Night diving is an excellent way to get a glimpse of a totally different underwater world. The underwater environment is different during the night, and many marine animals are nocturnal. To experience this special diving environment, you will need to prepare yourself for the experience. Before you get started, learn about the equipment you'll need and how to choose a dive 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 happens when certain chemicals are vibrated and produce light.
Bioluminescence is used to communicate and attract mates in marine life. Syllid fireworms for example live under the seafloor in mucus tube and then return to the surface when the full moon is over.
Precautions
There are several precautions you should take if you have never dived at night. These precautions include not being exposed to too much light and not using dive lights. These lights may cause blurred vision in the night for other divers. Exposure to these lights can also increase your risk for developing cardiac problems.
In addition to limiting your light exposure, you must also use a buddy team. Night diving requires a dive partner. Your buddy will be able to help you identify potential subjects. Be sure to practice hand signals with your partner before you go on the dive. Make sure that your buddy is familiar with how to use the light. For example, it is best to not shine the light directly at subjects but rather aim it at their hands.
Equipment
If you're planning a night dive, you need some special equipment. Backup lights are essential. 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 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.
The second is a quality dive light, and a compasse. Additionally, you need a light capable of allowing you to communicate and share information with other divers. Additionally, you must be familiar with the functions of your diving rig's gauges. Lastly, you must be comfortable diving at night. If you do not feel safe, you should get out immediately. 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. You should also avoid substances that can impair your judgement.
Selecting a dive site
Night diving is best done at night. You don't want to complicate your first dive with new gear, carrying a camera, or diving deeper than usual. Your first night dive can be made easier by sticking to the basics. You can dive in the twilight or go deeper later.
You will need to research in order to choose the best night dive location. There are many factors to consider when choosing a night dive site. If you've never done night diving before, you'll want to choose a site that has a good history of diving at night. The day allows you to easily locate the dive site and navigate around it. You can also dry your equipment more quickly and warmer during the day.
Choosing a night dive buddy
The choice of a night diver buddy can be challenging. You must be cautious when diving at night as the water changes very quickly. Night divers should also be prepared for cold water. It is not something anyone wants to feel uncomfortable or make the dive difficult.
Discuss your dive plan with your night buddy before you dive in the darkness. This should include the order that you will complete the dive. Also, discuss how you will communicate with each other using light signals and hand signals.