Night diving offers a unique way to see a different underwater world. The underwater environment is different during the night, and many marine animals are nocturnal. 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
Bioluminescence can be experienced during night dives by simply turning off your torch and waving in the water. The blue light from bioluminescent plankton will glow as your arms move around the water. This happens when certain chemicals are vibrated and produce light.
Many marine species use bioluminescence for communication and to attract mates. Syllid fireworms, for example, live below the seafloor in mucus tubes. They then head up to the surface at the full moon.
Take Care
If you have never dived at Night before, you need to be careful. Avoid excessive light exposure and avoid using dive lights. These lights may damage the night vision of other divers. You may also be at risk of developing cardiac abnormalities by exposing yourself to the lights.
A buddy team is essential for you to avoid excessive light exposure. When night diving, a buddy partner is essential. Partner will help you to identify potential subjects. Before you dive, practice hand signals with your buddy. Make sure that your buddy is familiar with how to use the light. For example, it is best to not shine the light directly at subjects but rather aim it at their hands.
Equipment
Special equipment is required for night diving. You should ensure that you have backup lights. This type of light can be easily carried in your pocket. You should also have a modeling light, which is a pinpoint light attached to a strobe. Divers used to use chemical glow sticks to navigate back to their boat after a dive. However, environmental concerns led to the switch to battery-operated signal light with different colored lenses.
Secondly, you must have a quality dive light and a compass. Also, you will need to be able to communicate with other divers. You will also need to know how your diving rig works. It is important that you feel safe diving at night. If you don't feel safe, you should pull out right away. 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. 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 your first dive to be complicated by having new gear, carrying a DSLR, or diving deeper than usual. You will feel more comfortable and have a better night dive. Start by diving in the dark and then move on to deeper water.
Do your research to find the best night diving site. There are many things you should 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. It's easy to map out the dive area and get oriented during the day. You can also dry your equipment more quickly and warmer during the day.
Choosing a 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. Being cold can make it uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Discuss your dive plan with your night buddy before you dive in the darkness. This includes the order in which you want to complete the dive. You should also discuss how you will communicate, including using hand signals and light signals.