Navigation • Introduction • Equipment • Surface Positioning • Measuring Distances Underwater • Natural Navigation • Compass Navigation
Navigation
• Introduction• Equipment• Surface Positioning• Measuring Distances
Underwater• Natural Navigation• Compass Navigation
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
Measuring Distances Underwater• Several methods may be used to
estimate distance• Most accurate• 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 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