Tips for Night Scuba Diving
July 3, 2008 by Shannon · Leave a Comment
By Dianne Rein
Are you thinking of trying a night dive? It can be a little scary at first but once you try it, you'll be hooked. It's a whole new world down there. Here are some tips to make that first night dive go smoothly:
Keep it Shallow
A night dive is typically a shallow dive. I would say 60 feet is probably max with 30-40 feet more the norm. On our night dives we typically had a maximum depth of 35-40 feet.
Dive a Familiar Site
If this is your first time scuba diving at night, try and go to a site you are familiar with. In the Caribbean, many dive operators will do a night dive at a dive site that they went to during the day.
If you are thinking of doing the night dive, sign up to do a dive at the night dive site during the day. This way you will have some idea of what the area is like and may feel less apprehensive.
Get Some Light
You obviously need some dive lights when you are doing a night dive. It's best to have a primary light and a backup light in case the first light fails. The secondary light can be small and could fit into your pocket.
You don't need the biggest and brightest light you can find. In fact, it is fun, once you get accustomed to diving at night, to turn your light off and let your eyes adjust to the dark. You'll be amazed at what you can see. Of course, it is up to you and get the light you would feel comfortable with while diving at night.
If you don't want to turn your light off underwater (I've never had a problem turning it back on but you never know) you can always face it into your BC so you get the same effect.
Many dive operators will also attach a glo-stick or something similar to your tank. This makes it easier to spot someone underwater. One dive group may have one color, another group a different color or the divemaster will have a different color so it is easier to tell who is who underwater.
Please note that some areas do not allow the use of glo-sticks due to their chemicals. In this case, another device, such as a light, can be put on the tank.
Get Familiar With the Hand Signals
When you are night scuba diving, you need to discuss the hand signals before you begin your dive. Since it is dark down there, your buddy won't be able to see your hands.
If you are on a dive boat, the divemaster will probably tell you what signals to use. If they don't, just ask. There is nothing wrong with that.
A typical way to use hand signals is to shine your light on your hand so your buddy can see them. Another common night diving signal is to move your dive light in a circle to signify "OK." Moving it up and down or back and forth can signify yes or no. Whatever you choose to use, just make sure you clarify before you begin the dive.
Take it Slow
There is alot to see at night. You will see a whole different world underneath at night than during a day. Take your time and look in those nooks and crannies.
The reef also looks brilliant and colorful in the beam of your light. Much different than during the day when you are diving deeper and the colors are absorbed.
Watch Where You Aim That Light
Be aware of where you aim your dive light. If you put the full force of that light beam into somebody's eyes, you can momentarily blind them. It will take a little while for that diver to adjust his night vision again. So be careful.
I hope these tips will help make your first night dive a comfortable experience.
Have a great dive, Dianne Rein from www.scuba-diving-smiles.com.
Dianne Rein runs an online scuba diving guide. You can read her complete list of night scuba diving tips on her website. You will also be able to find boat scuba diving tips and air consumption scuba diving tips to help improve your scuba diving experience.
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Dive Tips to Clear Your Ears
July 3, 2008 by mj · Leave a Comment
By Dianne Rein
We all know being able to clear your ears while scuba diving is very important. After all, if your ears don't clear you'll have to abort the dive. So how do you clear your ears?
The most common method is called the Valsalva maneuver. In this technique, you pinch your nostrils closed and gently blow through your nose.
If you are having problems, try these steps to help you descend safely:
- Start Before You Go Below the Water
- Equalize Early and Often
- Descend Feet First
- Ascend if You Have Problems
- Do Not Force It
- Do Not Dive With a Cold
If you are using the Valsalva maneuver, gently blow through your nose while you are waiting to start your descent. This "pre-pressurizes" the ear and makes equalization easier upon descent. Start this before you even go under the water.
You've heard this in your scuba diving class. Begin equalizing as soon as your head goes underwater and continue equalizing every few feet. This is probably the most important step to descending without ear problems. If you are having problems clearing one ear, tilt your head - with the blocked ear toward the surface.
Your Eustchian tube is affected if you descend with your head first and it makes it harder to equalize your ears.
If your ears are not clearing properly, ascend a few feet to reduce the pressure. Try clearing them again. If it still doesn't work, ascend a few more feet and try again. Rinse and repeat until you have cleared your ears successfully.
If you have tried ascending and it is not working, abort the dive. If you force yourself down, you can cause permanent ear injury. In this same vein, if you are using the Valsalva method, do not blow forcefully. It should be a gentle blow. A forceful blow can also cause ear injury. It's better to forego a dive than have ear problems for the rest of your life.
Another mantra you probably heard in your scuba class. Congestion can make equalization difficult. And even if you are able to ascend, you run the risk of having problems during ascent, a condition called "reverse squeeze." This can also be caused by medications wearing off during the dive. If you do take medicine, just be aware of the risks.
Follow these steps and you should be well on your way to having nice clear ears. Take it easy, take it slow and have a safe, comfortable dive.
Have a great dive! Dianne from www.scuba-diving-smiles.com
Dianne Rein runs an scuba diving website at scuba-diving-smiles.com You can read her full report on ear clearing tips as well as several pages of more scuba diving tips on her website.
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