Night diving is a way to experience a completely different underwater world. Many marine animals, including many sea creatures, are more active at night. This makes the underwater environment very different. Preparing yourself to dive in this unique environment is key. Before you dive, make sure you know what equipment you need and how to select a site.
Bioluminescence
By turning off your scuba torch, you can enjoy the wonders and beauty of bioluminescence while night diving. Simply wave your arms in the water and turn your scuba torch off. Bioluminescent plankton will light up blue as you move your arms around the water. This happens when certain chemicals are vibrated and produce light.
Many marine life uses bioluminescence to attract mates and communicate with each other. Syllid Fireworms, for instance, live under the ocean floor in mucus tubes. After the full Moon, they return to the surface.
Take precautions
If you have never dived at Night before, you need to be careful. These precautions include avoiding excessive light and avoiding using dive lights. These lights could cause night vision issues for other divers. Additionally, exposing yourself to these lights may increase your risk of cardiac irregularities.
To limit light exposure, you should also have a buddy team. Night diving requires a dive partner. Your buddy will be able to help you identify potential subjects. Practice hand signals with your partner prior to you go on the dive. Also, make sure your buddy knows how to use the light correctly. For instance, you should avoid shining light directly on subjects, but instead, aim it at the subjects' hands.
Equipment
Night dives require special equipment. You should ensure that you have backup lights. This type is often small enough to fit 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. A light that allows you to communicate with other divers is also essential. You also need to know how to use your diving rig's gauges. You should also feel comfortable diving at nights. You should immediately get out if you feel unsafe. 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. Avoid substances that affect your ability to judge.
Choose a dive location
Choose a night dive location that is shallow and calm when you are ready for 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 begin by diving at night and move deeper later.
You will need to research in order to choose the best night dive location. There are many aspects that you will need to consider. 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 use the day to locate and map the dive sites. It is also easier to dry your equipment in the heat of the day.
Night dive buddy
It can be difficult to choose a night diving buddy. It is important to slow down and avoid hitting things as the water changes rapidly when the sun sets. Night divers should also be prepared for cold water. Feeling cold is something that no one wants. This can make diving unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Discuss your dive plan with your night buddy before you dive in the darkness. This includes the order you wish to complete the dive. Additionally, you should discuss how and when you will communicate.