The ability to navigate underwater, especially in British Seas, is essential.
Proper navigation can make the difference between finding the wreck from shore, and enjoying the dive, or having an aborted dive. We are going to teach you the tools of the trade, including navigation via natural clues and by compass.
The ‘PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty’ is to familiarise you with the skills, knowledge, planning, procedures, techniques, problems, hazards and enjoyment of underwater navigation.
Course Details
- The maximum number of students on each course is 4
- Each course is led by an Instructor, with an additional safety diver and surface support
- You will need to undertake the independent study of the Underwater Navigator Manual, bringing the completed knowledge reviews with you
- There are 3 open water training dives, conducted during one day.
- Cost of the course is £175.00 inclusive
Before Starting The Course
- You must be certified as an Open Water Diver or above
- You must be aged 10 years or older
- Please read and understand the medical questionnaire
- If you would like to use your own equipment then please check this against the minimum equipment required for this course.
Course overview
Within this course we are going to look at:
- methods of estimating distances underwater
- natural navigation techniques
- using underwater patterns
- dive site relocation techniques
- compass navigation techniques
Knowledge Development
Before starting the open water training you’ll need to complete the two knowledge reviews. These are found in the manual, with further information found on the DVD (both items supplied).
Open Water Training
For this course we are going to use the same location for all three dives.
Training Dive One – Depth Range 6 to 12 mtrs
With equipment on, we carry out our pre dive safety check and enter the water.
Our first exercise is to determine the number of kick cycles and average amount of time to cover a distance of 30 mtrs. With this completed, and written down on your slate, we carry out an underwater navigation using natural references only for 30 mtrs . Our aim is to return within 15 mtrs of the starting point. Our next exercise is to perform a reciprocal navigation. We’re going to head out in one direction for 30 mtrs, and then turn 180 degrees and head straight back. We’re aiming to get within 6 metres of the start. Our final exercise is a square pattern. We’re going to get you to navigate a square, each side 30 mtrs long, and aim to return within 8mtrs of the starting point.
Training Dive Two – Depth Range 6 to 12 mtrs
With equipment on, we carry out our pre dive safety check and enter the water. This time we’re going to make the navigation a bit more challenging.
We start with a surface swim across to our buoy, and once we have descended, you are going to navigate a course with no less than 5 changes of direction. You should aim to get back to, or within 15 mtrs of the shot line.
Before we exit the water, and while we are on the surface, were going to fix a location using two sets of landmarks with an angle of at least 60 degrees between them. We’ll use this in Dive 3
Training Dive Three – Depth Range 6 to 12 mtrs
With equipment on, we carry out our pre dive safety check and enter the water.
This final dive is going to bring all of the skills previously learnt into practice. We’re going to set you an underwater course, where you will navigate from marker to marker, with each marker indicating the next direction and distance. The last marker will give you directions to your final destination.
With this completed, our last task is to relocate the dive site from dive 2. If you successfully manage this we have a little surprise waiting for you on the bottom.
Course Fee Includes
- Underwater Navigator Crew Pack – includes Manual, DVD, Diploma & Chevron
- Nav Finder
- Certification costs
- All equipment* and air fills
- Possibility of transport to and from the site (please contact us for details)
*If you are using your own equipment then please read and complete the Own Equipment Liability form
When Can I Start?
We run these courses to suit individual needs, so please contact us to discuss your requirements. The next course will be starting sooner than you think!
Other Relevant Courses
Now you’ve mastered underwater navigation why not try Night Diving. Night Diving requires more navigational skills, so you’ll really know where you’re going in the dark!