Night diving allows you to dive in a different underwater environment. Night diving is a different underwater world, as many marine mammals are nocturnal. You will need to be prepared for this unique diving environment. Learn about the equipment and how to choose the right dive site before you start.
Bioluminescence
If you are looking for the magic of bioluminescence, you can try night diving by turning off the torch on your scuba gear and waving your arms into the water. When you move your arms about the water, bioluminescent plantton will turn blue. This is caused by certain chemicals being vibrated to produce light.
Many marine species use bioluminescence for communication and to attract mates. Syllid Fireworms, for instance, live under the ocean floor in mucus tubes. After the full Moon, they return to the surface.
Take care
If you've never dived at night before, there are several precautions that you must follow. These precautions include avoiding excessive light and avoiding using dive lights. These lights can affect the night vision of other divers. You may also be at risk of developing cardiac abnormalities by exposing yourself to the lights.
In addition to limiting your light exposure, you must also use a buddy team. Even more important is a partner for night diving. Your buddy will be able to help you identify potential subjects. Be sure to practice hand signals with your partner before you go on the dive. You should also make sure your buddy understands how to use the flashlight correctly. For example, it is best to not shine the light directly at subjects but rather aim it at their hands.
Equipment
Special equipment is required for night diving. Make sure you have backup lighting. This type is often small enough to fit in your pocket. You should also have a modeling light, which is a pinpoint light attached to a strobe. Divers used to use chemical glow sticks to navigate back to their boat after a dive. However, environmental concerns led to the switch to battery-operated signal light with different colored lenses.
Secondly, you must have a quality dive light and a compass. Also, you will need to be able to communicate with other divers. Also, you will need to learn how to use your diving equipment's gauges. Lastly, you must be comfortable diving at night. You should not dive if you aren't feeling safe. You may find yourself in a dangerous place, whether it's because of lack of training or bad weather conditions. You should also avoid substances that can impair your judgement.
Choosing a dive site
You will need to find a calm, shallow night dive spot when you are ready to go night diving. You don't want to complicate your first dive with new gear, carrying a camera, or diving deeper than usual. Your first night dive can be made easier by sticking to the basics. You can start out by diving in the twilight and go deep later on.
Do your research to find the best night diving site. There are many factors to consider when choosing a night dive site. If you've never done night diving before, you'll want to choose a site that has a good history of diving at night. You can use the day to locate and map the dive sites. It's also easier to dry equipment and it is warmer.
Night dive buddy
It can be difficult to choose a night diving buddy. You need to be careful not to hit objects or change the water speed when it goes dark. The water is also colder than during the day, so a night diver must be extra warm. The last thing anyone wants is to feel cold, which can make the dive unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Discuss your dive plan with your night buddy before you dive in the darkness. This includes the order in which you want to complete the dive. You should also discuss how you will communicate, including using hand signals and light signals.