We all enjoy dive sites with gin-clear water that allows us to see off into the distance, but there are times when low-visibility diving is just a fact of life. Learning to be completely comfortable even when visibility isn’t the best will increase your ability to enjoy a wide range of dive sites. Use the following five essential tips, and soon, lack of visibility will feel like less of a challenge.
Tip One: Slow Down
Anytime you are diving in conditions that are less than perfect, it’s a good idea to slow down. When you can’t see well, it’s important to reduce your speed so that you’ll avoid collisions with potential obstacles, reduce the chance that you’ll become separated from your buddy or group, and give your brain time to process what you can see around you. The murkier the water, the slower you should go.
Tip Two: Relax
It might sound as if relaxing is something that’s easier said than done, but once you understand how important it is to relax while diving at low visibility, the more of a priority it will become for you. Keep in mind that all that’s missing from your dive site is light – buoyancy, water density, depth, and other aspects of your dive are still in place. Allow your body to relax, calm your breathing, and give your eyes a chance to adjust. This will help you to take in all the information your senses will be gathering even though you can’t see far into the distance.
Tip Three: Rely on Your Senses
While diving, it’s common to pay more attention to what we’re seeing with our eyes than to what our other senses are telling us. Without visual input, it’s important to focus not just on the details we can make out in front of us, but to listen for sounds and to notice subtle changes in the way the water column feels around us. If you have ever been in a dark forest or even in a dark room, you know that other senses sharpen when the eyes are deprived of light.
Tip Four: Strategize
Good dive planning is important at all times, but strategizing is even more important when poor visibility becomes an issue. As you are planning for your dive, come up with alternatives to common hand signals. Tapping your tank, flashing your dive light, or tugging on a buddy line are some ways to communicate; you can also plan for a method of meeting your buddy or group if you become separated. Planning and strategizing are smart tactics – and they eliminate much of the stress you’ll feel while enduring challenges.
Tip Five: Use Lines
One of the best, most important methods for feeling comfortable diving in low-visibility conditions is to make use of lines to the greatest extent possible. Use an anchor line to descend from your boat or from a set point on shore, and after reaching depth, play high-visibility line out from a wreck reel that is attached to the anchor line. Knowing you’ll be able to easily find your way back will provide you with peace of mind.
Finally, remember how important your dive light is when light from the surface is negligible. Check your batteries before your dive and consider carrying not just one but two spare lights so you won’t be caught in complete darkness. Dive with a familiar buddy you’re comfortable with, and focus on enjoying the experience.