Night diving

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Divers photograph a manta ray during a night dive
Halogen diving lamp (tank lamp)

Under night dive or night dive (short NTG) is defined as the scuba diving at night . At night, other or more living things are usually active underwater. In the glow of the diving lamp , corals reveal the colors better at night because the lighting is not dominated by residual blue light from the surface. Because of the darkness, different rules of conduct are necessary than in daylight. Communication, which occurs primarily through gestures and standardized diving signs when diving, is made even more difficult by the darkness. Most of the time, the signs are given with one hand, while the other hand illuminates it with the diving torch. Important signs can be given directly with the lamp. Orientation, operation of the equipment and reading the instruments are often more difficult in the dark, so that higher demands are placed on the diver. In waters with very poor visibility , one is often dependent on using night diving techniques, even during the day, as daylight often only penetrates to shallow depths. Similar conditions are found in wrecks or caves.

equipment

The most important piece of equipment for night diving is the diving lamp . It is a waterproof and pressure-resistant flashlight . Usually an LED or halogen lamp is used. In relation to their size, LED lamps are very bright and have a longer burn time than halogen lamps. LED lamps take getting used to because they emit a very white light. Halogen lamps, on the other hand, have a pleasant, slightly yellowish glow in which the colors come into their own underwater.

In order to mark the entry and exit points, it makes sense to attach another waterproof lamp as close as possible to the water surface on the shore or on the diving boat. A light stick or a UV flash can also be used for this.

behaviour rules

The following rules are recommended for a night dive:

Planning the night dive

  • Select only sites that are well known from day dives.
  • Do not plan as decompression or deep dives .
  • Dive only in good weather.
  • Do not dive in high waves.
  • No drift diving .
  • Do not take beginners.

briefing

  • Do not form groups with more than three divers, otherwise it will be difficult to stay together.
  • Always divide night diving beginners into buddy groups with an experienced night diver.
  • Before the dive, underwater signs signaled with the diving lamp are agreed.
  • Each group has its own reserve lamp.

Performing the night dive

  • Choose a safe entry and exit point.
  • Mark the entry and exit points with a light.
  • The lighting time of the lamp limits the diving time.
  • Be careful not to dazzle anyone with your own lamp.
  • Do not directly illuminate living beings under water in order not to unnecessarily disturb them.
  • Do not wave or shine the lamp on the water surface, as this can be interpreted as an emergency signal.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Thomas Kromp , Hans J. Roggenbach , Peter Bredebusch : Practice of diving . 3. Edition. Delius Klasing Verlag, Bielefeld 2008, ISBN 978-37688-1816-2 , pp. 263-264.