Underwater navigation is a crucial skill for divers, ensuring you stay on course, conserve energy, and return safely to your starting point. A compass is an essential tool, but it should always be used in combination with natural navigation techniques to counteract potential currents and enhance accuracy. Follow these steps to successfully navigate an out and back compass heading while scuba diving.

Step 1: Set Your Heading

  1. Hold your compass level and directly in front of you, ensuring the lubber line (the fixed line on the compass) points in the direction you want to travel.
  2. Rotate the bezel ring until the index marks align with the floating compass needle (or “north arrow”). This locks in your direction.

Step 2: Choose a Visual Reference

  1. Instead of staring at the compass constantly, look ahead along your heading and spot a stationary object that aligns with your desired course. This could be a coral formation, rock, or any distinctive underwater feature.
  2. Swim towards this visual reference while keeping the north arrow inside the index marks on your compass.

Why? This method minimizes drift caused by currents and prevents excessive reliance on the compass, which can lead to disorientation.

a scuba diver looks at his underwater compass to aid in underwater navigation. Another diver is in front of the compass.

Step 3: Maintain Course While Swimming

  1. Keep the compass in your line of sight occasionally to ensure you are staying on track but avoid fixating on it – your focus should be on the underwater environment.
  2. Swim with a consistent kick cycle and maintain a steady buoyancy to stay streamlined and reduce unnecessary deviations.
  3. When you reach the visual reference, repeat Step 2 – pick another object in line with your compass heading and continue the process.

Step 4: Measuring Distance

  1. Use kick cycles or time to estimate the distance traveled. For example:
    • Count how many kick cycles it takes to reach a point to help with return navigation.
    • Alternatively, tracking time is another popular method. However, it is important to be aware of currents that may have an impact on the distance you have traveled and adjust your calculations accordingly.
  2. Note key landmarks along your route to assist with navigation on the return journey.

Why? Measuring distance prevents overshooting your destination and helps ensure an accurate return path.

a diver looks at a scuba compass underwater while performing underwater navigation

Step 5: Returning to Your Starting Point

  1. To return along your original path, rotate the bezel 180° from your initial heading.
  2. Follow the same steps – using kick cycles or time to measure distance, maintaining a visual reference, and keeping the compass steady.
  3. Double-check natural landmarks to confirm you are on track.

Why? This method helps you retrace your steps effectively, reducing the chances of surfacing far from your entry point.

Final Tips for Success

  • Practice in low-current areas first before navigating in challenging conditions.
  • Be aware of buoyancy changes – maintaining neutral buoyancy keeps your movement smooth and controlled.
  • Use a buddy system – confirm navigation decisions together for better accuracy.
  • Stay observant of surroundings – natural navigation, such as reef formations and sand ripples, complements compass navigation.

Mastering compass navigation takes practice, but by integrating natural references, you will navigate more accurately, reduce current drift, and enjoy a more controlled and confident dive!

Learn more by visiting a PADI Dive Center near you to become a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or PADI Underwater Navigator!

Become a PADI Underwater Navigator
How To Use a Compass To Navigate Underwater Infographic
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