Compass Navigation

Objective: 

 Understand how to use a compass to do simple navigation underwater.

Value: 

 To maximize the enjoyment of you're diving you'll definately want to be able to get around underwater without having to come to the surface to know where you are. This skill begins your underwater navigation journey.

Steps to Perform: 
  1. Hold your compass level with the groun/bottom, etc. [most compasses will not work when they are help perpendicular to the ground, they catch]
  2. Look at the object you want to get to or away from [e.g. a buoy, a pier, etc]
  3. Stand facing that object and hold your compass so that the main lubber line (etched or colored on the glass or plastic surface, NOT the moving arrow] points at that object [some compasses will be help sideways others facing forward]
  4. Look through one of the two windows and note where the moving arrow points
  5. Now rotate the bezel of the compass to "trap" the moving arrow [the bezel is moving external ring you can spin]
  6. Once the bezel is set, turn lightly left or right. You'll notice that you can easily tell when you are no longer pointed at the object AND how to correct [this is called being off course]
  7. If you were to turn your body 180 degrees and face exactly away from the object you were going at, you'll see that the bezel does NOT need to be moved, it already points exactly away from the object [this is called your reciprical course]
Video Demo: 
See video
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