How can divers improve situational awareness at night?

Improving situational awareness at night is crucial for divers due to the limited visibility conditions. Regularly scanning the area using lights and checking positions allows divers to maintain an awareness of their surroundings. This practice helps identify potential hazards, observe marine life, and stay oriented in relation to their dive plan and buddy. Utilizing lights effectively illuminates the environment, enhancing visibility, and enabling divers to spot obstacles and other divers or marine life that might be present.

In contrast, avoiding the use of lights can lead to disorientation, as divers may miss key elements of their environment, increasing the risk of accidents. Staying still and waiting for familiar sounds does not provide an active means of assessing the situation and may leave divers vulnerable to unexpected changes around them. Focusing solely on a buddy's light can create a narrow field of view, potentially overlooking important information that would be visible when scanning the broader environment. Therefore, the practice of scanning and checking positions is essential for maintaining safety and awareness in night diving scenarios.