Night diving offers a unique way to see a different underwater world. Because many marine animals are nocturnal, the underwater environment changes at night. 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
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 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.
Many marine species use bioluminescence for communication and to attract mates. Syllid fireworms for example live under the seafloor in mucus tube and then return to the surface when the full moon is over.
Precautions
You should be aware of the following precautions if you are new to night diving. Avoid excessive light exposure and avoid using dive lights. These lights can affect the night vision of 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 will be able to help you identify potential subjects. Before you dive with your buddy, make sure you practice hand signals. Also, make sure your buddy knows how to use the light correctly. Avoid shining the light directly on subjects. Instead, aim it at their hands.
Equipment
Special equipment is necessary for night dives. First, make sure that you have backup lights. 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. In the past, divers used chemical glow sticks to find their way back to the boat after the dive, but environmental concerns have led to a switch to battery-operated signal lights with different colored lenses.
Secondly, you must have a quality dive light and a 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. 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 avoid substances that may impair judgment.
Choosing a dive site
When you're ready to dive at night, you'll need to choose a night dive site that's calm and shallow. Don't complicate your first night dive with extra gear, a camera or deeper diving than you are used to. Your first night dive can be made easier by sticking to the basics. 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 a number of factors that you'll need to take into account. If you've never done night diving before, you'll want to choose a site that has a good history of diving at night. You can map the dive site during the day and get oriented. You can also dry your equipment more quickly and warmer during the day.
Choosing a night dive buddy
Finding a night dive buddy is difficult. You need to be careful not to hit objects or change the water speed when it goes dark. Night divers should also be prepared for cold water. A cold dive can make the experience unpleasant and even painful.
Before diving in the dark, discuss your dive plan and any special instructions with your night dive buddy. This includes how you plan to complete the dive. You should also discuss how you will communicate, including using hand signals and light signals.