Dive compass confusion

[diverdad87]

Hey guys, long time lurker- first time poster.

I have complete'd my basic and about to start advanced however I am going diving in Key Largo this weekend and really would like to have a idea about how to use a compass to navigate to and from the boat. I have searched through this forum for a bit and haven't found a answer to the basic question....


How do you use a underwater compass?

 

[burna]

The way I do it is;

1. Stop before the turn and note current heading.
2. Work out what the new heading will be.
3. Turn onto new heading and proceed.

Practice on land first, it will make it much easier.

 

[Arkman]

I did some looking and found this document. I skimmed through it and it seemed to be fairly informative.

 

[lavachickie]

Google "scuba compass navigation" and you'll find a number of rundowns of the basics.

Stop by your LDS and pick up the AOW book; there is a chapter on compass use there. I admit I didn't really "get it" until a friend loaned me this book The Certified Diver's Handbook. Same stuff, dif words but it made sense to me.

On the one hand, it's not too difficult but it DOES take practice; it's a combo of understanding of bearing and distance -- and having to keep track of both!

Congratulations on your cert, and enjoy your first dives. Be sure to tell the Captain of your status, so he understands you are knew. Hopefully you are diving with a more experienced buddy. If both of you are new, consider hiring a DM to go with you; they are plentiful in that area, and in there you might be able to get some tips on navigation.

Some years ago my husband dove Quiescence in Key Largo, and was very pleased. Quiescence Diving Services , Inc., One of Key Largo's Finest Diving Operations

 

[scadreau]

Definitely practice on land a few times before you get in the water. Depending on what compass you have, you can set the index markers on the way out and not have to touch them again. You can use the reciprocal index marker to return.

If you take the DM on the boat aside, he should be willing to help you get set.

Find some natural navigation "landmarks" as you go too. This will help if your compass navigation goes awry. If you get lost, head to the surface (make your safety stop).

 

[NC Wreck Diver]

Definitely practice on land a few times before you get in the water. Depending on what compass you have, you can set the index markers on the way out and not have to touch them again. You can use the reciprocal index marker to return.

If you take the DM on the boat aside, he should be willing to help you get set.

Find some natural navigation "landmarks" as you go too. This will help if your compass navigation goes awry. If you get lost, head to the surface (make your safety stop).

When you practice topside, put a towel over your head to obscure your vision. You'll be surpirsed where you end up as you begin! But don't get discourged, you WILL get it with some practice. Actually, it's kind of fun to fine tune your skill, and then when your make your way back to your starting point, enjoy that smile on your face.

BTW - the compass won't do you much good if you dive wrecks! Have fun, be safe. Congrats on your certification diverdad87.

 

[knowone]

I'll be the donkey and you can be the tail.

Practice in the water because on land you may walk into a wall and if you get disoriented stick with your buddy and finish the dive otherwise you may as well have stayed at home walking into walls.

Enjoy your dives and the boat will come or be there. Eventually..

 

[spectrum]

Since you will be doing advanced and navigation is a universal requirement you should be seeing some text and instruction before getting in the water.

This may sound hollow but in terms of using the compass almost all you need to know can be figured out stumbling around in your back yard. There are some variations but essentially I align the fixed lubber lines to be inline with my outbound path or perpendicular to shore for beach dives. Then move the bezel point (or notch) to wherever N is indicated. Now, anytime N is on the point the compass is aimed outbound. From there left, right, return is all relative. Make sure that card (dial) is always freely floating when you read it.

Navigation IMO consist of 3 things in roughly equal proportion but you can often manage on 2 out of 3.
1) Compass skill
2) Site Knowledge
3) Confidence

Enjoy the class!
Pete

 

[diverdad87]

I want to thank everyone for the help. All I am concerned with is using the lubber and bezel together to help figure out where i have been and how to get back.

Thanks again!

 

[spectrum]

If the visibility isn't great then it's probably easier on a shore dive where all you need to hit the right area on a beach. An anchor line can be a small target if you don't have a clear view to the hull.

If visibility is poor and you will wander far and a perfect return is mandatory then running a line becomes a real option.

Pete