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. You will need to be prepared for this unique diving environment. 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. When you move your arms about the water, bioluminescent plantton will turn blue. This occurs when certain chemicals become vibrated and create light.
Many marine life uses bioluminescence to attract mates and communicate with each other. For example, syllid fireworms live under the sea floor in mucus tubes and head to the surface after the full moon.
Take care
If you've never scuba dived at night, there are some precautions you should follow. These precautions include not being exposed to too much light and not using dive lights. These lights could cause night vision issues for 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. Night diving requires a dive partner. 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. For instance, you should avoid shining light directly on subjects, but instead, aim it at the subjects' hands.
Equipment
If you're planning a night dive, you need some special equipment. You should ensure that you have backup lights. This type of light is usually small enough to carry in your pocket. You should also have a modeling light, which is a pinpoint light attached 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.
A compass and a good dive light are also essential. It is important that you have a light that can communicate with other divers. You also need to know how to use your diving rig's gauges. It is important that you feel safe diving at night. 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.
Selecting a dive site
You will need to find a calm, shallow night dive spot when you are ready to go night diving. You don't want to complicate your first dive with new gear, carrying a camera, or diving deeper than usual. Staying true to the basics will make your first night dive easy and enjoyable. You can start out by diving in the twilight and go deep later on.
Do your research to find the best night diving site. 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. The day allows you to easily locate the dive site and navigate around it. It's also warmer and easier to dry off your equipment during the day.
Night dive buddy
It can be hard to find a night-diving buddy. The water changes quickly after sunset, so you must slow down to avoid hitting anything. 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.
Talk to your night dive buddy about your dive plans and any special instructions before diving in the dark. You should also discuss the order you would like to complete your dive. It is also important to discuss how you will communicate. This includes using hand signals and light signs.