Night diving is an excellent way to get a glimpse of a totally different underwater world. Because many marine animals are nocturnal, the underwater environment changes at night. You will need to be prepared for this unique diving environment. Learn about the equipment and how to choose the right dive site before you start.
Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence can be experienced during night dives by simply turning off your torch and waving in the water. The blue light from bioluminescent plankton will glow as your arms move around the water. This phenomenon occurs when certain chemicals are disturbed by vibration and generate light.
Bioluminescence is used to communicate and attract mates in marine life. Syllid fireworms, for example, live below the seafloor in mucus tubes. They then head up to the surface at the full moon.
Be aware
If you have never dived at Night before, you need to be careful. Avoiding excessive light and using dive lights are two of the precautions. These lights may damage the night vision of other divers. Exposure to these lights can also increase your risk for developing cardiac problems.
In addition to limiting your light exposure, you must also use a buddy team. A dive partner is extra important when night diving. Partner will help you to identify potential subjects. Be sure to practice hand signals with your partner before you go on the dive. You should also make sure your buddy understands how to use the flashlight correctly. Avoid shining the light directly on subjects. Instead, aim it at their hands.
Equipment
Special equipment is necessary for night dives. You should ensure that you have backup lights. This type light is small enough that you can carry it in your pocket. You will also need a modeling lamp, which is a light that is attached to a flashlight. Divers used chemical glow sticks to locate their way back from the boat in the past. However, environmental issues have led to the use of battery-operated signal lighting with different colored lenses.
You will also need a quality diving light and a compass. You will also need a light that gives you the ability to communicate with other divers. You will also need to know how your diving rig works. You should also feel comfortable diving at nights. If you are not feeling secure, you should leave immediately. You may find yourself in a dangerous place, whether it's because of lack of training or bad weather conditions. It is important to avoid using substances that could impair your ability to discern the truth.
Choosing a dive site
Night diving is best done at night. Don't complicate your first night dive with extra gear, a camera or deeper diving than you are used to. You will feel more comfortable and have a better night dive. 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. You'll need to look for a site where night diving has been done before. You can use the day to locate and map the dive sites. You can also dry your equipment more quickly and warmer during the day.
Night dive buddy
It can be difficult to choose a night diving buddy. You need to be careful not to hit objects or change the water speed when it goes dark. 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.
Discuss your dive plan, and any special instructions, with your night dive buddy, before you dive in darkness. This includes the order you wish to complete the dive. Talk about how you will communicate.