and kit when heading out after sunset . It is , as you may already suspect , dark . So , some kind of light might be in order . A torch , and ideally a spare , suitably waterproofed , will assist you in seeing what ’ s down there . It ’ ll also help you navigate safely to , from and along the shore .
If your site doesn ’ t come with handy onshore lights at your planned egress point ( such as lights on the street , an illuminated pier or any nearby buildings ) it ’ s worth placing something there yourself . This helps you to know where you are in relation to the land so , in your excitement , you don ’ t stray too far away from home .
Chances are your intending snorkelling arena will require a Surface Marker Buoy . This will allow your shore cover to maintain a watch , and it ’ s equally important to put a light on the SMB , to stay visible in the darkness . Aside from that , I ’ ve found headtorches are extremely useful for getting kitted-up and undressed . You can even buy head diving headtorches now that could prove ideal for snorkelling . I use them cave diving all the time to provide vision in the darkness without encumbering my hands .
If you ’ ve ever been night diving you ’ ll know why after-dark snorkelling is attractive . If wildlife is your main draw , you ’ ll find the reef critters exchange shifts after dusk . Many of the daytime dwellers hide away and the nocturnal species come
Don ’ t neglect your buddy on a night snorkel
out to feed , mate and move . I ’ ve seen many more octopus on night snorkels and dives around the UK than I have during the day .
Lobsters , another of our larger British reef species , are often found wandering around the seabed at night . The landscape itself presents a different perspective under torchlight . The shadows and light seem to make it even more of an adventure ; so shipwrecks and other man-made structures often seem more haunted after dark has descended .
I often find my own attention to be heightened on night snorkels . The sun lights up vast areas of the underwater world and allows us to appreciate the whole . But under the narrow beam of a torch , we are forced to observe things in more detail and often see the smaller things we may have missed during the day . A snorkel site can become a completely different experience when repeated just a few hours later .
One thing to be aware of with night snorkelling , or indeed any night dives , is tiredness . It seems obvious , but humans are adapted to be predominantly daylight creatures . Tiredness can affect our capacity for physical effort , how cold the water feels and our decision-making faculties . So , bear these factors in mind when you ’ re selecting your site , equipment and creating your dive plan . �
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac . com / snorkelling Looking to introduce snokelling into your club ? Find out more at bsac . com / snorkellinginstructor
Plan your entry and exit points with care
A torch beam can focus the attention as well lighting a reef
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