Night diving offers a unique way to see a different underwater world. 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. 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. 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.
Bioluminescence is used by many marine animals to communicate with one another and attract mates. Syllid fireworms for example live under the seafloor in mucus tube and then return to the surface when the full moon is over.
Precautions
If you've never scuba dived at night, there are some precautions you should follow. Avoiding excessive light and using dive lights are two of the precautions. These lights may damage the night vision of other divers. Additionally, exposing yourself to these lights may increase your risk of cardiac irregularities.
In addition to limiting your light exposure, you must also use a buddy team. Night diving requires a dive partner. Your buddy can help identify potential subjects. Before you dive, practice hand signals with your buddy. Be sure to teach your buddy how to properly use the light. You should not shine light directly onto subjects. Instead, aim the light at their hands.
Equipment
Special equipment is required for night diving. 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. Divers used chemical glow sticks to locate their way back from the boat in the past. However, environmental issues have led to the use of battery-operated signal lighting 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. Also, you will need to learn how to use your diving equipment's gauges. Finally, you should feel comfortable diving at night. 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. Additionally, you should avoid any substances that impair your judgment.
Selecting the right dive site
Night diving is best done at night. 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.
It is important to do your research before you decide on the night dive site. There are many factors to consider when choosing a night dive site. You'll need to look for a site where night diving has been done before. It's easy to map out the dive area and get oriented during the day. It is also easier to dry your equipment in the heat of the day.
Night dive buddy
It can be hard to find a night-diving buddy. You need to be careful not to hit objects or change the water speed when it goes dark. The water is also colder than during the day, so a night diver must be extra warm. Being cold can make it uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Your night dive buddy should discuss your dive plan and any special requirements before you go. This includes the order you wish to complete the dive. Additionally, you should discuss how and when you will communicate.