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Today we will discuss the compass for scuba diving and its features. It has gained notoriety as one of the most challenging pieces of equipment to understand and use. While you might have received some instruction upon obtaining your scuba diving, certification it’s not uncommon to forget if you do not use it often and is typically is covered in more detail during your Advanced Scuba Diver training.
Even if you’re a diligent follower of the dive guide, there are distinct advantages to knowing your precise direction. In the event of low air supply, there’s no need for unnecessary panic if you know the way back. On the other hand, if you’re heading offshore, you can communicate your air reserve earlier than the standard recommendation.
So, let’s take a look at how to effectively use a compass!
Component Names
Let’s begin by familiarizing ourselves with the names of each part!
- Rubber Line:
This element plays a crucial role in ensuring your compass points in the right direction. For optimal performance, hold the compass with both hands and keep your arms snug against your body. This prevents over-reliance on hand movement.
Depending on your compass model, you might find the rubber line positioned diagonally in relation to the hose. This indicates it’s designed for one-handed use. In such cases, pay extra attention to aligning the rubber line with your intended direction also referred to as line of sight. - Bezel:
Think of the bezel as your compass’s steering wheel. It’s the tool you’ll use to set your desired direction of travel. - Index Mark:
Mastering the use of the index mark empowers you to chart your course with confidence.
Proper Compass Handling
Remember, it’s not just about holding the compass, but how you hold it! Keep both hands engaged and your arms close to your body. And here’s a pro tip: ensure the compass is level. If it’s at an angle, the magnetic needle won’t play ball, rendering your compass ineffective.
Pay special attention if your compass is mounted at an angle to the pressure gauge!
(Type with compass attached at an angle to the pressure system).
Determining the Current Angle
Let’s dive into the essentials. Once you grasp this, you’ll be on your way to find your path back to shore with ease!
Imagine standing at the water’s edge, facing the direction you want to identify. Hold the compass correctly, with your arms close, and make sure it remains perfectly level. As you align the compass with your line of sight…
Now you will notice a small viewing window showing up!
The numbers, overlapping with the trusty rubber line, reveal the angle in degrees you’re facing based on a 360 degree circle, North is 0 degrees!
This means that before you submerge into the depths, take a moment to gauge the angle facing the open water. Or peer down from above the compass and read the numbers on the closer side.
But let’s be real, during an exhilarating dive, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment…
In that case, hold the compass steady and twist the bezel until the compass’s north needle aligns perfectly with the index mark.
Next, adjust your body so that the compass’s north lines up precisely with the index mark. It’s as if you’re still facing that very same direction.
This way, you’ll always have a reliable reference point towards the open water.
Navigating Towards Your Desired Direction (Direct Navigation)
Time to put theory into practice and move with purpose!
Let’s say you’re aiming for a solid 150° from your current position. Rotate the trusty bezel until your desired direction, 150°, aligns with the rubber line. That’s on the side opposite to where you stand.
Now, make sure your body aligns like a pro – the compass’s north should meet the index mark. With this posture, every fin kick will propel you in the 150° direction!
Yet, here’s the clincher: compasses are a tad finicky about horizontal movements!
As the diagram below illustrates, if a current comes at you from either side, it might sway you off course, even if you’re convinced that you’re on a straight path.
So, here’s a game-changer: after you’ve dialed in your direction on the compass, pick out a clear reference point in the distance! Swim towards it.
Once you reach this milestone, give the compass a glance to confirm your course, then set a new reference point. Just keep repeating and you will stay on course like a pro! This is referred to as “Line of sight navigation”.
Square Navigation Technique
Let’s add some flair to our navigation! Going back and forth can feel a bit repetitive, right? Let’s aim for a full loop around!
Creating a square and completing a full round trip is as simple as changing your direction by 90° each time you swim. Pretty straightforward, isn’t it?
For example, let’s start at 100°. Hold that angle and swim for 60 feet (18 meters).
Next, add 90° to get 190°. Another 60 feet (18 meters).
Then, 280°.
And after that… 370°!
Once you’ve exceeded 360°, just subtract 360°. That gives you 10°.
Voila! You’re right back where you started! Don’t forget to allow for current!
Oh, by the way, this completes a full clockwise loop. If you subtract 90° each time, you can navigate counterclockwise!
Taking it a Step Further
Now, let’s elevate our navigation game! And have fun!
Expanding on this technique, you can venture into geometric territory. To create an equilateral triangle, simply adjust the angle by 120° in each step.
For a pentagon, shift the angle by 72°. If you’ve got your sights set on a hexagon, set it at 60°.
By incorporating triangles and hexagons into your navigation, you’ll master the art of maneuvering around obstacles with precision and finesse!
While the square navigation method is effective, this technique takes efficiency to a whole new level. It requires a few steps for precise maneuvering.
Moreover, with a decagon, it’s a mere 36°…
And if you use all the compass’s markings, adjusting the angle by 10° each time results in a tricontakai hexagon (a polygon with 36 sides). It’s nearly a perfect circle!
By the way, if you ever find yourself needing to draw a star in one seamless stroke, remember, it’s 144° each time. It might not come in handy every day, but it’s a fun little tidbit to have up your sleeve!
Enjoy the new unlocked power of your scuba diving compass!!
