A good scuba diving torch is exactly what you need when preparing for a night dive. That is obvious. What is not so obvious is how to correctly use an underwater torch. The goal is not only to get the maximum experience from the dive, but also to enjoy it safely. Therefore, before heading to an online diving torch shop, check out the tips provided in this article.
The importance of a scuba diving torch during a night dive
A scuba diving light will have the same effect as neon lights in a night city. In the dark, your underwater torch will transform the world and allow you to look at animals that cannot be seen during the day.
In sunlight, you can observe rays and sharks, but in the dark, you will see how they hunt. Parrotfish fall asleep at this time, corals open their polyps to eat, lobsters come out of hiding in search of food, octopuses swim freely, and plankton has bioluminescent properties. But you will not spot any of this without a diving torch.
The first thing you think about when imagining all this is your camera, isn’t it? However, if you are going to complete a night dive for the first time, our advice is: relax. The most important thing is acquiring the necessary skills to use a scuba diving torch.
How to correctly use a scuba diving torch?
Remember that an underwater torch battery has a limited operating time, so turn it on immediately before entering the water and do not forget to protect it if you are going to jump from a boat. Also, make sure it shines normally before descending.
During the dive, there is no need to aim directly at animals and people. You can blind your friends or scare the fish.
In shallows on clear nights, you can often enjoy the bioluminescence of plankton. To do this, cover the torch from time to time. After a while, your eyes will adjust to the ambient light, and you will be able to see this phenomenon.
Constantly turning a diving torch on and off increases the probability of its failure, so do it only as necessary.
To give signals during night dives, direct the light beam so that it illuminates your hands. If you want to draw your buddy’s attention to something, direct the beam within that area. A slow circle will mean you want to ask if everything is alright. However, if you move the torch back and forth quickly, it means a problem has arisen.
What elements should be considered when using scuba diving torches?
Before you buy a diving torch, remember that it is an indispensable tool during night diving:
- Keep in mind that the light beam must be constant and suitable for night diving. You must see where you are swimming.
- Look for a scuba diving torch with adjustable intensity. Remember that animals can swim away from a light that is too bright.
- It is better to choose torches with a well-focused, directional beam.
- Make sure the battery charge is sufficient for the torch to shine throughout the entire dive.
- Look for a scuba diving torch that can be easily turned on.
- Practically all torches have negative buoyancy, so if you do not want to lose them, make sure they have a lanyard to secure them to your wrist.
Another important tip: never forget to bring an additional backup torch for scuba diving. If your primary device fails, you will have to resort to the secondary one.