Night diving allows you to dive in a different underwater environment. 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. Learn about the equipment that you will need, and how to choose a dive spot.
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. Bioluminescent plankton is able to glow blue when you move your arms through the water. This occurs when certain chemicals become vibrated and create 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 precautions
You should be aware of the following precautions if you are new to night diving. These precautions include avoiding excessive light and avoiding using dive lights. These lights can cause night vision problems for other divers. Exposed to these lights could increase your risk of having cardiac irregularities.
Not only should you limit your light exposure but also must you use a buddy partner. When night diving, a buddy partner is essential. You will have a buddy who can help you spot potential subjects. Before you dive, practice hand signals with your buddy. 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
If you're planning a night dive, you need some special equipment. Make sure you have backup lighting. This type of light can be easily carried in your pocket. Also, you should have a modeling flashlight. This is a pinpoint light that attaches to a strobe. Divers used chemical glow sticks to locate their way back from the boat in the past. However, environmental issues have led to the use of battery-operated signal lighting with different colored lenses.
You will also need a quality diving light and a compass. Additionally, you need a light capable of allowing you to communicate and share information with other divers. It is also important to be able to read and use the gauges on your diving rig. It is important that you feel safe diving at night. If you do not feel safe, you should get out immediately. Whether the reason is lack of training, bad weather, or water conditions, if you're not comfortable, you may end up in a dangerous situation. It is important to avoid using substances that could impair your ability to discern the truth.
How to choose a dive spot
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.
Research is key to choosing the right night dive spot. There are many factors to consider when choosing a night dive site. You'll need to look for a site where night diving has been done before. During the day, you can easily map out the dive site and get oriented. It is also easier to dry your equipment in the heat of the day.
Choose a night diving buddy
The choice of a night diver buddy can be challenging. It is important to slow down and avoid hitting things as the water changes rapidly when the sun sets. Also, the water is more cold than normal during the day so night divers must be warm. The last thing anyone wants is to feel cold, which can make the dive unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Talk to your night dive buddy about your dive plans and any special instructions before diving in the dark. This should include the order that you will complete the dive. You should also discuss how you will communicate, including using hand signals and light signals.