A travel buddy of mine gives me a hard time because I rarely know whether I’m facing north or south, east or west — unless it’s near sunrise or sunset. So, I was exceedingly pleased when I led us back to our lodging in a foreign town with few street signs. The natural navigation techniques I learned in my PADI Underwater Navigator course played an essential role.
Normally, I use my smartphone to get around, but the international data plan was too expensive. Instead of GPS, I navigated by landmarks and estimated distance to return to our home base.
Natural navigation is one of several skills you’ll learn in the PADI Underwater Navigator course. You’ll also learn how to use a compass topside and underwater.
Even people with a good sense of direction, such as Mr. North-South-East-West, can lose their way underwater. Bad visibility, kelp or even a long stretch of sandy bottom can cause you to lose track of your location relative to the boat or shore.
GPS Doesn’t Work Underwater
Dive computers with GPS only record your entry point. They can’t direct you back to the boat or shore unless you surface, which may not be safe. Learning how to navigate underwater allows you to enjoy longer, more relaxed dives, save air and avoid long surface swims.
A Digital Compass Won’t Navigate for You
You may have seen dive computer consoles that come with a digital compass. Keep in mind, a digital compass functions the same as an analog one. If you don’t know how to set a heading and estimate distance, a digital compass won’t be very useful. Remember a digital compass must also be periodically recalibrated.
To be honest, I put off taking the underwater navigation course for years. I was happy to follow the guide or buddy up with a more experienced diver. Once I decided to become a Divemaster, however, I knew I had to hone my skills. The PADI Divemaster course includes a navigation workshop, but I didn’t want to be the most clueless candidate in my group.
Once I started the class I thought, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” The training materials were easy to understand, and the instructor gave us plenty of time to practice compass use topside before taking us underwater. It was also good to be around other divers who, like me, were not comfortable using a compass.
PADI Underwater Navigator Course — What To Expect
Whether you’re new to diving or looking to sharpen your skills, the PADI Underwater Navigator course is designed to build your confidence and precision underwater. You’ll get plenty of hands-on practice both on land and below the surface, learning to use natural references and a compass to find your way. By the end of the course, navigating back to the boat or shore will feel like second nature.
Time Commitment
The online portion of PADI’s Underwater Navigator Specialty course (PADI eLearning®) takes two to four hours. This part of the course covers different underwater navigation techniques and includes helpful videos.
In addition to the eLearning, there are also three required dives plus some practice on land. Generally, the course takes two to three days.
What Does the Course Entail?
First, you’ll practice using a compass on the surface. Then, you’ll apply your skills underwater. You’ll also learn how to use natural cues to find your way back to the boat or shore. The course covers:
- How to use a compass
- Natural navigation (without a compass)
- Common navigation patterns
- Navigating while making multiple turns
- How to estimate distance underwater
Get One Certification Closer to Master Scuba Diver
The PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course counts as one of the five PADI Specialties required to become a Master Scuba Diver. If you recently completed your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, you may be able to credit the navigation dive toward your Underwater Navigator Specialty certification.
Save 20% on the Underwater Navigator Course
When you know where you are and where you’re going, you can enjoy longer, more relaxing dives — and avoid long surface swims! Save 20% on the online portion of the PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course by signing up for PADI ClubTM. You also get free access to PADI’s ReActivate® scuba refresher program and 20% off popular online courses, including:
- Advanced Open Water Diver
- Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver
- Underwater Digital Photographer
- Rescue Diver
- and more!
