Night diving allows you to dive in a different underwater environment. Night diving is a different underwater world, as many marine mammals are nocturnal. 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 happens when certain chemicals are vibrated and produce light.
Bioluminescence can be used by marine life to attract mates or communicate with each other. For example, syllid fireworms live under the sea floor in mucus tubes and head to the surface after the full moon.
Take precautions
If you've never dived at night before, there are several precautions that you must follow. These precautions include not being exposed to too much light and not using dive lights. These lights can affect the night vision of other divers. These lights can also cause cardiac irregularities.
In addition to limiting your light exposure, you must also use a buddy team. Night diving requires a dive partner. Your buddy can help identify potential subjects. Before you dive, be sure to practice hand signals together. Be sure to teach your buddy how to properly use the light. For example, it is best to not shine the light directly at subjects but rather aim it at their hands.
Equipment
You will need special equipment if you plan to do a night dive. First, make sure that you have backup lights. This type is often small enough to fit in your pocket. You will also need a modeling lamp, which is a light that is attached to a flashlight. 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.
Secondly, you must have a quality dive light and a compass. You will also need a light that gives you the ability to communicate with other divers. It is also important to be able to read and use the gauges on your diving rig. You must also be able to dive at night. You should not dive if you aren't feeling safe. 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.
How to choose a dive spot
Choose a night dive location that is shallow and calm when you are ready for night diving. You don't want your first dive to be complicated by having new gear, carrying a DSLR, or diving deeper than usual. It will be easier to get comfortable, and your first night dive will go well. 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 you're new to night diving, make sure you pick a site that has had a lot of success at night diving. The day allows you to easily locate the dive site and navigate around it. It is also easier to dry your equipment in the heat of the day.
Choosing a night dive buddy
It can be hard to find a night-diving buddy. It is important to slow down and avoid hitting things as the water changes rapidly when the sun sets. 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.
Discuss your dive plan, and any special instructions, with your night dive buddy, before you dive in darkness. You should also discuss the order you would like to complete your dive. Additionally, you should discuss how and when you will communicate.