Navigation
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Introduction
Equipment
Surface Positioning
Measuring Distances
Underwater
• Natural Navigation
• Compass Navigation
Good divers navigate effectively
Why you should become
proficient with UW Navigation?
Successful Navigation
• Reduces confusion and anxiety
• Avoids long surface swims at the end of
a dive
• Increases the effectiveness of the dive
plan
• Reduces air consumption
Equipment
Instrument Console
– Submersible Pressure Gauge
– Depth Gauge
– Compass
Equipment
Submersible Pressure Gauge
Equipment
Depth gauge
Equipment
Timing device
Equipment
Compass
Surface Positioning
• A “fix” allows you to relocate an
underwater site – useful for beach dives
Measuring Distances
Underwater
• Several methods may be used to
estimate distance
• Most accurate
• Most common
Measuring Distances
Underwater
One of the most accurate and most common
Measuring Distances
Underwater
Most accurate
Measuring Distances
Underwater
Most common
Natural Navigation
Relies on the Diver making pre-dive observations
as well as while diving
Common Observations:
•Waves, currents and tidal movement
•The angle of the Sun
•Offshore objects and/or formations
•Depth readings
Natural Navigation
Utilizes Natural References
• Light and shadows
• Water movement
• Bottom composition and reef formations
• Bottom contour
• Plants and animals
• Noise
Natural Navigation
The procedure:
– Use starting references
– Follow a pre-planned general course
– Move forward by moving from aid to aid
– Develop a desire to remember
Compass Navigation
Know how the compass works and how to
set a course
Compass Navigation
1. Magnetic North Needle
2. Lubber or Reference Line
3. Rotating Bezel
4. Witness Marks
5. Headings
Learn how to deal with
cross current
• How to navigate to a general location
• How to navigate to a specific location
with a known sea floor
Hints for better navigation
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Plan your dive and dive your plan
Trust in your compass
Use natural references
Allow for the effects of current
Share responsibilities
Understand the limitations of the
compass
• Swim slowly
What to expect on the
Navigation dive in the keys
Swim the following patterns:
• Run a measured line in both directions
• Compass – out and back
• Natural Navigation – out and back
• A Square
• Use the compass during the dive
• Have fun
Navigation
End of Unit 3
• Introduction
• Equipment
• Measuring Distances
Underwater
• Natural Navigation
• Compass Navigation
• Surface Positioning