When should you monitor the dive site to ensure safety for a night dive?

Monitoring the dive site during the day before a night dive is essential for several reasons. Conducting a site assessment allows divers to familiarize themselves with the environment, including potential hazards that may not be visible once darkness falls. During daylight, divers can identify important features such as entry and exit points, underwater terrain, and obstacles that could pose risks during the night dive. Additionally, this advance scouting helps divers plan their dive more effectively, ensuring that they are aware of any changes that might occur as visibility decreases with the onset of darkness.

The other options represent times when monitoring might be beneficial but do not provide the same level of proactive safety planning. Just before sunset, although it allows for some preliminary checks, does not provide the comprehensive overview needed for adequate preparation. Monitoring during the night itself is crucial for safety, but it focuses on managing the dive rather than preparing for it. Finally, checking the site after completing the dive is valuable for post-dive reflection and evaluation, but it does not contribute to dive safety prior to entering the water.