Why is proper buoyancy control especially crucial during night dives?

Proper buoyancy control is crucial during night dives primarily because it prevents accidental contact with the bottom. At night, visibility is significantly reduced, making it challenging to navigate and assess the environment. Without adequate buoyancy control, divers may inadvertently disturb delicate underwater ecosystems or hazards they cannot see clearly. Furthermore, maintaining neutral buoyancy enables divers to hover effortlessly in the water column, allowing them to observe marine life without risking collisions with the seafloor or damaging coral reefs and other structures.

While faster swimming, identifying landmarks, and reducing air consumption are beneficial aspects of buoyancy control, in the context of nighttime diving, avoiding unwanted contact with the bottom is vital for safety and environmental conservation.