Night diving is an excellent way to get a glimpse of a totally different 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 and how to choose the right dive site before you start.
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 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, which live in mucus tubes under the seafloor and return to the surface on the full moon, are an example.
Precautions
You should be aware of the following precautions if you are new to night diving. 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. Exposed to these lights could increase your risk of having cardiac irregularities.
A buddy team is essential for you to avoid excessive light exposure. 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. Your buddy should be able to correctly use the light. Avoid shining the light directly on subjects. Instead, aim it at their hands.
Equipment
Special equipment is required for night diving. 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. Diving used to use chemical glow sticks in the past to help them find their way back to their boat. However, environmental concerns have forced the switch to battery-operated signals lights with different colored lenses.
The second is a quality dive light, and a compasse. It is important that you have a light that can communicate with other divers. You will also need to know how your diving rig works. It is important that you feel safe diving at night. You should immediately get out if you feel unsafe. It doesn't matter whether the cause is poor training, bad weather, water conditions, or anything else, if you don't feel safe, you could find yourself in a dangerous spot. Additionally, you should avoid any substances that impair your judgment.
Selecting the right dive site
Night diving is best done at night. You don't want to complicate your first dive with new gear, carrying a camera, or diving deeper than usual. It will be easier to get comfortable, and your first night dive will go well. You can begin by diving at night and move deeper later.
Research is key to choosing the right night dive spot. There are many things you should consider. You should choose a site with a history of night diving if you have never done it before. You can use the day to locate and map the dive sites. It's also warmer and easier to dry off your equipment during the day.
Night diving buddies
It can be hard to find a night-diving buddy. The water changes quickly after sunset, so you must slow down to avoid hitting anything. Night diving is required to be more comfortable in the water. It is not something anyone wants to feel uncomfortable or make the dive difficult.
Your night dive buddy should discuss your dive plan and any special requirements before you go. This includes the order you wish to complete the dive. Talk about how you will communicate.