Night diving allows you to dive in a different underwater environment. Many marine animals, including many sea creatures, are more active at night. This makes the underwater environment very different. This unique environment requires that you prepare for it. Before you dive, make sure you know what equipment you need and how to select a site.
Bioluminescence
If you are looking for the magic of bioluminescence, you can try night diving by turning off the torch on your scuba gear and waving your arms into 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
You should be aware of the following precautions if you are new to night diving. Avoid excessive light exposure and avoid using dive lights. These lights may damage the night vision of other divers. Exposure to these lights can also increase your risk for developing cardiac problems.
You must use a buddy group to limit your light exposure. When night diving, a buddy partner is essential. A buddy can help you identify potential subjects. Practice hand signals with your partner prior to you go on the dive. Make sure that your buddy is familiar with how to use the light. To avoid direct light on the subject, instead aim it at them with your flashlight.
Equipment
Special equipment is necessary for night dives. First, ensure 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. In the past, divers used chemical glow sticks to find their way back to the boat after the dive, but environmental concerns have led to a switch to battery-operated signal lights with different colored lenses.
A compass and a good dive light are also essential. A light that allows you to communicate with other divers is also essential. Also, you will need to learn how to use your diving equipment's gauges. It is important that you feel safe diving at night. You should not dive if you aren't feeling safe. You may find yourself in a dangerous place, whether it's because of lack of training or bad weather conditions. Additionally, you should avoid any substances that impair your judgment.
Choose a dive location
When you're ready to dive at night, you'll need to choose a night dive site that's calm and shallow. Don't complicate your first night dive with extra gear, a camera or deeper diving than you are used to. Sticking to the basics will help you get comfortable and make your first night dive a success. 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. 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. During the day, you can easily map out the dive site and get oriented. It's easier and warmer to dry your equipment during the day.
Night diving buddies
Finding a night dive buddy is difficult. You need to be careful not to hit objects or change the water speed when it goes dark. Also, the water is more cold than normal during the day so night divers must be warm. It is not something anyone wants to feel uncomfortable or make the dive difficult.
Discuss your dive plan, and any special instructions, with your night dive buddy, before you dive in darkness. This includes the order you wish to complete the dive. Also, discuss how you will communicate with each other using light signals and hand signals.