Compass bearings over sand
A blank seabed makes small navigation errors obvious.
Safety and training
General field notes, not a dive plan. Stay within your training, follow local site rules and the operator’s briefing.
Field observation
Set a heading before descending, choose a reachable reference and count time or fin cycles only as a rough distance aid. Current and poor visibility can move you off a neat reciprocal course.
A practical approach
Compare compass and surroundings regularly; surface safely under the agreed plan rather than extending a search with low gas.
Dive-day checklist
Before you go
- Check local conditions and access rules
- Agree limits and the exit with your buddy
- Stop or change the plan if conditions differ
General guidance only. Follow your training, the dive operator’s procedures, and each manufacturer’s current instructions.
Ask the dive guide
Personal guidance for your next dive
Describe a dive scenario or an equipment-care question. The guide answers in your language and points you to relevant journal articles.
General educational guidance only. It is not medical advice, emergency instruction or a replacement for training, certification, manufacturer instructions, your operator's briefing or your dive plan.