If you’re considering taking your first night dive, you are definitely in for a treat. Nighttime is by far one of the most interesting times to dive, as many animals that hide during daylight hours are extremely active after the sun goes down. Lobsters search for food, octopus come out to hunt, and Spanish Dancers perform amazing feats of grace and beauty. Fish that are active during the day are subdued, enabling you to move in for a closer look, and soft corals extend themselves to feed. These are just a few of the many sights you may encounter when diving after dark. Here, we share some great tips for making this unique adventure safer and more enjoyable.
Time it Right
The best time to go for your first night dive is right about sunset; this way, you can see to get your gear ready while there is still some light, and you can get comfortable in the water before all ambient light has been lost. Once you are more familiar with night diving, try going out on very dark nights, and of course, don’t miss the opportunity to dive on nights when the full moon lights up the sky!
Select the Right Place
Some sites are not suitable for night diving, while others are ideal. It’s best to select a dive site you are knowledgeable about and comfortable with for your first night dive; it is also a good idea to choose a place you’ve visited during daylight hours.
Stay Shallow
Diving at night can bring on feelings of disorientation, so stay in shallow water until you are familiar with the sensations of diving in a dark environment.
Pick the Right Buddy
For your first night dive, either go with an instructor and a group, or go with a dive buddy who has plenty of experience with diving after dark. Be sure that you and your buddy are well acquainted with one another, and pick someone who won’t have a problem with giving you a little extra guidance if needed.
Feet First
Descend feet first when diving at night, if at all possible. Use your dive light to watch where you’re going, so you avoid contact with possible hazards. Keep your descent slow and controlled to ensure you stay safe.
Determine Signals Ahead of Time
It’s important to determine hand signals and other signaling methods ahead of time before any dive, but even more important to do so after dark. Be sure you and your buddy are clear about which signals to use.
Take Your Time
Be extremely slow and deliberate as you move through the water while diving at night. While you may want to see everything, moving too quickly can cause you to miss some sights and it can also expose you to potential hazards. Relax and enjoy this unique opportunity, noticing the differences between the way the dive site looks during daylight hours and the way it appears after dark.
Use Appropriate Equipment
There are a few things you’ll need to bring along with you on night dives that you might sometimes leave behind during daylight hours:
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Primary dive light and a backup – Choose a sturdy, reliable dive light as your primary, and pick a compact model for use as a backup. There’s no need to pick the brightest light on the market; in fact, choosing one that’s overly bright can cause some animals to seek shelter.
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Lanyards – Secure your dive lights to yourself with lanyards, and do the same for any other items you don’t want to lose.
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Dive Knife and a backup – Carry a primary dive knife and a backup. Entanglement in unseen hazards is a real possibility on night dives, particularly if you’re planning to spend time investigating a busy reef or a wreck. Ghost nets and wads of fishing line can drift into protected areas too, so don’t leave your knives behind.
Mark your equipment with reflective tape if you haven’t already done so. This will make items much easier to find in the event they are accidentally dropped.
Consider Weather and Other Factors
Before committing to your dive, be sure that conditions are ideal. While this is a fun activity, it is not without its hazards.
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Weather – Check the forecast while making plans, and check again just before heading out, particularly in areas where weather has a tendency to worsen suddenly.
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Hazard check – If you have not been at your selected dive site before, find out all you can about potential hazards and obstacles. You can read dive site descriptions or talk to local divers or dive operators about the site; better yet, you can have someone who is familiar with the site accompany you.
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Activity check – Consider whether there is any human activity that happens near your chosen dive site at night. Do dredgers operate in the area? Are fishing boats active? If the answer is yes, you may want to choose a different site.
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Entry and exit points – Many night dives are also shore dives. If this is the case, be sure that you mark your entry and exit points before the sun goes down; you can attach a strobe light to a large rock or have a friend waiting on shore with a lantern or a campfire to ensure you can easily make your way back.
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Self-assessment – Night diving can be dangerous, and if an emergency happens, you need to be able to help yourself rather than simply relying on others. Be sure that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for the challenges that come along with diving after dark.
Finally, know what marine life species you are likely to encounter on your dive, and take a little time to learn about the animals’ behaviors. This adds an extra element of fun to the dive, and it gives you clues about where to focus your attention. By preparing yourself, planning carefully, and considering all aspects of your dive in advance, you will enjoy a fun, safe first night diving experience.