Night diving offers a unique way to see a different underwater world. Night diving is a different underwater world, as many marine mammals are nocturnal. To experience this special diving environment, you will need to prepare yourself for the experience. Before you get started, learn about the equipment you'll need and how to choose a dive site.
Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence can be experienced during night dives by simply turning off your torch and waving in the water. Bioluminescent plankton will light up blue as you move your arms around the water. This is caused by certain chemicals being vibrated to produce light.
Bioluminescence is used to communicate and attract mates in marine life. Syllid fireworms, which live in mucus tubes under the seafloor and return to the surface on the full moon, are an example.
Take Care
If you've never scuba dived at night, there are some precautions you should follow. These precautions include avoiding excessive light and avoiding using dive lights. These lights may cause blurred vision in the night for 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. A dive partner is extra important when night diving. You will have a buddy who can help you spot potential subjects. Before you dive, be sure to practice hand signals together. Your buddy should be able to correctly use the light. You should not shine light directly onto subjects. Instead, aim the light at their hands.
Equipment
You will need special equipment if you plan to do a night dive. You should ensure that you have backup lights. This type is often small enough to fit in your pocket. You will also need a modeling lamp, which is a light that is attached to a flashlight. Divers used to use chemical glowsticks to guide them back to the boat. But environmental concerns led to the introduction of battery-operated signal lamps with different colored lenses.
Secondly, you must have a quality dive light and a compass. 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. Lastly, you must be comfortable diving at night. If you are not feeling secure, you should leave immediately. You may find yourself in a dangerous place, whether it's because of lack of training or bad weather conditions. Avoid substances that affect your ability to judge.
Selecting the right dive site
If you want to dive at night, it is important to choose a site that is calm and shallow. Don't complicate your first night dive with extra gear, a camera or deeper diving than you are used to. 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.
You will need to research in order to choose the best night dive location. There are many factors you need to consider. You should choose a site with a history of night diving if you have never done it before. The day allows you to easily locate the dive site and navigate around it. You can also dry your equipment more quickly and warmer during the day.
Night dive 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. A cold dive can make the experience unpleasant and even painful.
Before diving in the dark, discuss your dive plan and any special instructions with your night dive buddy. This should include the order that you will complete the dive. Talk about how you will communicate.