Night diving is a way to experience a completely different underwater world. It is nighttime underwater, so many marine creatures are nocturnal. It is important to prepare yourself for this 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. The blue light from bioluminescent plankton will glow as your arms move around the water. This phenomenon occurs when certain chemicals are disturbed by vibration and generate light.
Many marine life uses bioluminescence to attract mates and communicate with each other. Syllid fireworms, which live in mucus tubes under the seafloor and return to the surface on the full moon, are an example.
Take precautions
If you've never dived at night before, there are several precautions that you must follow. Avoiding excessive light and using dive lights are two of the precautions. These lights can affect the night vision of other divers. Exposure to these lights can also increase your risk for developing cardiac problems.
In addition to limiting your light exposure, you must also use a buddy team. A dive partner is extra important when night diving. You will have a buddy who can help you spot potential subjects. Practice hand signals with your partner prior to you go on the dive. Be sure to teach your buddy how to properly use the light. For example, it is best to not shine the light directly at subjects but rather aim it at their hands.
Equipment
Night dives require special equipment. First, ensure you have backup lights. This type light is small enough that you can carry it in your pocket. You should also have a modeling light, which is a pinpoint light attached to a strobe. Diving used to use chemical glow sticks in the past to help them find their way back to their boat. However, environmental concerns have forced the switch to battery-operated signals lights with different colored lenses.
You will also need a quality diving 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. Finally, you should feel comfortable diving at night. You should not dive if you aren't feeling safe. You could end up in dangerous situations, regardless of whether you are unable to train, have bad weather or live in unsafe conditions. Additionally, you should avoid any substances that impair your judgment.
Selecting a dive site
If you want to dive at night, it is important to choose a site that is calm and shallow. You don't want your first dive to be complicated by having new gear, carrying a DSLR, or diving deeper than usual. Sticking to the basics will help you get comfortable and make your first night dive a success. Start out in the twilight, and you can go deeper later.
Research is key to choosing the right night dive spot. 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. During the day, you can easily map out the dive site and get oriented. You can also dry your equipment more quickly and warmer during the day.
Night dive buddy
It can be hard to find a night-diving buddy. 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.