Night Diving
This Diving Variation offers an experience that is very different from diving during the day. Seeing the nocturnal marine animals alone will surely make the night dive worthwhile. Predators are most active during the night, as well as reproduction of many marine species. It may sound ironic but Night Diving enables you to see the marine world in a different light.
This Scuba Diving Type is slightly more risky than when you are diving during the day. First of all, there is a huge difference when it comes to visibility. Also, it can be very scary if you got separated from the rest of your team and this can also be a problem to the group. However, this may not be the case if your have enough training, preparation, and planning prior to the dive.
A safe night dive requires a lot of preparations and safety measures. Here are some rules and things to consider when you go Night Diving:
- Take night dives to diving spots where you have done day dives before. This is important to get yourself accustomed to the environment.
- Know the different surface signals and make sure you are equipped with an SMB, or Surface Marker Buoy. This serves as the marker so the surface boat can keep track of the whereabouts of the Divers.
- Always have backup dive lights in case your primary light fails. But then again, you will not be on total darkness even if you turn your light off. However, if you need to turn your light on, make sure that it is not too bright. Do not aim your light in your Buddy's face, as this will impair his vision. If you wish to communicate with your Buddy, aim your light to your hand which is making the signal.
- Attach a strap to your dive light and put it on your wrist. This will ensure that you will not lose your dive light.
- Know what to do in any possible situation. For instance, in the event that you reach the surface after the dive and found out that you are far from the surface boat, get the attention of the crew in the boat, and then aim your light down on your head.
- Stay close to your Buddy. As mentioned in the previous sections, Buddy System is very important in case problems arise and assistance is necessary.
- Keep a close watch of your equipment. With less light, it is harder to check if you still have sufficient air.
It is advisable to start the dive at dusk so you will have enough time to be comfortable and accustomed to the environment. Also, navigation and communicating with other Divers are crucial so it is good to go night diving on an area with minimal current and waves.
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