Night dive SOP

[WhiteSands]

I've found it helps if the dive leader brings an extra light apart from his backup, strap it to his shoulder D ring so it points backwards and keep it turned on. Easy for everyone to identify & follow.

And the usual stuff. Turn on lights before going in, keep it on till on boat or shore. If you drop it you can find it.

Bring an SMB. Point light up when surfacing if there are boats in the area. Shine torch into SMB to make an orange light saber.

 

[phoenix31tt]

everybody has made good suggestions but i would like to specially second DumpsterDivers suggestion of going super slow...

especially with night diving the kids will be naturally more excited... going snails pace allows everybody to be more relaxed and truly enjoy how wonderful night diving is...


btw... i've always find that its way easier to keep track of my buddy and get their attention in night diving...

 

[nimoh]

I don't recommend turning lights off in order to look around. Instead, temporarily cover the light with your other hand. This way if you drop your light, you will be able to find it. Also for many lights, if the bulb is going to fail, it will usually happen during ignition.

You can also coordinate with your team for everyone to cover their lights for a short period to get a complete blackout effect and hopefully see some interesting things.

 

[djtimmy77]

Don't shine your lights in other diver's faces. Thanks!

 

[iluvtheocean]

For the OP -- which dive shop are you doing the night dive with? Blue Heron requires a permit for night dives there since the park closes at dusk.

 

[freewillie]

That's a red flag for me. You can't keep track of your buddy very well if they go dark. It is one thing to turn lights off briefly, but if something happens you would never know it. Tank illumination is good, so long as it is not turned away from you. If it were me, with that many dives, with my kids... I would be insisting lights on.

Most light failures occur when turning lights on and off. I'd agree, turn your light on before entering the water and keep them on at all times until the dive is finished. It might sound obvious as well but make sure all batteries in both your primary light and back ups have fresh batteries or if using rechargeable one to make sure they are fully and freshly charged.

Make sure as you are headed away from the beach you have a solid light source or marker to find your way back. If you use car or house lights the cars can move or the people in the house can go to sleep and turn the lights off. Even street lights have been known to go out at times.

You don't have to go far in the dark. Most of the fun is peeking in the cracks and crevices looking for creatures. Go slow and have fun.

 

[Steve_C]

You don't have to go far in the dark

This is good point. Especially on the first night dive. Set very modest goals.

 

[Jon_R]

For the OP -- which dive shop are you doing the night dive with? Blue Heron requires a permit for night dives there since the park closes at dusk.

Force e. We signed up and will pick up the pass tonight.


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[iluvtheocean]

okay.... don't forget you need a light on the flag such as a glowstick of some kind. a tank flasher, 2 lights (primary & backup) for each person. and be more aware of the tides, boats. check out the Blue Heron Bridge Trolls area to see who might else be going.. Beware of photographers --- they bite

 

[Jon_R]

okay.... don't forget you need a light on the flag such as a glowstick of some kind. a tank flasher, 2 lights (primary & backup) for each person. and be more aware of the tides, boats. check out the Blue Heron Bridge Trolls area to see who might else be going.. Beware of photographers --- they bite

Yep 400 bucks of gear and I am ready for my free night dive. Haha. Looking forward to it getting ready to head out for west palm.


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