Navigation

• 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 NavigationKnow 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

• 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