Underwater Navigation (SDI)

This course is designed for certified divers who want to navigate underwater with accuracy and confidence instead of relying on guesswork. You’ll learn how to combine compass skills with natural navigation techniques to move deliberately and return to your exit point reliably.

Training is private or semi-private (1–2 students), allowing focused coaching and repetition until the techniques feel natural. Successful completion earns a specialty certification centered on practical, real-world navigation skills.

Next step: Tell us where you plan to dive and your experience level, and we’ll tailor the training to your environment. Schedule a Free Phone Chat

• Compass setup, handling, and underwater use
• Out-and-back, square, and reciprocal navigation patterns
• Natural navigation using bottom features, light, and water movement
• Distance estimation using kick cycles and timing
• