The thought of diving at night might sound scary at first to some and exciting to others. Most people do night dives from the shore or for a dive site that they are already familiar with. It’s important that if you are not diving with a guide that you have already been to the dive site during the day to get familiar with its topography. When picking a dive site, pick one without a strong current or is located in a protected bay. Dive sites with easy entry and exit points should be considered.
Night diving cannot be compared with any other type of recreational diving. Diving a familiar site at night will offer a new and exciting experience. Using a torch, you will immerse yourself in the water, everywhere else is dark except for the torch light from other divers in your group. Colours stand out at night and it is mesmerising to see the reef by torchlight.
Get equipped for your night dive at twilight or as the sun is setting which gives you the dive with daylight to get prepared. Bring a torch, a back-up to put in your pocket and another lighting signal. Be extra careful where you put your fins on the night dive and you may want to stay slightly further from the reef than normal. Move slowly during the dive as this gives you a higher chance of spotting something interesting. Use equipment that you are familiar with and don’t test out new equipment on a night dive. Dive with a compass to help orientate yourself during the dive.
In some parts of the world, there is bioluminescent plankton which causes the ocean to sparkle at night. Check out the bioluminescence on a night dive by turning off your dive light or covering it by pressing it into your chest or hand. Move your hands or feet around, tiny lights will flicker. Prepare with your buddy before the dive to know at which point you will be turning off or covering your torches.
To signal during a night dive, you usually do it with one hand in front of the light or by signaling with your torch directly. If you get lost during a night dive, turn off your torch and look for the lights from other divers, this may help you relocate the group quickly.
Many marine animals hunt at night so expect to see different things than you would during a daytime dive. When shining your light on marine animals, be sure it’s not shining directly in their eyes. Shine your light into the black for the opportunity to see something remarkable swim past.
