night diver

The underwater world after dark—a completely different experience.

Back to Advanced & Specialties
Back to Advanced & Specialties

Night diving is one of the most impressive experiences diving has to offer. Flashlights illuminate hidden colors, nocturnal creatures emerge from their hiding places, and familiar dive sites are transformed into a whole new world. With the Night Diver course, you’ll learn how to safely plan and conduct night dives—with the right equipment, good orientation, and reliable group communication.

Three women night diving at sunset on the beach, wearing diving gear and holding diving torches; promotional image for SUBB's Night Diving.

AT A GLANCE

Minimum age 14 years (for minors, consent of both legal guardians is required)
Prerequisite Open Water Diver * or equivalent certification
Required dives 10 dives (proof required before the course begins)
Course content 2 theory sessions + 2 night dives
Recommended Navigation Specialty Course (knowledge of underwater navigation required)
Certification S.U.B. International Night Diver certification card

WHAT YOU'LL BE ABLE TO DO AFTER THE COURSE

After completing the Night Diver course, you will be certified as a confident diver in a night dive group. You will be able to:

  • Recognize and safely handle problems that may arise during night dives.

  • Putting together the right gear for night dives and using it properly—from your primary light to your backup light.

  • Use navigation aids at night and find your way safely underwater even without daylight.

  • Respond to the needs and behavior of your group members at night.

  • Ensure communication within the dive group in the dark.

Theory 

  • Special Considerations and Risks of Night Diving

  • Light and Perception Underwater: Color Changes, Depth Perception, Orientation

  • Equipment requirements: Dive lights, marker lights, signaling devices

  • Planning and Briefing for Night Dives

  • Nighttime Navigation Techniques: Compass, Landmarks, Light Signals

  • Communication within a group when visibility is limited

  • Dealing with unexpected situations and emergency management at night

Practice 

Both practical dives take place after dark. You’ll put your skills in navigation, equipment, and group communication into practice—under the supervision of your instructor. The goal is to develop a sense of safety and relaxation while diving at night.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum age: 14 years. Minors must provide a written consent form signed by their legal guardians (usually both parents).

  • Certification level: Open Water Diver * or an equivalent certification as listed in the s.u.b. equivalency list.

  • At least 10 documented dives in the logbook.

  • Fitness for diving 

  • Knowledge of underwater navigation is required—the advanced navigation course is therefore recommended.

HERE'S WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Theory instruction by a qualified s.u.b. diving instructor

  • 2 night dives in open water

  • Course materials

  • Night Diver certification card upon successful completion

NIGHT DIVER AS A PREREQUISITE FOR THE DIVE LEADER

The Night Diver course is one of the two required specialty courses for the Dive Leader certification—along with the Rescue Diver course. For those aiming to become a Dive Leader in the long term, the Night Diver course lays an important foundation.

Dive Leader
Dive Leader

Interested in the Night Diver?

Send us a message using the contact form—we’ll get back to you with all the details about the next appointment.

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Request now