What is the function of the inflation valve on a dry suit?

The inflation valve on a dry suit is primarily designed to allow air to be added to the suit, which is crucial for maintaining buoyancy and preventing suit squeeze. When a diver descends, the surrounding water pressure increases, causing the dry suit to compress and exert pressure on the diver's body. By adding air through the inflation valve, the diver can counteract this pressure, ensuring comfort and preventing the suit from becoming too tight. This adjustment is essential to maintain proper buoyancy control during the dive, allowing the diver to ascend and descend safely without the discomfort or hazards associated with suit squeeze or buoyancy loss.