Night Diving

Night diving is diving that takes place at night, or in the dark. A night dive can be a greater experience because many more marine animals come out only at night, offering a different scenic view. Also, because vision is somewhat limited additional focus is needed and concentrating on smaller objects can bring great rewards. A much recommended night dive is to return to a favorite dive site at night, and giving the opportunity to see it in a new way, with new sites, different animals and the chance to enjoy the brighter colors underwater.

While diving at night seems simple it in fact has many more requirements to ensure a safe dive. A night diving course is designed to advance the basic diving skills, experienced night divers. The main focus is on the main differences between diving during the day and diving at night, what is important when selecting a night diving site, required equipment for safe night diving along with recommendations and procedures.

As far as equipment is concerned, one of the most important pieces of equipment is a torch or flashlight. These lights are not only useful to keep track of other divers in the group or to alert the boat you need help, but enhance the view around the diver. The darkness brings with it hazards not normally experienced during the day. At night losing a flashlight or torch can cause a diver to lose vertical reference or the inability to control depth or buoyancy, in this case having a back up flashlight and someone above water is important and can mean the difference between a safe dive and disaster.

When planning a night dive, it is best to choose a site that is familiar during the day, this will give a basic idea of the area, though the challenges will still be there as even familiar sites can look different at night, putting normal navigation skills to the test.

When attending a night diving course, there are gradual steps over two or three days. First and foremost is an introduction that emphasizes entries and exits, body contact, navigation, identifying various nocturnal aquatic life and buoyancy skills. Once completed, the next step includes underwater navigation using a compass and natural navigation. With the goal of finding the way during a night dive. Lastly, focusing on night diving situations is the primary goal, such as a flash light losing power.