neck without being too tight.
Gloves
Hands must be kept warm to operate equipment during a dive. Select glove thickness based on water temperature. For icy waters, a 7mm, three-finger glove is recommended.
Fit
A proper fit is critical for comfort, freedom of movement, and breathing. The suit should be snug but not restrictive. Ensure you can comfortably move your arms overhead, touch your toes, and bend your knees. The chest area should not be constricted; perform deep breaths to check. Seals at the collar, wrists, and ankles should be snug without cutting into the skin, which could impair circulation and sensation. A suit that is too loose allows air to move freely, potentially causing buoyancy issues. Conversely, a suit that is too tight restricts movement and can lead to discomfort or reduced dexterity. Refer to the size charts to find the correct fit.
Size Charts
Men's Dry Suit Sizes
| SIZE | GRÖSSE (Size) | GEWICHT (Weight) | KÖRPERGRÖSSE (Height) | BRUSTKORB (Chest) | HÜFTE (Hips) | FOOT (EU/UK/US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS/II/48 | 60/68 kg (132/150 lbs) | 164/170 cm (65/67 in) | 78/83 cm (31/33 in) | 65/71 cm (25/28 in) | 78/83 cm (31/33 in) | 40/42 (7/8 / 7.5/8.5) |
| M/III/50 | 70/78 kg (154/172 lbs) | 169/175 cm (67/69 in) | 86/91 cm (34/36 in) | 71/77 cm (28/30 in) | 84/89 cm (33/35 in) | 41/43 (7.5/8.5 / 8/9) |
| L/IV/52 | 80/88 kg (176/194 lbs) | 174/180 cm (69/71 in) | 94/99 cm (37/39 in) | 77/78 cm (30/33 in) | 90/95 cm (35/37 in) | 42/44 (8/10 / 8.5/10.5) |
| XL/V/54 | 90/98 kg (198/216 lbs) | 179/185 cm (71/73 in) | 102/107 cm (40/42 in) | 83/89 cm (33/35 in) | 96/101 cm (38/40 in) | 43/45 (8.5/11 / 9/11.5) |
| XXL/VI/56 | 100/108 kg (220/238 lbs) | 184/190 cm (73/75 in) | 110/115 cm (43/45 in) | 89/95 cm (35/37 in) | 102/107 cm (40/42 in) | 44/46 (10/11.5 / 10.5/12) |
Women's Dry Suit Sizes
| SIZE | GRÖSSE (Size) | GEWICHT (Weight) | KÖRPERGRÖSSE (Height) | BRUSTKORB (Chest) | HÜFTE (Hips) | FOOT (EU/UK/US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS/I/42 | 47/52 kg (104/115 lbs) | 157/162 cm (65/67 in) | 77/82 cm (30/32 in) | 56/61 cm (22/24 in) | 83/87 cm (32/34 in) | 37/39 (4.5/6.5 / 5/7) |
| S/II/44 | 53/58 kg (117/128 lbs) | 162/167 cm (67/69 in) | 82/87 cm (32/34 in) | 60/65 cm (24/26 in) | 87/91 cm (34/36 in) | 38/40 (5.5/7 / 6/7.5) |
| M/III/46 | 59/64 kg (130/141 lbs) | 167/172 cm (69/71 in) | 87/92 cm (34/36 in) | 64/69 cm (25/27 in) | 91/95 cm (36/37 in) | 39/41 (6.5/7.5 / 7/8) |
| L/IV/48 | 64/70 kg (141/154 lbs) | 172/177 cm (71/73 in) | 92/97 cm (36/38 in) | 68/73 cm (27/29 in) | 95/99 cm (37/39 in) | 40/42 (7/8 / 7.5/8.5) |
| XL/V/50 | 70/80 kg (154/176 lbs) | 177/182 cm (73/75 in) | 97/102 cm (38/40 in) | 72/77 cm (28/30 in) | 99/103 cm (39/41 in) | 41/43 (7.5/8.5 / 8/9) |
Allergies
In rare cases, the materials used in the suit may cause allergic reactions. It is advisable to verify that you are not allergic to Neoprene, Polyester, Nylon, Butyl Rubber, Latex, or Polyurethane before purchasing or using the suit. Consult a doctor if you have any doubts.
Pre-Dive Checks
Suit Inspection
Before each dive, inspect the suit for damage, ensuring seams, fabric, and seals are intact. Check the zipper for proper function, damage, and debris. Clean and lubricate the zipper if necessary. Carefully inspect the hose and valve connections for any damage or debris that could affect their integrity. Check the condition of the rubber hose component.
Water Entry Check
Verify the hose is correctly connected and does not obstruct access to other equipment. Ensure the inlet and exhaust valves function correctly by adding and releasing air. Ask your dive buddy to confirm the zipper is securely closed.
During the Dive
As you descend, increasing pressure compresses the suit and the air inside, affecting buoyancy. Divers may experience a tendency towards negative buoyancy at depth. To counteract this, use a BCD and add small amounts of air to the suit to prevent excessive compression and the "suck" effect. It is recommended to complete a training course at an accredited dive school. Proper ballast weight is also crucial for maintaining neutral buoyancy at a depth of 3 meters.
Pressure also reduces the suit's insulating capacity, leading to increased heat loss. For prolonged dives in cold conditions, consider wearing thicker undergarments.
Dive Procedure
- Ensure all equipment is correctly worn.
- Close the exhaust valve (turn counter-clockwise) and add a small amount of air before entering the water.
- Inflate your BCD.
- Enter the water feet first.
- Fully open the suit's inlet valve (turn counter-clockwise) and lift your arm to position the valve as high as possible. Air will escape, and you will begin to sink feet first.
