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. It is important to prepare yourself for this experience. Before you get started, learn about the equipment you'll need and how to choose a dive 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. Bioluminescent plankton will light up blue as you move your arms around 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.
Be aware
If you've never dived at night before, there are several precautions that you must follow. 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. Additionally, exposing yourself to these lights may increase your risk of cardiac irregularities.
A buddy team is essential for you to avoid excessive light exposure. A dive partner is extra important when night diving. Partner will help you to identify potential subjects. Practice hand signals with your partner prior to you go on the dive. 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. First, make sure that you have backup lights. This type of light can be easily carried in your pocket. A modeling light is a pinpoint-light attached to a flasher. 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. Also, you will need to be able to 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. If you are not feeling secure, you should leave immediately. You may find yourself in a dangerous place, whether it's because of lack of training or bad weather conditions. Avoid substances that affect your ability to judge.
Choose a dive location
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. You will feel more comfortable and have a better night dive. 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 things you should 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 is also easier to dry your equipment in the heat of the day.
Night dive buddy
It can be difficult to choose 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. The last thing anyone wants is to feel cold, which can make the dive unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Before diving in the dark, discuss your dive plan and any special instructions with your night dive buddy. This should include the order that you will complete the dive. Talk about how you will communicate.