Why Peeing in Your Wetsuit Might Be Better Than You Think

There Are Two Kinds of Divers…

Those who pee in their wetsuit — and those who claim they don’t.

While it’s one of scuba diving’s oldest jokes, there’s actually more to it than just comfort or convenience. Some divers might find it unpleasant or unhygienic, but science has something surprising to say: peeing in your wetsuit (and in the ocean in general) can actually have a positive environmental impact.

What Science Says About Peeing in the Ocean

According to the American Chemical Society, human urine isn’t harmful to the ocean. In fact, it may even help it. Urine contains urea, which breaks down quickly in seawater. But more importantly, it’s rich in nitrogen, which reacts with saltwater to form ammonium — a vital nutrient for marine life.

Feeding the Ocean’s Food Chain

Ammonium serves as food for photosynthetic organisms such as algae and marine bacteria. These microorganisms sit at the very base of the marine food web.

Here’s how your little underwater contribution helps:

• Step 1: Your pee releases nitrogen → becomes ammonium.
• Step 2: Algae and bacteria use ammonium for growth.
• Step 3: These organisms feed plankton, which feed small fish.
• Step 4: Small fish feed bigger fish — and so the cycle continues.

In other words, your post-dive rinse might not be pleasant, but the ocean’s ecosystem will thank you for the extra nutrients.

(If you’d like the full scientific explanation, you can watch the video here).

Just Remember to Rinse!

Before you get too proud of your new “eco-friendly” habit, don’t forget: your wetsuit will still smell. Always rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after every dive. Using washing liquid for neoprene and softener achieves a good smell!

So next time you’re out diving and nature calls — don’t fight it. You might just be helping the ocean’s smallest inhabitants thrive.