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. Learn more about what equipment you will need and how you can choose a diving 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 phenomenon occurs when certain chemicals are disturbed by vibration and generate light.
Bioluminescence is used to communicate and attract mates in marine life. For example, syllid fireworms live under the sea floor in mucus tubes and head to the surface after the full moon.
Precautions
There are several precautions you should take if you have never dived at night. These precautions include avoiding excessive light and avoiding using dive lights. These lights can affect the night vision of other divers. Exposed to these lights could increase your risk of having cardiac irregularities.
In addition to limiting your light exposure, you must also use a buddy team. Even more important is a partner for night diving. A buddy can help you identify potential subjects. Before you dive, be sure to practice hand signals together. Make sure that your buddy is familiar with how to use the light. Avoid shining the light directly on subjects. Instead, aim it at their hands.
Equipment
You will need special equipment if you plan to do a night dive. Make sure you have backup lighting. These lights are small enough to be carried in your pocket. A modeling light, which attaches to your strobe, is also a good option. 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.
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. You must also be able to dive at night. If you do not feel safe, you should get out immediately. You may find yourself in a dangerous place, whether it's because of lack of training or bad weather conditions. You should also avoid substances that can impair your judgement.
Selecting the right dive site
Choose a night dive location that is shallow and calm when you are ready for night diving. You don't want your first dive to be complicated by having new gear, carrying a DSLR, or diving deeper than usual. Your first night dive can be made easier by sticking to the basics. You can begin by diving at night and move deeper later.
Do your research to find the best night diving site. There are many factors to consider when choosing a night dive site. If you're new to night diving, make sure you pick a site that has had a lot of success at night diving. You can map the dive site during the day and get oriented. It is also easier to dry your equipment in the heat of the day.
Choose a night diving buddy
It can be difficult to choose a night diving buddy. 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. A cold dive can make the experience unpleasant and even painful.
Discuss your dive plan with your night buddy before you dive in the darkness. This includes the order you wish to complete the dive. Talk about how you will communicate.