Night diving allows you to dive in a different underwater environment. Because many marine animals are nocturnal, the underwater environment changes at night. To experience this special diving environment, you will need to prepare yourself for the 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. The blue light from bioluminescent plankton will glow as your arms move around the water. This phenomenon is caused when certain chemicals react with vibration to generate 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.
Be aware
If you've never scuba dived at night, there are some precautions you should follow. These precautions include avoiding exposure to excessive light, and avoiding the use of dive lights. These lights could cause night vision issues for other divers. Exposed to these lights could increase your risk of having cardiac irregularities.
In addition to limiting your light exposure, you must also use a buddy team. When night diving, a buddy partner is essential. Your buddy can help identify potential subjects. Before you dive with your buddy, make sure you practice hand signals. Make sure that your buddy is familiar with how to use the light. To avoid direct light on the subject, instead aim it at them with your flashlight.
Equipment
You will need special equipment if you plan to do a night dive. Make sure you have backup lighting. This type is often small enough to fit in your pocket. Also, you should have a modeling flashlight. This is a pinpoint light that attaches 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.
Second, you will need a high-quality dive light and an accurate compass. You will also need a light that gives you the ability to communicate with other divers. Also, you will need to learn how to use your diving equipment's gauges. Lastly, you must be comfortable diving at night. You should not dive if you aren't feeling safe. You could end up in dangerous situations, regardless of whether you are unable to train, have bad weather or live in unsafe conditions. Additionally, you should avoid any substances that impair your judgment.
Choosing a dive site
You will need to find a calm, shallow night dive spot when you are ready to go night diving. You don't want your first dive to be complicated by having new gear, carrying a DSLR, or diving deeper than usual. Sticking to the basics will help you get comfortable and make your first night dive a success. Start by diving in the dark and then move on to deeper water.
Research is key to choosing the right night dive spot. There are many factors to consider when choosing a night dive site. 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 easier and warmer to dry your equipment during the day.
Choosing a night dive buddy
It can be difficult to choose a night diving buddy. It is important to slow down and avoid hitting things as the water changes rapidly when the sun sets. 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.
Discuss your dive plan with your night buddy before you dive in the darkness. This includes the order in which you want to complete the dive. It is also important to discuss how you will communicate. This includes using hand signals and light signs.