- Messages
- 704
- Reaction score
- 61
- Location
- Winston, Georgia, United States
- # of dives
- I just don't log dives
Night diving is probably one of the most fascinating types of diving around. You can really see what types of creatures decide to come out and play when the lights go out. I have done it for years and continue to be fascinated by it.
In terms of what you should be aware of :
Night diving requires lights to be able to do effectively and safely. Seems obvious but people don't realize how much so until there light goes out. You should take at least 2 lights with you in case your main or primary light goes out (flood, battery dies, drop it, etc.). Remember that the light is not only your way of seeing the underwater environment, but also for other divers to see you especially in the event you need assistance.
Night diving requires communication skills with lights. Not a complicated thing, but you will need to review these things prior to getting in the water. Since you cannot see as well at night as you can in the day, the ability to communicate with other divers or your dive buddy is very important. The ability to see if a buddy is "ok". The ability to signal for help in an emergency. These are things you can learn in a Night Diving Class or from another seasoned diver.
Disorientation can occur easily at night. Make sure you carry a compass or are able to follow underwater structures if you are using natural navigation. Stay with your dive buddy and/or the group and be aware of your surroundings as you chase lobsters in the night.
Review and discuss emergency procedures before entering the water. Accidents can and do happen during a night dive and you should try and be prepared mentally and physically to address them when they do. Rehearse in your mind and with your dive buddy what you would do in an out of air (OOA) situation. A lost diver situation. If you become separated from the group or your buddy. If your lights die. The key to me to enjoying a night dive is preparation. Use the right equipment (lights, tank strobes, glow sticks, compass, slates, etc.) and be prepared for unplanned situations and you will come to love night diving as much as most of us do.
Hope this helps.
In terms of what you should be aware of :
Night diving requires lights to be able to do effectively and safely. Seems obvious but people don't realize how much so until there light goes out. You should take at least 2 lights with you in case your main or primary light goes out (flood, battery dies, drop it, etc.). Remember that the light is not only your way of seeing the underwater environment, but also for other divers to see you especially in the event you need assistance.
Night diving requires communication skills with lights. Not a complicated thing, but you will need to review these things prior to getting in the water. Since you cannot see as well at night as you can in the day, the ability to communicate with other divers or your dive buddy is very important. The ability to see if a buddy is "ok". The ability to signal for help in an emergency. These are things you can learn in a Night Diving Class or from another seasoned diver.
Disorientation can occur easily at night. Make sure you carry a compass or are able to follow underwater structures if you are using natural navigation. Stay with your dive buddy and/or the group and be aware of your surroundings as you chase lobsters in the night.
Review and discuss emergency procedures before entering the water. Accidents can and do happen during a night dive and you should try and be prepared mentally and physically to address them when they do. Rehearse in your mind and with your dive buddy what you would do in an out of air (OOA) situation. A lost diver situation. If you become separated from the group or your buddy. If your lights die. The key to me to enjoying a night dive is preparation. Use the right equipment (lights, tank strobes, glow sticks, compass, slates, etc.) and be prepared for unplanned situations and you will come to love night diving as much as most of us do.
Hope this helps.