In the process of diving, we are subjecting our bodies to an
alien environment. This environment exposes our bodies to
conditions that we are not accustom. Divers need protection in a
few different forms: - Thermal protection: The major reason for
protection is Thermal protection. Keep in mind that water
conducts heat 25 times faster than air. In air, our bodies would
be warm at 75 deg F. Underwater, most people would chill very
quickly at 75 deg F. Our bodies can not tolerate a drop in
temperature. Hypothermia develops after a drop of only a few
degrees. - Abrasion protection: Rocks, shipwrecks, shells,
corals can all easily scratch, or cut through exposed skin. -
Marine organism protection: especially in tropical waters, there
are many stinging organisms both on the reef, and floating in
the water. Sea Urchins, scorpion fish, lion fish and a long list
of others have sharp if not poisonous barbs that can easily hurt
a diver. - Sun protection: While not as obvious, the sun in the
tropics can burn sensitive sk