Importance of compass on the console?

[trsills]

Honestly...that's it in a nutshell.

I agree. I've been reading everyone's input and appreciate the feedback.

I like the idea of it on the wrist but I was also thinking of moving to a wrist based computer as well so will likely try the retractor approach to see how that goes. I have my Intova on a retractor and really liked being able to easily grab with my right hand and then let go to free up my hands if needed.

 

[Crush]

My two cents - as my eyesight is good, I prefer a wrist-mounted compass. My rationale is that I want my SPG on a short hose so that the hose doesn't dangle when the SPG is clipped. If I had a compass co-located with my SPG then it would always be close to my body (short hose) and it would be more difficult to get a good bearing. With a wrist-mounted compass I can get the compass further out from my body (recall: good eyesight) and get a more accurate bearing.

 

[GrandpaScuba]

I, personally, think that every diver should have a compass and be familiar with how to use it. But I do recognize that there are times when you really won't use one. If you are diving with a dive guide from a boat, etc. But if you are going to be doing any shore diving, you really need to have one and use it.

 

[fnfalman]

I like compass on a console because I can hold the console way the heck out in front of me and see both the azimuth and where I'm going at the same time. But since that I don't dive with a console most of the time, I just have the compass on my wrist. It's a pain because with my bifocal lense, I can't see small numbers up close very well.

As far as needing a compass, that depends on where you dive and how you dive. If viz is reasonable; say 15-ft or so, you can stay close to the anchor line then don't have to worry about it. Or if you're good with navigating while using terrain association (depth and noticeable terrain features such as a big boulder of a certain shape or trenches that run a certain direction). It's easier for me to use terrain association nowadays than compass. I'd use a compass if I were to swim far away from the boat.

 

[AfterDark]

I've had the same style compass SP LS-1 on the same console for 30+ years so that's the way I like it. It can be held out front or level just below my face my arms form a triangle holding the compass that I use for staying on course / "steering". I used to wear a compass on my wrist when I first started diving but after a few dives with the compass in the console I never looked back.

 

[TMHeimer]

We've gotten about every view on type of compass, where to wear it and if/when you'll need it. Yes, there are shore dives I do when I don't need to look at my compass. But you never know what can happen--stronger than usual tidal current perhaps. You don't always have to use it, but why not always have a compass?

 

[Six Feet Under]

I don't dive with one, but I'll be picking one up soon to do my underwater navigation class as I try to complete my AOW.

So far all of my diving has been done in springs and I haven't found a need for it... however, when I start diving offshore more I will be using one for sure.

 

[Goodtime Adventures]

As predicted in the very early stages, many differing opinions here. None of which are particularly right or wrong, its just personal preference. But yes, having one should be considered mandatory, that we can all agree on! Even on dives where you are not navigating, or have a guide, its always nice to know where you are - and how to get back should you need to! Plus its good practice and improves your own navigational skills by default.

Personally I prefer wrist mount for ease of use and accuracy. Why not try a few options and see though. You could trial both a wrist mount and a bungy/retractor set up fairly inexpensively if you borrow from a friend or instructor. If you prefer the latter option you'll have a pretty good feel in your own mind of whether you'd rather stick with that set up or move it onto the console.