Torches

Buying Scuba Dive Torches

Visibility underwater can be an issue when you are scuba diving.  Natural light does not penetrate large bodies of water well and this can be exacerbated by sediment in the water.  When you are diving it is very important that you can see as much as possible.  It is too easy to get lost or swim into dangerous situations if visibility is poor.  This is why you need a dive torch with you at all times.

Dive torches are also used on night dives when there is no natural light to see by at all.  Dive torches can help you to really explore underwater environments particularly if you want to dive around wrecks and natural caves underwater. 

Warning Signals

As well as being used for exploration dive torches are also an important safety device. You can use your dive torch as a signalling device to warn or alert other divers of situations underwater.  This is a practical way to communicate with other divers in your group and can help to prevent you from getting separated or lost.

Buying a Dive Torch

The easiest way to buy your dive torch is over the Internet.  There are lots of different torches available and you can pay quickly and securely online at Beuchat.  You should consider buying one main torch and also a smaller backup option.  This just needs to be a reliable and lightweight mini-torch that can be strapped easily to your tanks or put in a BCD pocket. 

Before you buy your main torch you need to think carefully about what sort of dives you take part in.  If you are interested in seeing different marine creatures on your dive trips then you should consider an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light.  These provide a reliable and powerful light that allows you to see clearly but are a little less intense than HID ((High Intensity Charge) torches.  HIDs are very bright lights that are great for finding your way in poor visibility conditions but can frighten away shy marine creatures.

Rechargeable batteries are a good option as you will be able to ensure the batteries are fully charged before each dive.  This reduces the risks of your batteries running low when you are in the water.

If you are not sure which torch would best suit you then do your research first before you buy.  You can ask other divers and instructors for more advice and there is also lots of information available online about dive torches.