The most skilled and experienced SCUBA divers understand that in order to have a safe excursion, they need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This means knowing where they are whether they are in the boat or below the surface.
Basic underwater navigation skills, such as recognizing underwater sand patterns, rock formations, and other detailed points to get to and from single destinations can help a diver find their direction in the event that they are without a compass. However, even in clear water, divers can find themselves lost, and a compass will be crucial to navigating their way. Simple underwater navigation techniques using a compass can make any dive adventure safer and help to further hone the skills of the diver.
You should always set your compass prior to diving into the water. This can be done easily by placing the lubber line in the direction of the destination or parallel to the coast or their boat, then setting the bezel to zero degrees north. This allows you to always be able to find either your ending point or where you began by following the compass underwater.
When using a compass in the water, try to use your compass above the water first to help pinpoint your destination and get your bearings. After you have clearly located where you are heading and feel confident, you can then dive underwater to the ending point, as swimming underwater is faster and less tiring than swimming on the surface. Compass navigation is safe and easy to learn when utilized correctly, and is a great skill to pick up whether you plan on furthering your dive education or not.
