Table of Contents
Does a compass work under water?
Any magnetic compass absolutely will work underwater. Several companies (e.g., PNI, OceanServer) build and sell electronic compass modules based on flux-gate technology specifically for underwater applications.
How can you tell direction underwater?
As you swim, line up the long line on your compass, called the lubber line, with your body and the direction you want to swim. Proper positioning is very important. Hold the compass with two hands in front of your body. Using one hand often allows the lubber line to drift off course, and so will you.
Do dive computers have a compass?
Navigation. A key element to any scuba diver’s gear is his/her compass available either in an Integrated Digital Compass on your dive computer or as an analog compass on your scuba dive gauge. It lets you know where you’re heading and how to get back to your boat or shore.
What is a dive compass?
The dive compass is a waterproof instrument used by divers to navigate above water, on the surface and at depth. It determines direction by means of a free-rotating, magnetised card or needle that always points toward magnetic north.
There are two basic methods for navigating underwater: observing and following bottom features and using a compass. Natural navigation, which can best be employed in water clear enough to allow a reasonable sight distance, involves following a visual course from one underwater feature to the next.
How do divers find their way back?
Surface navigation for diving Surface applications for compass navigation include marking a position and finding the position using compass bearings. At least two position lines are required to fix a position, as only direction can be found using a compass.
If you are thinking of sharing a dive computer with your dive buddy, don’t. This increases your risk of nitrogen exposure more than you should especially if you are diving for few days consecutively. Yes, most BCD comes with depth/pressure gauze and this is very important if you don’t have a dive computer.
What does a dive computer tell you?
A dive computer takes depth and time information and applies it to a decompression model to track the dissolved nitrogen in your body during a dive. Your computer continuously tells you how much dive time you safely have remaining.