Finding the boat

[gypsyjim]

My suggestion: take up wreck diving!

1. There's a rope in the water
2. There's a boat on either end of the rope
3. Follow the rope in either direction
4. If it takes you to a boat on the surface, you're good
5. If it take you to a boat on the bottom, reverse direction
6. If both boats are on the bottom, navigation is the least of your worries

Reminds me of a story a frined tells, of watching their boat drift down past them one time, while diving off Kline Bonaire :shocked2: A virgin wreck to dive, and a LONG surface swim back

 

[gryder]

My suggestion: take up wreck diving!

1. There's a rope in the water
2. There's a boat on either end of the rope
3. Follow the rope in either direction
4. If it takes you to a boat on the surface, you're good
5. If it take you to a boat on the bottom, reverse direction
6. If both boats are on the bottom, navigation is the least of your worries

+1 to nearly losing my coffee!

 

[gryder]

I have improved my navigation alot since I started to use my Galileo Luna. I find it a fantastic tool. I still have an SK7 and a Uwatec standard compases, one of which I carry in my leg pocket as a spare.

The Luna popped up in my searches as having the bearing memory - can you actually track your bearing changes while you're u/w? The 90 degree tilt also looks appealing - does that work?

 

[Leisure Proski]

Try surfacing with some air left and taking a compass heading on the boat and then follow it back!

 

[DiverLS]

My navagation is to ALWAYS follow either anchor line to the bottom. First, check the depth of the anchor line, then head perpendicular to the bottom. Before setting off, set the bezel on your compas to have one tab pointing at the arrow where you are going. Then dive in that direction. It helps if you can follow a reef. Then when you want to find the line, turn to where the arrow points between the two tabs on the bezell. If you are diving at the depth you noted in the start of your dive where the anchor line is and you are observant, you will find the anchor line. Lets hope the other end is not on the bottom too

 

[DiveNav]

IMHO, the first step toward UW navigation is to build a mental image of the dive site.

We are here to help

Alberto (aka eDiver)

 

[Teamcasa]

Navigation is all about two things:
1. Observation + Recollection
2. Good Compass Skills + Taking Notes

Both, with practice can be learned.

Start by practicing with your compass on land. (There are lots of compass/orienteering tips on line).
Underwater, make notes on underwater landmarks. Stop, observe everything and write down the heading, depth and the reciprocal heading. Finally, turn back frequently to see what that landmark looks like.

Even the poorest of navigators can become proficient navigators by practicing these tips.

 

[mrfixitchapman]

This is a skills problem looking for a skills solution. I agree with Lee - learn to use a compass underwater. Start by learning to use a compass on dry land. Get a cheap compass and keep it in your pocket for practice navigating around in your day-to-day life. It won't take you long to get the hang of it. Get used to travelling west and knowing that north is on your right, and so on. I also agree with Alberto, know what the site looks like. Make a sketch during the dive briefing and take it with you when you go downstairs. It might sound intimidating at first, but you can earn the skills and keep them for the rest of your life.

DC

 

[CPH]

The Luna will not track your bearings but it does have a bearing lock. You set the bearing and it will tell you if you are off track and by how much. The tilt system works REALLY well.

 

[nitro888]

I just had an unusual situation happen to me this weekend while diving.
It was sunny and clear when I started my dive but when I surfaced, the fog had rolled in and visibility was 25-35 yards.

On this dive luckily, I didn't go far and found my anchor line so I surfaced literally next to the boat. Most times though, this isn't the case especially when you're hunting, chasing game, etc. . Using my compass when returning to the boat, I can be in the general vicinity of the boat, but if there was fog like this weekend, I woudn't even know which direction to head once I surfaced.

Anyone have actual first hand experience with the desertstar sport and scout that they can share?