Underwater Navigation and Using a Dive Compass

Underwater Navigation and Using a Dive Compass

 Underwater, people tend to get disoriented very easily.  Currents move us around without us even knowing and since most everything else is also moving, it can be hard to establish landmarks – crucial elements of navigation.

Ideally, when you are underwater, you will have a dive compass, but if you don’t, and you are going to do a shore dive, you need to study your surroundings above the water before descending.  When you come up from a dive, you need to be able to figure out how to get back to where you started and you don’t want to have to swim too far with all your gear on. 

Be aware of the tides of the area.  To do this you need to see the tide tables.  Note the currents.  Always start off by swimming into the current, this way, when you are tired later on, the current will help you back to your starting point.   If you are following the ocean floor, remember that it is probably getting constantly deeper.  Check your depth gauge often.

Shore dives will be made easier and safer by the use of a dive compass.  Boat dives however, should always be done with a dive compass.  The compass should be worn on your right wrist, just as you would wear a wristwatch.  Hold the compass arm in front of you, so the magnetic needle pointing north is in line with your body.  Do this by grabbing your right wrist with your left hand.  Before your dive, you should study a map of the site, and draw the map and the route, including landmarks you know you will see on a dive slate which you will carry with you.  Follow the map correctly, checking you see the same landmarks and make the correct turns, and you will have less chance of getting lost and finding your way back to the boat.  Be aware that currents play a big part in underwater navigation and incorporate them into your plan before beginning the dive.