Chapter 4- Night and Limited Visibility Diving
Night and Limited Visibility Diving
41
FIGURE 4-2. Many times the nutrients that foster an abundance of interesting aquatic life limits the visibility.
dived site and with a well-known dive buddy, you have
much experience to be gained before you are proficient.
As with all special interest areas of diving, additional
training is recommended.
EQUIPMENT
Much of the extra equipment needed is common to
both of the topics of this chapter – night and limited
visibility diving. First let’s examine the gear recommended
for night diving, then we will note a few suggested
items for limited visibility diving.
Lights are an obvious requirement for diving at
night, but you may not be aware that several different
types are available. The principal requirement is a good
main or primary dive light. A smaller back-up light is
also useful to make a safe exit in the event your primary
light fails during the dive. Each diver should have both a
primary and a back-up light.
The lights you use for diving must be designed specifically
for the purpose. A light which is simply waterproof
will not work well. The light must be designed to
operate not only in water but also under pressure. There
are many quality lights available at your local dive store,
and lights are often available for rent so you can find out
which type you prefer before purchasing your own. Dive
store employees or your instructor can help you select the
appropriate ones for your area (figure 4-3).
Brightness should be a consideration, older dive
light designs use a standard lantern bulb. Newer dive
lights have halogen or LED bulbs, which are significantly
brighter. LED lights also draw less current, providing
FIGURE 4-3. The lights you use for diving must be designed to
operate in the water and under pressure.