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Natural Navigation – Vital Skills for Scuba Divers
Navigating from one part of the ocean to the other is a skill for scuba divers that can be difficult at first. However, you can learn to navigate from one point to another by following the clues that have been provided to you by the underwater environment. If you do not learn how to navigate your way, you may end up lost in the ocean and have to swim a long way on the surface just to get back to your boat. Here are some tips that can help.
When to Use Natural Navigation When Diving
It is possible to use a compass in order to find your way. However, you can also use natural navigation. With this method, you will need to make sure that you keep track of clues along the way. Unfortunately, there are instances when this may not work and during those times it is important for you to have your compass skills honed.
Planning the Dive
Before you ever get into the water, you will need to make a plan that will help you successfully navigate your way underwater:
Follow Your Plan
When you take the plunge, it is important for you to look around so that you can take note of some of the features that stand out. By so doing, you will be able to recognize your entry point. It is important that the features you see are permanent ones.
From here, move according to plan from one notable feature on to the next one and as you do so, be sure to mark it on the slate taking not of the approximate distance and depth of it. Be sure to follow the natural contours like wrecks, slopes or walls making it easier to retrace your steps back. Finally, be sure to carry a compass so that if you cannot follow the natural clues, your compass skills will help you out.
Natural Navigation – Vital Skills for Scuba Divers
Navigating from one part of the ocean to the other is a skill for scuba divers that can be difficult at first. However, you can learn to navigate from one point to another by following the clues that have been provided to you by the underwater environment. If you do not learn how to navigate your way, you may end up lost in the ocean and have to swim a long way on the surface just to get back to your boat. Here are some tips that can help.
When to Use Natural Navigation When Diving
It is possible to use a compass in order to find your way. However, you can also use natural navigation. With this method, you will need to make sure that you keep track of clues along the way. Unfortunately, there are instances when this may not work and during those times it is important for you to have your compass skills honed.
Planning the Dive
Before you ever get into the water, you will need to make a plan that will help you successfully navigate your way underwater:
- Begin by making sure that you are familiar with nature’s clues and what you will be expecting once you dive. One of the best ways to do this is to listen keenly to the briefing prior to the dive.
- Alternatively, you will need to do your own research and you may also consult dive maps of the particular site which will give you insight and guidance.
- It may be a good idea to carry a dive slate and on it have http://www.divingmaluku.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/AMBO200903030131.jpg
a sketch of the basic map. When you are distracted by other concerns such as air pressure, checking depth and buoyancy, you can always refer to your map. - Some of the things to note include an archway, reef wall or sandy patch. It is also good to find out more about the current where you will be swimming.
Follow Your Plan
When you take the plunge, it is important for you to look around so that you can take note of some of the features that stand out. By so doing, you will be able to recognize your entry point. It is important that the features you see are permanent ones.
From here, move according to plan from one notable feature on to the next one and as you do so, be sure to mark it on the slate taking not of the approximate distance and depth of it. Be sure to follow the natural contours like wrecks, slopes or walls making it easier to retrace your steps back. Finally, be sure to carry a compass so that if you cannot follow the natural clues, your compass skills will help you out.
