| Are you thinking of trying a night dive? It can be a little | | | | one color, another group a different color or the |
| scary at first but once you try it, you'll be hooked. It's a | | | | divemaster will have a different color so it is easier to |
| whole new world down there. Here are some tips to | | | | tell who is who underwater. |
| make that first night dive go smoothly: | | | | Please note that some areas do not allow the use of |
| Keep it Shallow | | | | glo-sticks due to their chemicals. In this case, another |
| A night dive is typically a shallow dive. I would say 60 | | | | device, such as a light, can be put on the tank. |
| feet is probably max with 30-40 feet more the norm. | | | | Get Familiar With the Hand Signals |
| On our night dives we typically had a maximum depth | | | | When you are night scuba diving, you need to discuss |
| of 35-40 feet. | | | | the hand signals before you begin your dive. Since it is |
| Dive a Familiar Site | | | | dark down there, your buddy won't be able to see |
| If this is your first time scuba diving at night, try and go | | | | your hands. |
| to a site you are familiar with. In the Caribbean, many | | | | If you are on a dive boat, the divemaster will probably |
| dive operators will do a night dive at a dive site that | | | | tell you what signals to use. If they don't, just ask. |
| they went to during the day. | | | | There is nothing wrong with that. |
| If you are thinking of doing the night dive, sign up to do | | | | A typical way to use hand signals is to shine your light |
| a dive at the night dive site during the day. This way | | | | on your hand so your buddy can see them. Another |
| you will have some idea of what the area is like and | | | | common night diving signal is to move your dive light in |
| may feel less apprehensive. | | | | a circle to signify "OK." Moving it up and down or back |
| Get Some Light | | | | and forth can signify yes or no. Whatever you choose |
| You obviously need some dive lights when you are | | | | to use, just make sure you clarify before you begin the |
| doing a night dive. It's best to have a primary light and a | | | | dive. |
| backup light in case the first light fails. The secondary | | | | Take it Slow |
| light can be small and could fit into your pocket. | | | | There is alot to see at night. You will see a whole |
| You don't need the biggest and brightest light you can | | | | different world underneath at night than during a day. |
| find. In fact, it is fun, once you get accustomed to diving | | | | Take your time and look in those nooks and crannies. |
| at night, to turn your light off and let your eyes adjust | | | | The reef also looks brilliant and colorful in the beam of |
| to the dark. You'll be amazed at what you can see. Of | | | | your light. Much different than during the day when you |
| course, it is up to you and get the light you would feel | | | | are diving deeper and the colors are absorbed. |
| comfortable with while diving at night. | | | | Watch Where You Aim That Light |
| If you don't want to turn your light off underwater (I've | | | | Be aware of where you aim your dive light. If you put |
| never had a problem turning it back on but you never | | | | the full force of that light beam into somebody's eyes, |
| know) you can always face it into your BC so you get | | | | you can momentarily blind them. It will take a little while |
| the same effect. | | | | for that diver to adjust his night vision again. So be |
| Many dive operators will also attach a glo-stick or | | | | careful. |
| something similar to your tank. This makes it easier to | | | | I hope these tips will help make your first night dive a |
| spot someone underwater. One dive group may have | | | | comfortable experience. |