What is the primary purpose of the exposure suit in scuba diving?

The primary purpose of the exposure suit in scuba diving is to preserve body heat during dives. Exposure suits, such as wetsuits or drysuits, are designed to offer thermal insulation to divers. Underwater, temperatures can drop significantly, and without adequate insulation, a diver can experience hypothermia even in relatively warm waters.

Wetsuits function by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and the skin, which is then warmed by body heat. Dry suits, on the other hand, keep water out entirely, creating a barrier that prevents heat loss. This thermal protection allows divers to safely spend more time in the water without suffering from the cold.

While buoyancy can be managed with other diving gear, and visibility may be enhanced by certain suit designs, these are not the primary functions of exposure suits. Similarly, while exposure suits offer some protection against minor scrapes and stings, their main role is definitely focused on maintaining body temperature during the dive.