wackodacko
Guest
Hello! does anyone know...
if i have to take a special class/ get a special license to dive at night around here?
if i have to take a special class/ get a special license to dive at night around here?
night dive
- Thread starter wackodacko
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srkdvr
Contributor
As far as I know any place you did you should be night/ limited vis qualified. I guess if you are going to a lake and not having to prove anything to a boat captian or dive master then you could (I do not believe you should) do what you want.
Rich :mean:
Rich :mean:
Spectre
Contributor
"Have to"? No. "Should" yes. No, there is no special license, however you should definately be both comfortable with the site your planning on diving, and in your skills as well. If your concerned about your navigation skill, your buoyancy skill, or in any way feel fairly task loaded during a normal dive, you should definately wait some before you try night diving, as the task load goes up significantly.
In a nutshell... if you do on a night dive, no... the scuba police won't come and cut up your C card. Some boat captains [most] will require you to be Advanced Certified.
large_diver
Contributor
I would agree with what Spectre said.
It's not overly hard....just certain things that are slightly different than daylight diving...back-up lights.....underwater signals with lights, etc.
Another way to start night diving -- there are many area clubs and shops that offer DM-led night dives....and they normally do shore dives at "easier" local sites (back beach, etc.). You could try one of these to see how you like it....but it would be worthwhile to speak to the DM beforehand to understand gear and skill requirements.
Bottom line -- IMHO, a class would be the best option. I was introduced to night diving in my advanced class....then participated in several nights dives with my LDS....then once I felt comfortable started doing night dives with just my buddy at sites we are familiar with.
My $0.02.
It's not overly hard....just certain things that are slightly different than daylight diving...back-up lights.....underwater signals with lights, etc.
Another way to start night diving -- there are many area clubs and shops that offer DM-led night dives....and they normally do shore dives at "easier" local sites (back beach, etc.). You could try one of these to see how you like it....but it would be worthwhile to speak to the DM beforehand to understand gear and skill requirements.
Bottom line -- IMHO, a class would be the best option. I was introduced to night diving in my advanced class....then participated in several nights dives with my LDS....then once I felt comfortable started doing night dives with just my buddy at sites we are familiar with.
My $0.02.
OP
wackodacko
Guest
thanks guys..
i contacted massdiving but they do not have a night class scheduled any time soon..
i would have to do the whole adventure/advanced package thing in order to get the night-class experience which i dont wanna do right now.. im gona do it next year before http://www.tubbataha.com !! 
i contacted massdiving but they do not have a night class scheduled any time soon..
i would have to do the whole adventure/advanced package thing in order to get the night-class experience which i dont wanna do right now.. im gona do it next year before http://www.tubbataha.com !! 
MSilvia
Contributor
If you read up on it and talk to other divers, you'll probably get most, if not all the information you need. I've had several enjoyable night dives, and haven't had any special training in it. I have a good primary and backup light, keep a glow stick on my tank valve, and leave a marker light on shore.
After reviewing a few light signals (move the light in a circle for "ok?/ok." or in a vigorous back and forth motion for "there's a problem/I need your attention", etc.), I found night diving to be easier in many respects, as it's easier not to lose your buddy at night, it's easier to communicate with them at a small distance via light signals, and there are (at least here) a lot of creatures that aren't as active during the day.
Task loading is always something to look out for, but I actually found my first night dive to be quite relaxing... I had one of my best air consumption rates ever.
Just make sure you're prepared.
After reviewing a few light signals (move the light in a circle for "ok?/ok." or in a vigorous back and forth motion for "there's a problem/I need your attention", etc.), I found night diving to be easier in many respects, as it's easier not to lose your buddy at night, it's easier to communicate with them at a small distance via light signals, and there are (at least here) a lot of creatures that aren't as active during the day.
Task loading is always something to look out for, but I actually found my first night dive to be quite relaxing... I had one of my best air consumption rates ever.
Just make sure you're prepared.
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