PADI Underwater Navigation

Be the scuba diver everyone wants to follow because you know where you are and where you’re going. The PADI Underwater Navigator course fine-tunes your observation skills and teaches you to more accurately use your compass underwater. If you like challenges with big rewards, take this course and have fun finding your way.

Minimum Requirements:
If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 10 years old, you can enroll in the PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course.

Academics

You’ll learn the tools of the trade, including navigation using natural clues and by following compass headings. During three scuba dives, you’ll practice:

Methods to estimate distance underwater.
Compass navigation while making at least five turns.
Marking or relocating a submerged object or position from the surface.
Underwater map making.

Also, the first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

Equipment

Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a compass and underwater slate. Your PADI Instructor may suggest other gear to help you stay oriented, such as marker buoys or lines and reels.
Getting Started

Enroll in the course online then come by the shop and get a PADI Underwater Navigator Crew-Pak that includes your manual and video. Give yourself time to study!  By studying before class, you’ll be better prepared to start practicing your navigational skills when you meet with your PADI Instructor.