- After descending a few meters, close the valve by turning it a quarter turn clockwise. Add air to reduce the suit's pressure on your body.
- Periodically add air during descent to manage suit pressure.
- Upon reaching your target depth, carefully inflate your BCD to achieve neutral buoyancy.
- To ascend, deflate both your BCD and the dry suit.
- During ascent, the exhaust valve will automatically release excess air when you lift your arm. You can manually release more air if needed by fully opening the valve or pressing the cap. Ascend slowly at a rate of 10m/min.
- At the surface, fully close the suit's inlet valve (turn clockwise) and add a small amount of air. Inflate your BCD to aid swimming.
⚠ WARNING
- Gas Usage: Only use air for inflating the suit. Using gases like Nitrox or Argon can lead to fire, explosions, or severe narcosis.
- Zipper Closure: Ensure the zipper is fully closed before entering the water to prevent rapid flooding and drowning.
- Ascent Risks: Rapid ascents or "blow-ups" can cause decompression sickness or arterial air embolism. Do not use the suit as a flotation device. Releasing ballast can lead to uncontrolled ascents.
- Suit Inflation Purpose: Inflation is primarily for thermal protection. Compression reduces insulation.
- Head-Down Ascent: Avoid by not over-inflating the suit and ensuring your upper body is not positioned below your feet. If excess air accumulates in the foot area, vent it immediately by crouching and releasing air. If this position is necessary, vent the suit first. Over-inflation in the foot area can also cause fin loss.
- Valve Malfunction: If the inlet valve releases air uncontrollably, disconnect the hose immediately and ascend.
- Air Leakage: If you cannot inflate the suit or it leaks significantly, use your BCD to achieve neutral buoyancy and ascend immediately.
- Emergency Ascent: In case of a dangerous "blow-up," ditching ballast is a last resort to control the ascent.
- Blocked Exhaust Valve: If the exhaust valve becomes blocked, manually release air from the wrist or neck seals by gently stretching them. Be cautious not to over-stretch, which could allow water ingress.
Doffing the Suit
- Once at the surface, disconnect the low-pressure hose from the inlet valve. Remove your tanks and BCD. Remove the hood if it is separate.
- Ask a dive buddy to help you carefully open the zipper.
- Grasp the watertight neck seal with both hands (fingers inside, thumbs outside), gently widen it, and pull it over your head. Be careful not to damage the seal with your fingernails.
- To remove wrist seals: Insert two fingers of your other hand into the sleeve lining. Grip the sleeve and seal between your fingers and palm, and pull it off while simultaneously removing your other hand (watch your fingernails). Remove the sleeve and repeat for the other arm.
- Sit down to remove the rest of the suit.
Post-Dive Checks
After every dive, inspect the suit for any damage. Repair any issues promptly or contact an authorized Cressi dealer. Systematically check and prepare your suit for the next dive.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Rinse the suit with fresh water after every dive. Before cleaning, close the zipper and hang the suit upside down (feet up). Wash the suit from top to bottom, using a soft sponge to remove sand and debris. Dry the suit in the shade with the zipper open to allow interior moisture to escape, which can cause odors. Hang on a wide, rounded hanger and place dive boots on the floor.
Washing Instructions: Hand wash regularly with neutral soap in cold water.
DO NOT: Dry clean, machine wash, use bleach, or iron the suit.
⚠ WARNING: Never use solvents such as gasoline, trichloroethylene, turpentine, or petroleum for cleaning. Avoid contact with these substances. If contact occurs, wash and rinse the affected area immediately.
Maintenance
Fabric Maintenance
Regularly inspect the fabric for cuts or holes. Repair minor damage with neoprene glue or a specialized adhesive. Pay close attention to seams, especially in the knee and elbow areas.
Watertight Zipper Maintenance
Proper care and cleaning of the zipper are essential for its functionality and watertightness. Clean it regularly to remove sand, debris, and paraffin. Open the zipper fully and use a small brush to clean between the teeth. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the sealing surfaces around the teeth. If the zipper is stiff, close it and lubricate the entire outer metal surface with paraffin wax. Avoid using silicone spray.
Cuff and Collar Maintenance
The seals on the cuffs and collar require minimal maintenance. Clean them gently and dust with powder. If they have cuts or holes, seal them with a sealant or contact an authorized Cressi center for replacement. Latex seals can be trimmed to adjust the circumference for a custom fit. Trim only 1-2 rings at a time, checking the fit to avoid over-sizing, which could lead to water ingress. Contact a Cressi service center if you need assistance with this adjustment.
Valve Maintenance
Rinse the exhaust valve thoroughly with fresh water after each dive. Check for any residue that might impede its function or affect the membrane's seal. Perform the same checks on the inlet valve, paying attention to the quick-connect fitting and the button. Clean and rinse the hose, checking for damage.
Repair Kit
Some dry suit models include a repair kit for minor repairs. If small amounts of water enter the suit, locate the hole, mark it, clean the area thoroughly with soap and lukewarm water, and dry it. Apply the adhesive and press the patch firmly. Allow it to dry.
Storage and Transport
Storage
Hang the suit on a hanger with broad, smooth shoulders. Place dive boots on the floor. Dust cuffs and collar with powder and leave the zipper open. Ensure the suit is clean and dry inside to prevent mold. Store in a cool, dry place protected from sunlight. Avoid folding or compressing the suit. Do not store in areas with ozone generators, electric motors, or chemical solvents.
Transport
Use a dedicated dive gear bag to transport the suit without compressing it. Arrange the sleeves and zipper in a curve, avoiding sharp folds. Prevent contact with sharp objects.
Disposal
Dispose of the suit in strict accordance with the applicable regulations in your country.
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