Scuba, or self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, diving allows you to experience the flora an fauna of the underwater world at greater depths and for longer periods of time than snorkeling or skin diving. While most dives occur in well-lit locations during daylight hours, your diving options will expand with the aid of a diving light.
Uses
The most prominent and popular use of dive lights is in night diving. At night, you can see a different set of animals that only comes out after the sun disappears. Even if you've dived the site before, you'll be able to experience it in a whole new way at night. More advanced divers use dive lights in cave diving. Carrying a dive light can help even the most beginner divers illuminate dark areas on reefs and in and around ship wrecks.
Types
Flashlights and canister lights are the two basic types of scuba lights. Hand-held flashlights are a good choice for day diving and as a backup light for your night or cave dives. Canister lights are brighter than flashlights and are used for night, wreck and cave dives. The light is powered by a battery pack attached to your weight belt. In addition to the many sizes of dive lights, you can choose between tungsten, halogen, HID or LED bulbs. The former two are cheaper, but provide less light and consume more battery power. HID and LED bulbs may carry a bigger price tag, but they draw more slowly from your battery and provide a brighter light.
What to Look For
While many hardware store flashlights may be marked as "waterproof," dive lights must be both water- and pressure-proof. Look for a light that will stand up to the wear and tear involved in diving. Always check the rubber o-rings on your lights before each dive and replace them when necessary.
Considerations and Warnings
Bring an extra set of batteries and bulbs for your primary and backup lights on every dive. When you replace the batteries, replace all of them at once, and never mix battery brands, suggests the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI. If you plan to go diving at night or in caves or caverns, get proper certification and training first.
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