Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
Which local rescue or training agency should I check first?
Use the local lens: coastguard/federation norms and the shop briefing for that bay — not a blog visibility claim.
Why is risk scored near wreck diving?
Lost buddy, boat props, and disorientation show up in incident literature. Combining night with wreck or cave is worse.
What is the Kona manta night dive?
A well-known Hawaii product: lights on the sand attract plankton, then mantas. Distance rules are the etiquette.
How many lights?
A primary and a backup is the usual teaching. A tank-marker or stick light helps the boat.
Do people need a specialty card?
Not legally in most places. Shops may require one or a minimum log count.
Is a full moon easier?
More ambient light, different animal behaviour. Not a safety system by itself.
Night kit is recreational scuba plus lighting redundancy and a way to be seen on the surface.
A video light is not a backup if it cannot be aimed as a torch.
Core kit
- Primary torch — A beam the buddy can also use as a reference.
- Backup torch — On the person, tested.
- Tank or snorkel marker light — For the boat and the surface.
- Ordinary rec scuba kit — BCD, computer, SMB.
- Exposure suit — Nights are colder than the afternoon briefing admits.
- Whistle — Sound still works when beams do not.
Optional
- Red filter or red light — Less startling for some animals and for night vision.
- Focusing beam — For looking into holes without flooding the world.
- Gloves in temperate water — Hydroids at night.
- Compass — If the site is not a simple out-and-back.
Care
- O-rings and batteries — The failure is always at the giant stride.
- Rinse lights — Salt in the switch.
- Carry spare batteries in the dry bag — Not in a flooded pocket.
- Do not blind-test on deck — Save other divers’ night vision.
Budget bands
- First nights — Rent a good primary, own a backup.
- Regular night diver — Own both lights.
- Video — A third budget, not a replacement for the primary.
- Skip — A cheap unbranded light as the only beam.
Spend on two lights that work. The rest is already in the scuba bag.