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. Before you dive, make sure you know what equipment you need and how to select a site.
Bioluminescence
When you turn off your scuba flashlight and wave your arms in water, you can witness the wonders of night diving bioluminescence. As you move your arms in the water, bioluminescent plankton lights up blue. This phenomenon occurs when certain chemicals are disturbed by vibration and generate light.
Many marine life uses bioluminescence to attract mates and 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 precautions
If you've never dived at night before, there are several precautions that you must follow. Avoid excessive light exposure and avoid using dive lights. These lights can affect the night vision of other divers. Additionally, exposing yourself to these lights may increase your risk of cardiac irregularities.
To limit light exposure, you should also have a buddy team. A dive partner is extra important when night diving. Partner will help you to identify potential subjects. Before you dive, practice hand signals with your buddy. You should also make sure your buddy understands how to use the flashlight correctly. You should not shine light directly onto subjects. Instead, aim the light at their hands.
Equipment
Night dives require special equipment. First, ensure you have backup lights. This type of light is usually small enough to carry in your pocket. A modeling light, which attaches to your strobe, is also a good option. 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.
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 will also need to know how your diving rig works. You must also be able to dive at night. If you do not feel safe, you should get out immediately. You could end up in dangerous situations, regardless of whether you are unable to train, have bad weather or live in unsafe conditions. You should avoid substances that may impair judgment.
Choose a dive location
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. Start by diving in the dark and then move on to deeper water.
You will need to research in order to choose the best night dive location. There are a number of factors that you'll need to take into account. 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's also easier to dry equipment and it is warmer.
Night dive buddy
Choosing a night dive buddy can be a challenge. The water changes quickly after sunset, so you must slow down to avoid hitting anything. Even though the water is colder at night, it should be warmer. Feeling cold is something that no one wants. This can make diving unpleasant and uncomfortable.
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. It is also important to discuss how you will communicate. This includes using hand signals and light signs.