Night diving is a way to experience a completely different underwater world. The underwater environment is different during the night, and many marine animals are nocturnal. To experience this special diving environment, you will need to prepare yourself for the experience. Before you dive, make sure you know what equipment you need and how to select a site.
Bioluminescence
You can experience the wonders of bioluminescence during a night dive by turning off your scuba torch and waving your arms in the water. As you move your arms in the water, bioluminescent plankton lights up blue. This occurs when certain chemicals become vibrated and create light.
Bioluminescence can be used by marine life to attract mates or communicate with each other. Syllid fireworms for example live under the seafloor in mucus tube and then return to the surface when the full moon is over.
Be aware
If you have never dived at Night before, you need to be careful. These precautions include avoiding excessive light and avoiding using dive lights. These lights may damage the night vision of other divers. These lights can also cause cardiac irregularities.
You must use a buddy group to limit your light exposure. Night diving is more challenging without a partner. You will have a buddy who can help you spot potential subjects. Before you dive with your buddy, make sure you practice hand signals. Also, make sure your buddy knows how to use the light correctly. Avoid shining the light directly on subjects. Instead, aim it at their hands.
Equipment
Special equipment is required for night diving. Make sure you have backup lighting. This type of light is usually small enough to carry in your pocket. A modeling light is a pinpoint-light attached to a flasher. 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.
The second is a quality dive light, and a compasse. You will also need a light that gives you the ability to communicate with other divers. Additionally, you must be familiar with the functions of your diving rig's gauges. It is important that you feel safe diving at night. You should immediately get out if you feel unsafe. It doesn't matter whether the cause is poor training, bad weather, water conditions, or anything else, if you don't feel safe, you could find yourself in a dangerous spot. It is important to avoid using substances that could impair your ability to discern the truth.
Choose a dive location
When you're ready to dive at night, you'll need to choose a night dive site that's calm and shallow. Do not complicate your first dive by carrying extra gear or going deeper than normal. 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 you need to consider. If night diving is something you are new to, it's important that you choose a dive site that has a long history of night diving. It's easy to map out the dive area and get oriented during the day. It's also easier to dry equipment and it is warmer.
Night dive buddy
Choosing a night dive buddy can be a challenge. You must be cautious when diving at night as the water changes very quickly. The water is also colder than during the day, so a night diver must be extra warm. Being cold can make it uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Talk to your night dive buddy about your dive plans and any special instructions before diving in the dark. This includes how you plan to complete the dive. Also, discuss how you will communicate with each other using light signals and hand signals.