SSI Science Of Diving Practice Exam

When diving in cold water, having adequate thermal protection is essential for maintaining body heat and preventing hypothermia. Cold water can significantly lower a diver's core temperature, leading to impaired physical and cognitive function, which can increase the risk of accidents or injury underwater. Appropriate thermal protection includes wetsuits or drysuits that fit well and are designed to insulate the body against the cold. These suits help trap a thin layer of water close to the skin, which can be warmed by the body's heat, providing a barrier against the cold water.

Using only a swimsuit, diving without limits on duration, or taking short dives without gear are not viable safety measures and do not provide the necessary protection against the cold conditions often encountered underwater, emphasizing the critical nature of adequate thermal protection for diver safety.