SDI Underwater Navigation Course

SDI Underwater Navigation Course: Find Your Way, Expand Your Dive Horizons

Ever wished you could confidently explore a dive site without constantly checking your gauges or relying solely on a dive guide? The SDI Underwater Navigation course is your key to unlocking a new level of diving freedom and .

This course isn't just about following a compass; it's about understanding the entire underwater environment and using all available clues to find your way. You'll learn to:

• Read the Reef: Use natural aids like sand ripples, reef formations, depth changes, and even the amount of light to orient yourself.
• Master the Compass: Become proficient with both analog and digital compasses, learning how to navigate various patterns (squares, triangles, etc.).
• Estimate Distance: Develop techniques for gauging distance underwater using kick cycles and time.
• Plan and Execute: Learn how to plan your dives with navigation in mind, and how to handle unexpected situations.

You'll practice these skills both on land and underwater, mastering compass use and performing navigation patterns. It's all about becoming a more self- and aware diver.

Who should take this course? Any certified diver who wants to improve their underwater skills, explore more , and gain a greater sense of independence.

Prerequisites: SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent. Minimum age 18 (10 with parental consent).

What You Get: Upon successful completion, you'll be certified to engage in diving activities requiring underwater navigation skills, within the limits of your training and experience. This certification also counts as one specialty towards the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.

Key Topics

• The aquatic environment and how it relates to navigation.
• Vision
• Light
• Sound
• Tides
• Currents
• Waves
• Surge
• Natural navigation techniques
• Compass navigation (analog and digital)
• Estimating distance underwater
• Dive planning for navigation
• Surface and underwater compass practice (out-and-back, square, triangle patterns)
• Buddy contact during navigation dives

Prerequisites: 

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent
• Minimum age 18 (10 with parental consent)

Outcomes:

• Certification to engage in diving activities requiring underwater navigation skills (within training limits)
• Counts as one specialty towards SDI Advanced Diver Development Program
• Counts towards Master Scuba Diver