Old-fashioned diving suits can still be relevant

While the equipment that your commercial diving company uses should be up-to-date and meet professional standards, they might still be in the older style. Perhaps the classic adage is true: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But you should use commercial diving insurance that pertains to the kinds of equipment you're most likely to use, whether it looks like an antique or not.

An article written for the New Zealand Herald recently profiled the way that some professional divers have stuck with old-school helmet-and-hose suits that resemble something from the 1920's.

As one might expect, this isn't exactly a commonly-found item: these suits can be found in relatively small numbers, sometimes requiring divers to go to auction houses to get the right equipment. The article lists the dangers and inconveniences that such diving systems can pose for users, and quotes expert Keith Gordon on the negative impacts.

"Carrying up to 60kg of extra lead weight on your breast plate, belt and boots makes these suits excruciatingly uncomfortable on the surface," he said. "And anyone given to panic attacks is unlikely to accept a big metallic helmet being screwed and bolted down onto their head."

These antiquated diving suits are recognized throughout the world, including places like the History of Diving Museum in Florida. This establishment specifically emphasizes some of the different settings in which these suits and equipment were used, including sponge diving.

Cutting-edge equipment might be expensive, but so can these special legacy pieces, and both need adequate protection. If your business is looking to improve its practices through diving insurance, you should take this into account.

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