Night diving can be a great way to explore a new underwater world. It is nighttime underwater, so many marine creatures are nocturnal. You will need to be prepared for this unique diving environment. Before you get started, learn about the equipment you'll need and how to choose a dive site.
Bioluminescence
When you turn off your scuba flashlight and wave your arms in water, you can witness the wonders of night diving bioluminescence. Bioluminescent plankton is able to glow blue when you move your arms through the water. This phenomenon occurs when certain chemicals are disturbed by vibration and generate light.
Bioluminescence is used by many marine animals to communicate with one another and attract mates. 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 avoiding exposure to excessive light, and avoiding the use of dive lights. These lights can cause night vision problems for other divers. These lights can also cause cardiac irregularities.
To limit light exposure, you should also have a buddy team. When night diving, a buddy partner is essential. A buddy can help you identify potential subjects. Before you dive, practice hand signals with your buddy. Your buddy should be able to correctly 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. Backup lights are essential. This type of light is usually small enough to carry 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 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.
Second, you will need a high-quality dive light and an accurate compass. Additionally, you need a light capable of allowing you to communicate and share information 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. You could end up in dangerous situations, regardless of whether you are unable to train, have bad weather or live in unsafe conditions. Avoid substances that affect your ability to judge.
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. Do not complicate your first dive by carrying extra gear or going deeper than normal. Your first night dive can be made easier by sticking to the basics. Start out in the twilight, and you can go deeper later.
To choose the right night dive site, you'll want to do your research. 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. You can map the dive site during the day and get oriented. It's easier and warmer to dry your equipment during the day.
Choose a night diving buddy
Finding a night dive buddy is difficult. The water changes quickly when the sun goes down, and you need to move slowly to avoid hitting objects. Night diving is required to be more comfortable in the water. Being cold can make it uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Talk to your night dive buddy about your dive plans and any special instructions before diving in the dark. This should include the order that you will complete the dive. It is also important to discuss how you will communicate. This includes using hand signals and light signs.