SSI Specialty Course – Night Diving and Limited Visibility (SC-LV) Practice Test

Adjusting lighting when encountering marine life is crucial for ensuring a respectful and safe interaction. Dimmed lights or directed lighting allows divers to illuminate specific areas without overwhelming or startling the animals. Many marine creatures are sensitive to bright, sudden lights, which can cause panic or lead them to flee. This gentle approach can encourage a more natural observation of marine life without causing unnecessary stress to the animals.

The other options suggest actions that are typically counterproductive or inappropriate. For instance, using bright, flashing lights can indeed attract certain species, but it can also create a chaotic environment that's distressing for many marine animals. Turning off lights entirely might be suitable in certain situations, but it can also hinder visibility for the diver, increasing risks associated with limited visibility. Similarly, using colored lights might confuse some marine species, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior from both the divers and the animals. Therefore, appropriate use of dimmed or directed lighting is the most effective and considerate technique for interacting with marine life during a dive.