Navigation

Course Overview

The Navigation Specialty course teaches you to confidently navigate underwater using both compass and natural references. You will learn to plan and execute dives with precise navigation, improve your situational awareness, and return to your starting point with ease. The course combines eLearning, equipment workshops, and at least two open water dives under direct instructor supervision.

Quality over Quantity — the focus is on practical, real-world navigation skills and safe dive planning. You will demonstrate competence in all required skills before certification.

Course Details

  • Course Name: Navigation Specialty
  • Course Level: Specialty (Navigation/Skills)
  • Min. Age: 15 years
  • Duration: 1 day (theory + practical)
  • Max Depth: Per diver’s core certification
  • Setting: Open Water
  • Price: XXX

What You Will Learn

  • Compass use: bearings, reciprocal headings, square and triangle patterns
  • Natural navigation: landmarks, depth contours, sunlight, and current
  • Navigation planning and lost diver procedures
  • Underwater mapping and route recording
  • Buoy deployment and surface signaling (optional)
  • Environmental awareness and responsible navigation

Logistics & Prerequisites

Included:

  • Digital learning materials (Navigation module)
  • At least two open water dives
  • Certification (eCard) after passing
  • Use of compass and navigation tools for course dives (if available)

Not Included:

  • Rental base equipment (BCD, reg, suit, etc.) — All rental gear is not included in the price
  • Gases and fills

Requirements:

  • Min age: 15 years
  • Certification: Open Water 20 or equivalent
  • Medical: Fit for diving, medical questionnaire completed
  • Registration: Complete online registration and documentation before practical session

Training Schedule

  1. Theory: Complete e-learning module and quiz
  2. Equipment Workshop: Compass and navigation tool setup and checks
  3. Open Water: At least two open water dives (compass and natural navigation, mapping, lost diver drill)
  4. Assessment: Demonstrate all required skills and pass the final knowledge review

Notes:

  • Instructor/student ratio: 1:2
  • Certification is awarded upon successful demonstration of all skills and knowledge
  • Navigation skills are essential for all advanced and specialty diving

Pro Tip / Note

Practice navigation on every dive, not just in class. Good navigation skills make every dive safer, more enjoyable, and less stressful.