Scuba diving is currently one of the most
popular aquatic activities. It's 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 under water 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 façade 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's when all the nocturnal creatures
come alive, giving the sea 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 so as 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 daytime 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 under water. Carb-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 nighttime, 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 regarding 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.