How many dives before going on a night dive?

[stingray94]

Hey guys,
I just got certified 2 weeks ago and one thing that I really want to try before the summer is over is to go night diving. How many dives do you think I need before I will be experienced enough to go night diving? I will go with other experienced divers of course. thanks in advance.

[Ryanh1801]

I did my first night dive pretty soon after being certified, but diving in Texas lakes during the day is pretty much night diving. I did not find it all that much different. Just make sure to have a good light and a back up light, and a well lit entry and exit. I did get a little vertigo at first siting on the platform, but for me it went away once I got off it and neutral in the water.

[CompuDude]

As long as you're going with other experienced divers, there's no reason why you can't go fairly soon after your certification, especially if you're excited about it and aren't overly jittery.

Many open water students (4-5 dives) go directly into AOW class (another 4-5 dives), which often includes a night dive as part of the experience, so clearly it's not a problem to start night diving fairly early.

Again, there are some important considerations to night diving, so I'm happy to hear that you're planning to try it in the company of experienced divers first.

[harb99]

my third dive after being certified was a night dive in Cancun when I was there for spring break

[stingray94]

Thanks for all of the quick responses. I'm going to go on a few more dives to get more comfortable in the water and then it looks like I will be going on a night dive! Thanks again!

[longtailbda]

Find an experienced night diver and go for it, better still sign up for a night course so that you can at least have a dive master with you. I would recommend making your first "dark" night dive the 2nd of the evening.

[dive10killer]

My first night dive was on dive #11.
Since then night diving has become a true passion for me.

[Geoff_T]

early night dives are not that big a deal as long as you partner with sombody experianced and pay extra attention to safty.

[rumblefish]

My first night dive was dive number 8. It really depends on how comfortable you are, who you're diving with, and where you are diving.

[buddhasummer]

pretty early from memory maybe around dive#10(?), going with exp divers is always a good idea regardless of time of day, as others have said a good light is important, get the best light you can afford/borrow and a good back up just in case and youre good to go, night diving is my favourite type of diving, good luck hope you enjoy it.