How to Prepare for a Nighttime Scuba Dive

Scuba diving at night is a wonderful experience but it takes some extra preparation and some extra gear to enjoy this experience safely.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• SCUBA gear

1. Make sure to arrange for your dive during the daytime. If you need to book a boat, reserve your space and make sure of the meeting place. Check all your gear for leaks and make sure you have enough oxygen to get you through the dive.

2. Make sure you have all the appropriate night gear. You will need a hand-held dive light and at least one glow stick or reflector to hang from your oxygen tank.

3. Some people get cold easier diving at night and remain cold for longer upon exiting the water. Bring gloves and a hat to where upon exiting and an underwater set as well if you have access.

Tips & Warnings

• There are amazing colors to enjoy at night, as corals open up their phalanges to feed. But remember, to see any color you will need to shine your dive light directly on the object.
• SCUBA diving at night can be a bit disorienting at first. Stay close to your SCUBA buddy. Consider linking arms during your descent and ascent if possible.

[carolineschley]

on 6/3/2009 great idea!

[scubakit]

on 6/3/2009 It is always a good idea to descend and ascend using a shotline to prevent disorientation and rapid ascents at night. I always attach either a strobe or chemical light to the line so I can find it again easily at the end of my dive.