Navigation

[Sideband]

I really don't care about becoming a more self-reliant diver. All I am interested in doing is getting wet and enjoying a dive now and then. ...

Nevermind then.

 

[BigTuna]

I need some pointers on navigation. I dove last week and we had about 10ft vis.

Carry a guideline reel (for example, http://diveriteexpress.com/tools/reels.shtml). Many call them wreck reels.

Tie it off to something near the anchor and use it to guide you out and back or as a radius for a circular tour. Or use it to back up your compass practice (have your buddy work the reel while you navigate). It takes a dive or two to figure out how to use a reel without turning the line into a rat's nest or getting tangled in it.

You should also be carrying an SMB at that depth, especially with poor viz. If you get lost and you're at your rock bottom gas number, attach the guidelne to the bag then launch the bag. There are several technique for using the reel/bag combo. For example, you can tie off the reel on the bottom, creating your own upline (cut the reel free after tying it off). Or just reel yourself up slowly. You should be carrying surface signaling devices for "lost" scenarios, too.

Despite its name, don't use a wreck reel for pentetrating wrecks. You need a lot of experience, special training, and a very good buddy first.

 

[TommyB]

Easy reading on how to Navigate
http://www.geocities.com/k_o_dionysus/scuba/uw_nav/cheat.html
http://www.geocities.com/k_o_dionysus/scuba/uw_nav/index.html