Night diving is a way to experience a completely different underwater world. It is nighttime underwater, so many marine creatures are nocturnal. Preparing yourself to dive in this unique environment is key. Learn more about what equipment you will need and how you can choose a diving site.
Bioluminescence
When you turn off your scuba flashlight and wave your arms in water, you can witness the wonders of night diving bioluminescence. Bioluminescent plankton is able to glow blue when you move your arms through the water. This happens when certain chemicals are vibrated and produce light.
Bioluminescence can be used by marine life to attract mates or communicate with each other. For example, syllid fireworms live under the sea floor in mucus tubes and head to the surface after the full moon.
Take precautions
If you've never dived at night before, there are several precautions that you must follow. These precautions include not being exposed to too much light and not using dive lights. These lights may damage the night vision of other divers. These lights can also cause cardiac irregularities.
To limit light exposure, you should also have a buddy team. When night diving, a buddy partner is essential. Your buddy will be able to help you identify potential subjects. Before you dive, practice hand signals with your buddy. You should also make sure your buddy understands how to use the flashlight correctly. For instance, you should avoid shining light directly on subjects, but instead, aim it at the subjects' hands.
Equipment
If you're planning a night dive, you need some special equipment. You should ensure that you have backup lights. This type of light can be easily carried in your pocket. You should also have a modeling light, which is a pinpoint light attached to a strobe. In the past, divers used chemical glow sticks to find their way back to the boat after the dive, but environmental concerns have led to a switch to battery-operated signal lights with different colored lenses.
A compass and a good dive light are also essential. Additionally, you need a light capable of allowing you to communicate and share information with other divers. Also, you will need to learn how to use your diving equipment's gauges. You must also be able to dive at night. If you do not feel safe, you should get out immediately. 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. You should avoid substances that may impair judgment.
Choosing a dive site
When you're ready to dive at night, you'll need to choose a night dive site that's calm and shallow. Don't complicate your first night dive with extra gear, a camera or deeper diving than you are used to. It will be easier to get comfortable, and your first night dive will go well. 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 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. You can map the dive site during the day and get oriented. You can also dry your equipment more quickly and warmer during the day.
Night dive buddy
Choosing a night dive buddy can be a challenge. It is important to slow down and avoid hitting things as the water changes rapidly when the sun sets. Night diving is required to be more comfortable in the water. Being cold can make it uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Discuss your dive plan with your night buddy before you dive in the darkness. You should also discuss the order you would like to complete your dive. Also, discuss how you will communicate with each other using light signals and hand signals.