How to Navigate Underwater

Because you can't tell east from west by looking at the sun when you're underwater, here's how to navigate using natural markers or a compass.

Things You'll Need

  • Scuba Guide Books
  • Newspaper (for Tide Tables)
  • Dive Compasses
  • Dive Computers
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Instructions

  1. Natural Navigation

    • 1

      Check tide tables before starting a shore dive.

    • 2

      Note your surroundings. Check for landmarks - an island, rock outcropping or sand trap - to orient yourself during and after your dive.

    • 3

      Start your dive by moving into the current so that you can glide back in with the current at the end of the dive when you're tired.

    • 4

      Look for bottom features to help orient yourself during the dive.

    • 5

      Keep in mind that ripples on a sandy bottom run parallel to the shoreline.

    • 6

      Remember that the depth usually increases away from shoreline. Check your depth gauge frequently.

    Compass Navigation

    • 7

      Wear a dive compass on your right wrist as you would a watch.

    • 8

      Understand that a dive compass indicates direction with a dial divided into 360 degree marks and a magnetic needle that always points north.

    • 9

      Hold your arm with the compass at right angle in front of you, where you can see the face.

    • 10

      Stretch your left arm out in front of you, and grab it at the elbow with your compass hand. This position will keep the compass steady, level and visible.

    • 11

      Align the needle with the direction you wish to travel if you're using a dive compass marked in the counterclockwise fashion, which most are.

    • 12

      Keep in mind, north is at 0 degrees, east is at 90 degrees, south is at 180 degrees and west is at 270 degrees. To travel south, turn in the water until the needle points at the 180-degree mark.

    • 13

      Look for an object in the direction you wish to travel and swim toward it while glancing at the compass periodically.