scuba dive at night

I did my first two night dives about two weeks ago, and they were awesome! I’d always thought that it would be a little freaky not being able to see beyond the limit of your light, but it wasn’t. Even diving a site that you’ve been to before during the day is like diving it for the first time.

This past Saturday night, I entered the water around 9:00 PM. It was in a quarry in Bainbridge, PA, and it had rained fairly heavily that evening. The night air was nice. Prior to my arrival at the quarry, there were a few people that had already gotten in the water to prepare for their night dives as well.

Much of the silt from the bottom was kicked up, and along with a few other factors, combined my night dive with a low-vis dive. We saw probably 4 catfish, a small sunken boat, and went through a swim through.

The scariest part was emerging from the swimthrough and not being able to see my instructor at all. While my heartbeat increased a little bit, I didn’t panic. I did however essentially remain in the same place until my instructor came back to get me.

I’d defintely opt for a clearer dive, but this was an experience I wouldn’t trade. It really makes me appreciate the considerations that should be taken into account for really any dive.

I’d post a picture, but 1) I didn’t have an underwater camera with me, 2) it’s be all sediment.