Scuba diving is currently one of the most popular aquatic activities. It is a great activity for anyone who wants to be united with nature. It also opens a totally new perspective on how we view ourselves in relation to our surroundings.
The opportunity to dive underwater is also a very invigorating activity. Since it is a different world, it seems like all of your problems are solved once you get to see the teeming life under the blue facade of the seas.
The nature below the surface of the water changes as the sun says its goodbye and as the moon starts to glow. Actually, most advanced divers would prefer to go on a night dive rather than a day dive. Why? Because at night, the sea is totally transformed and there are things underwater that you can only see at night. It’s like seeing all the high-rise buildings illuminate the happy streets of a city.
The beautiful scenery at night is something to look forward to. It is when all the nocturnal creatures become alive, giving the seas a different glow and color. Groups of minute organisms also reflect the light from the moon and create an effect that can’t be recreated by any natural or artificial means. The seas really come alive at night.
However, you should remember that night diving is only for experienced divers. It is most definitely not a walk in the park. The normal risks that a diver exposes himself to during day dives are enhanced at night. The darkness of the night also poses additional risks that aren’t present during the day.
We shall try to discuss some of the things that a diver must remember before night diving. If you are a beginner, you will want to read on to give yourself some basic ideas on how to properly prepare and execute a night dive.
1. Rest well and eat well
Diving at night is physically more imposing than day dives. The coldness of the water will give a diver more stress plus the fact that the natural body clock is signaling the body to settle down and rest. Make sure that you have enough carbohydrates in your body to keep your body temperature stable underwater. Carbo-loading can be done 2 days before you enter the water.
2. Orient yourself with the diving area
Aside from visiting the diving area beforehand, you can also opt to do a day dive on the same spot where you will be diving at night. This move lowers the risk of being lost at night and will give you more mobility because you are comfortable with the area.
3. Always have a night dive buddy
Perhaps the most important tip that you should remember is that you should never ever dive at night without a companion. Even if it’s not night time, you should also have someone to dive with you. Your diving buddy is your only hope against the wrath of the seas if something goes wrong. And, having a buddy will also make the experience more meaningful.
4. Get the right dive light
Essential equipment for night diving is a dive light. When choosing a dive light, you should consider the burn time, the beam width, and the depth rating of the dive light. In terms of burn time, you should make sure that you fully recharge your battery if you are using a rechargeable one or bring extra disposable ones if you are using those.
Your maximum depth should also be lower than the rating of your light.
5. Get some glow sticks
Glow sticks are very useful underwater. You should attach some glow sticks to your air tank, or perhaps wrap them around your legs and arms so that you and your buddy can clearly see each other.
6. Know the rules
You can’t go around diving at night anywhere you want. Make sure that you inquire about the local regulations about diving at night.
Nothing beats diving at night. With the proper preparation and precautions, you should have nothing to fear and will look forward to seeing the majestic night seas.
