Mastering Underwater Navigation: Compass for Beginners

[@PerezAdvent]

Ask your questions about underwater navigation (and the compass) or tell me your best "getting lost" story!!

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

I like analog compass better than electronic ones. I am still learning to keep my card from locking and keeping my bearings

[@PerezAdvent]

@@ivoryjohnson4662my dive computer has one built-in so good to carry less stuff, however, i always have an analog with me that i keep on my pocket/pouch just in case

[@TS-hz4lx]

this should be one of the first skills any divers should learn.

[@PerezAdvent]

it is part of the PADI Open Water course (not sure about other agencies, but i assume it is). However, this skill is not something most new divers are willing to undertand or pay attention during the Open Water course. Also, not all instructors know how to teach this skill properly or they rush it.

[@TS-hz4lx]

@@PerezAdvent i did my open water in 2005 with PADI i don't remember having touching the subject but maybe i am wrong. I did my rescue in 2010, then it was part of the class.

[@PerezAdvent]

i cannot comment when the change occur (assuming it was not there before)...but underwater navigation in the curriculum since i started teaching...so this could've been a change from when you've done. regardless, this skill is really important like you mentioned...but here in the UK with poor visibility waters, it is more important

[@TS-hz4lx]

@@PerezAdventsame here in Canada !

[@TS-hz4lx]

you offer easy and good understanding.

[@PerezAdvent]

Thanks! glad you liked

[@jonschaefer1463]

Navigation is so important!!! Train with it!!! Learn it!!! Knowing This skill can save your life. I am just sharing. Thanks everyone

[@PerezAdvent]

Absolutely!! Unfortunatelly people only realise it is that important when they need it.

[@jthatcher11]

Need to explain how to use the compass to find the bearing of an object in view and how to use the bezel to set a bearing that you are given. Also need to explain how to travel along a bearing and then, once a destination is reached, how to use the compass to find the reciprocal heading to return home.

[@PerezAdvent]

all explained in the "How to use" section of the video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYnIi3ivjbNjq6M&list=UULFqT7uUywsaFb_n-QRDtl82A). for the reciprocal heading, i explained it on the Tips & Techniques (kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYnIi3ivjbNjq6M&list=UULFqT7uUywsaFb_n-QRDtl82A)