How can divers protect themselves from thermal stress during night dives?

Wearing appropriate thermal protection and considering exposure duration is crucial for divers during night dives because night water conditions can lead to a significant drop in temperature, increasing the risk of hypothermia. The choice of thermal protection, such as wetsuits or drysuits, should be suitable for the specific water temperature and environmental conditions.

By selecting the right thickness of wetsuit and ensuring it fits properly, divers can create an insulating layer to retain body heat. Additionally, understanding exposure duration is vital; longer periods in cold water can exacerbate thermal stress, even if the diver is adequately suited. This approach allows divers to manage their comfort and safety effectively while exploring underwater in nighttime conditions.

The other options highlight limited or less effective strategies. Relying on thinner wetsuits may not provide sufficient insulation for cooler waters, while diving only in warm waters restricts dive opportunities and doesn't prepare divers for varying conditions. Limiting dive time to 20 minutes might offer a quick solution, but it could be overly restrictive and does not address the need for proper thermal gear relative to the conditions encountered.