How to Use an Underwater Compass

Using an underwater compass is different than using a compass on land. Therefore, even if you know how to use a compass, you still have to learn how to use an underwater compass. There are two different types of underwater compasses--direct and indirect reading. The direct compass will be the focus of this article.

Instructions

1. Find a compass that suits your needs. There are many underwater compasses but you need to find one that you can understand. Ideally, it should be something that is easy to read, large and has a well-marked face.

2. Practice with your compass on land before taking it underwater. Learn to read the dial and use the lubber line. You also need to practice holding the compass level.

3. Check you scuba gear to be sure you don't have any iron in it. You can check each piece by holding it up to the compass and see if anything happens. If it does, you need to make sure that this piece of equipment is far away from the compass when you are taking a reading.

4. Understand the parts of a compass. There is a floating card with an arrow that points north, there are degrees from 0 to 360, they are filled with fluid, and they have a lubber line and a rotating bezel.

5. Take a reading and line up your body with the lubber line. Move the bezel so that the arrow marks the direction the needle is pointing.

6. Monitor your heading often as you swim so you are sure you stay on course. To return to your original point turn your body until the compass shows you are going in the opposite direction.

Tips & Warnings

• Any object that has iron in it will interfere with the compass reading.