Night diving can be a great way to explore a new underwater world. Many marine animals, including many sea creatures, are more active at night. This makes the underwater environment very different. It is important to prepare yourself for this experience. Learn about the equipment that you will need, and how to choose a dive spot.
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. As you move your arms in the water, bioluminescent plankton lights up blue. This occurs when certain chemicals become vibrated and create light.
Bioluminescence can be used by marine life to attract mates or communicate with each other. Syllid fireworms, which live in mucus tubes under the seafloor and return to the surface on the full moon, are an example.
Take care
You should be aware of the following precautions if you are new to night diving. Avoiding excessive light and using dive lights are two of the precautions. These lights can cause night vision problems for other divers. You may also be at risk of developing cardiac abnormalities by exposing yourself to the lights.
To limit light exposure, you should also have a buddy team. Even more important is a partner for night diving. Your buddy can help identify potential subjects. Practice hand signals with your partner prior to you go on the dive. You should also make sure your buddy understands how to use the flashlight correctly. 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. 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 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. You also need to know how to use your diving rig's gauges. You must also be able to dive at night. If you are not feeling secure, you should leave immediately. It doesn't matter if it is bad weather, lack of training, or unsafe water conditions. You might end up in a dangerous position. You should avoid substances that may impair judgment.
How to choose a dive spot
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. Staying true to the basics will make your first night dive easy and enjoyable. Start out in the twilight, and you can go deeper later.
You will need to research in order to choose the best night dive location. There are many factors you need to consider. 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. It's also warmer and easier to dry off your equipment during the day.
Choose a night diving buddy
Choosing a night dive buddy can be a challenge. You must be cautious when diving at night as the water changes very quickly. Also, the water is more cold than normal during the day so night divers must be warm. A cold dive can make the experience unpleasant and even painful.
Your night dive buddy should discuss your dive plan and any special requirements before you go. You should also discuss the order you would like to complete your dive. You should also discuss how you will communicate, including using hand signals and light signals.