Beneath the frozen surface, the world seems ancient and impossibly calm, yet every moment of that beauty is built on preparation, discipline, and an understanding of how cold reshapes both equipment and mindset. As a follow up to our previous article, "Preparing for Polar Diving Starts Well Before the Dive", here are answers to some of the most common questions about diving in these conditions.
How cold is the water in polar diving?
Polar diving typically ranges from just below freezing to around 2–4°C. Saltwater can remain liquid slightly below 0°C, which means you’re often diving in temperatures colder than ice on land.
Photo by Trisha Stovel
Do I need special training to dive in polar environments?
Most operators and expeditions leaders require divers to have drysuit certification and a minimum of 30 logged drysuit dives with at least 10 of those in cold water (10°C / 50°F or below) as water temperatures can typically hover between -2°C and +4°C (28–39°F).
What kind of regulator setup is best for polar diving?
Environmentally sealed first stages are essential. Many divers prefer an H‑valve or two independent first stages on a single tank for redundancy. Even cold‑water‑rated regulators can free‑flow if mishandled or exposed to moisture.
Photo by Trisha Stovel
Why don’t divers rinse their gear on polar expeditions?
Freshwater freezes quickly on deck, often while gear is still pressurized. Ice causes far more issues than salt in these conditions, including frozen valves, iced second stages, and moisture trapped in critical places. Keeping gear dry is safer than rinsing.
How do you stay warm during long polar dives?
Layering is key: a moisture‑wicking base layer, a primary insulating layer, and additional insulation depending on dive duration. Heated undergarments are helpful but not mandatory. Hands require special attention where thick mitts or dry gloves make a huge difference.
Photo by Trisha Stovel
What’s the biggest equipment failure risk in polar diving?
Regulator free‑flow is common, but brittle materials like rubber fin straps are surprisingly frequent failure points. Wings that can’t float a fully loaded kit are another serious concern, especially with heavy steel cylinders and thick undergarments.
Do I need to bring spare parts?
Yes. Replacements are rarely available in remote regions. Bring spare O‑rings, hoses, regulator parts, drysuit repair items, and basic tools. Even if you don’t need them, someone else might, and sharing spares often save a dive day.
Photo by Becky Kagan Schott
Is polar diving dangerous?
It carries higher risk than temperate diving because of cold stress, remote locations, and limited rescue options. With proper preparation, redundancy, and a slow, deliberate mindset, the risks become manageable. Respect for the environment is non‑negotiable.
Photo by Trisha Stovel
What makes polar diving worth the effort?
The ice, the silence, and the sense of diving through time. Few environments offer such surreal beauty of glowing ice formations, ancient structures, and wildlife encounters that feel almost unreal. When everything comes together, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences in diving.
