Halcyon Drysuit Discharge Valves

The overboard discharge or "pee valve" is a must for any drysuit diver doing moderate to long exposures. Without a way to relieve him- or herself, the diver will often intentionally keep himself in a state of dehydration. This practice may not only be ineffective, but is also potentially dangerous. Hydration is almost certainly a key component to effective decompression and a dehydrated diver is acting irresponsibly.

Many divers credit Halcyon's P-Valve among their best equipment purchases. Few items provide such comfort and peace of mind. Growing evidence indicates a clear link between decompression illness and dehydration. Divers can now avoid this health risk and remain comfortable with the use of a Streamline P-Valve. You can be confident that every effort has been made to ensure that it will function flawlessly, even under the most rigorous of conditions. We consistently use our products in the most extreme environments-- a prime testing ground for any potential problems. For instance, Halcyon divers have repeatedly relied on this P-Valve for 20-plus hour immersions. Whether you are interested in a short, comfortable dive or face long decompression obligations, the Streamline P-Valve can provide a new level of diving comfort. Valve

Halcyon Streamline P-Valve

Halcyon DIR Dive Systems is pleased to announce the release of the next generation of our diver’s P-Valve. The P-Valve’s design is the culmination of two years of development, drawing on the practical needs of exploration divers from around the globe. As an accessory that facilitates overboard discharge of urine through a dry or wet suit during an extended dive, the P-Valve is an essential tool for divers who are properly hydrated prior to their diving.

The new design surpasses the performance of the original Halcyon Balanced and Unbalanced P-Valves in several respects. The initial focus of the new design is on enhanced streamlining, both inside and outside the exposure suit. Not only does the new valve cap allow for increased ease of operation, even with dry gloves, it allows for easier maintenance access. An optional lock-down screw (provided with the valve) can be used in the valve to prevent removal of the external cap. The simplified hose assembly inside of the suit removes the check-valve assembly of the older Balanced design– increasing the ease of donning and removing your drysuit with the valve in place.

The balance valve has been built into the solid Delrin® body, eliminating all extraneous internal tubing and valve assemblies. The P-Valve’s internal mushroom valve has been specifically chosen for precision flow rate and minimal back-pressure.

The three piece Delrin® design simplifies installation and removal. Halcyon supplies a flat spanner and a single-use tube of Aqua Seal to aid with installation. Basic maintenance and service of the P-Valve is a task easily handled in the field, requiring only a few minutes of attention after a dive to ensure years of reliable use.

The overboard discharge allows the male diver to dive in comfort while remaining hydrated. The Streamline valve has a lowered cracking pressure, which allows women to use it with an external catheter. For women who don't want to contend with a catheter, and men who don't have a drysuit with a pee valve, there is a simple solution. There are several types of disposable undergarments on the market. Depends brand makes the "traditional" blue plastic diaper with tape on the sides, which is bulky and crinkly but does the job. Depends also makes a more form-fitting "disposable protective underwear" which is constructed of soft, breathable paper with an absorbent pad.

For extended dives, a Poise brand "incontinence pad" can be added. These come with self-stick tape to attach to the Depends. The Ultra Absorbancy type will last the longest. The diver may choose to wear flannel boxer shorts over the nappies to absorb small leaks and protect the drysuit underwear. Leaks are less likely to occur if the diver can urinate slowly, allowing it to be absorbed.

DIR Tips courtesy of Global Underwater Explorers