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. This unique environment requires that you prepare for it. Learn about the equipment and how to choose the right dive site before you start.
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. Bioluminescent plankton will light up blue as you move your arms around the water. This phenomenon is caused when certain chemicals react with vibration to generate 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
There are several precautions you should take if you have never dived at night. These precautions include not being exposed to too much light and not using dive lights. These lights may damage the night vision of other divers. Additionally, exposing yourself to these lights may increase your risk of cardiac irregularities.
You must use a buddy group to limit your light exposure. When night diving, a buddy partner is essential. You will have a buddy who can help you spot potential subjects. Before you dive, practice hand signals with your buddy. Your buddy should be able to correctly use the light. Avoid shining the light directly on subjects. Instead, aim it at their hands.
Equipment
If you're planning a night dive, you need some special equipment. You should ensure that you have backup lights. These lights are small enough to be carried in your pocket. Also, you should have a modeling flashlight. This is a pinpoint light that attaches to a strobe. 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.
The second is a quality dive light, and a compasse. Also, you will need to be able to communicate with other divers. Additionally, you must be familiar with the functions of your diving rig's gauges. You should also feel comfortable diving at nights. If you don't feel safe, you should pull out right away. Whether the reason is lack of training, bad weather, or water conditions, if you're not comfortable, you may end up in a dangerous situation. You should avoid substances that may impair judgment.
How to choose a dive spot
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 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 factors you need to consider. If you've never done night diving before, you'll want to choose a site that has a good history of diving at night. During the day, you can easily map out the dive site and get oriented. It's also warmer and easier to dry off your equipment during 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. Night diving is required to be more comfortable in the water. A cold dive can make the experience unpleasant and even painful.
Discuss your dive plan, and any special instructions, with your night dive buddy, before you dive in darkness. This includes the order in which you want to complete the dive. Also, discuss how you will communicate with each other using light signals and hand signals.