1. Navigation

2. Objectives Identify 4 natural aids to navigation and explain how to use them. Describe the parts of a compass. State the best way to site a course using a compass. Describe one method of straight-line navigation using a compass. Discuss techniques for monitoring distance covered. Identify common errors in navigation.

3. General Navigation considerations Keep track of –Direction Compass Natural aids –Distance Measured line Kicks Time Air consumption –Dive Buddy –Dive Skills

4. Natural Navigation Surge –Moves in the direction of the wave –strongest in the direction of wave travel –May be on-off shore and strongest toward shore Currents Depth and Bottom contours Sunlight or changes in light

5. Natural Navigation Underwater landmarks –Pick something permanent

6. Natural Navigation Ripple marks –Parallel the wave front –May parallel the beach

7. Compass Navigation Parts of a compass North seeking needle –needle always points Compass card –card with course numbers always points north Lubber line –Fixed line used to determine direction of travel Sights Index marks Rotating Bezel Navigators window –allows you to read the course from the side of the compass

8. Lubber line Navigator’s Window

9. Compas Locations

10. Siting a course Most accurate technique is to site across the compass Alternatively align lubber line with center of diver and desired course.

11. Straight-line (Reciprocal) navigation Align lubber line with center of diver and with desired course or site across compass Note compass heading Swim desired distance while maintaining a constant compass heading To return –Line up on original course –Turn 180 degrees (this is 2 each 90 degree turns) –Swim back the same distance maintaining a constant heading.

12. Measuring distance Air consumed Number of kick cycles Time spent on course Measured line

13. Common errors Compass not level Compass not pointed at target Not paying attention Not believing the compass Not keeping track of distance

14. Navigation is not complicated or difficult. It is simply a matter of keeping track of: –Direction of travel –Distance travelled