Back up analog compass?

[Cheizz]

I'm just curious. I suppose it may depend on the kind of diving I do. If navigation is a key part of the dive, I will bring a backup compass. On your regular Sunday morning open water dive in a spot I know like the back of my hand, I trust the digital one on my computer. And I always have a buddy, if need be.

 

[sea_ledford]

In my experience with digital compasses (all shearwater), they are decent for "go east to get back to shore" type navigation, assuming you remember to calibrate it. But an actual compass with a rotating bezel has more tools than just a north seeking needle.

 

[Bazzathemammoth]

I reckon if you need to know where to go then you need more than just a compass, but the worst thing bad navigation will do for me is give me a long surface swim. I rarely use a compass (or even carry one) as the terrain is normally sufficient for navigating with my diving. Scallop diving on a flat Sandy bed is when it really comes in handy for me.

If you want a backup then a $10 water filled compass works fine (that’s what I use). I got some funny looks when I pulled it out for my aow, but I passed the test with it. After that the instructor started believing me that it works.

 

[TMHeimer]

I only have an analog compass.

 

[scubadada]

I've dived a wrist mounted analog compass forever, it is very quick and easy for me to use. I don't use the digital compass on my Teric much, but do like the floating north pointer. Much of my diving is drift in SE FL and all I really need is general direction.

 

[Doc]

I’ve seen divers decide that their compass ‘was wrong”.

Bad idea.

 

[Belzelbub]

I picked the I trust my digital compass option. However, in reality, I have a backup digital compass on my other dive computer,

 

[inquis]

However, in reality, I have a backup digital compass on my other dive computer,

Same, though I answered #1 (because there is a backup).

 

[NorCalDM]

I’ve seen divers decide that their compass ‘was wrong”.

Bad idea.

Yes, I have told many students to quit arguing with your compass it's like your spouse and you're not going to win.

 

[Bigbella]

I have always thought that a digital compass was an interesting novelty and really little else -- even though I have a couple of "good" ones on various computers.

I generally also carry an analogue version, having a general distrust of electronics repeatedly dunked in seawater . . .