What is "dry suit diving" characterized by?

Dry suit diving is characterized by the use of a specialized suit designed to keep the diver dry, creating an impermeable barrier against water. This suit is commonly used in colder water conditions, as it allows the diver to maintain warmth by insulating and trapping a layer of air or gas between the suit material and the diver's body. The suit is equipped with seals at the neck and wrists to prevent water from entering, which is key to keeping the diver dry.

This method of diving is particularly beneficial for maintaining body temperature during extended dives in cold environments, as opposed to a wetsuit, which is designed to allow water to enter and then warms the body through the thin layer of water that is warmed by body heat. Dry suits also provide an added layer of buoyancy control and protection from sharp objects or abrasions underwater. Thus, the defining characteristic of dry suit diving is specifically the use of a suit that keeps the diver dry, setting it apart from other diving methods that rely on wetsuits or exposure suits that allow for direct contact with water.