How To Navigate Underwater

The last place anyone wants to get lost is in an underwater environment. It's an entire foreign world, not to mention that the visibility factor alone is enough to send you for a loop. There is no audible sound, underwater terrain is never consistent and danger can be lurking at any corner. Navigating in an underwater environment is an essential skill that all divers can benefit from.

There are two ways you can navigate underwater, through the use of a compass or through natural navigation. Both techniques highly improve your chances of successful underwater navigation and are essentially useful for anyone diving into the depths of the ocean.

It's important to understand the area where the diving is taking place. Planning for the dive will not only make the navigation easier but will also assist you in deciding what method to use. One of the first things that should be done is to get as much information of the location as possible.

Natural navigation is navigating by using various terrains whether they are natural or artificial to aid in guiding you. So before you go for a dive, remember to note the surroundings. Are there any islands, rocky features or any kind of landmarks that stand out? Once underwater, use the same method and note the features there. It is very helpful to also remember that ripples on the sandy bottom run parallel to the shoreline.

Swimming against the current at the beginning of your dive can be very helpful. This way you can glide with the current at the end when you are the most tired. Another helpful hint is to keep in mind that ocean depth increases as you leave the shoreline. So the deeper the ocean gets the further from shore you are traveling.

Using a compass to navigate is another way to travel in the depths. Since a compass is an important device used when diving, it may be worth purchasing a brand that has a reliable reputation.

Understanding how to read the compass and the different variables that could affect your reading is very important. Always hold the compass level, this helps insure that the direction it gives is correct. The compass should be held in front of you, you should be able to see the face. If you grab your arm at the elbow, the compass arm should stay steady and in eye view.

Using a bearing to navigate underwater is also very useful. The bearing allows the diver to return back at any time.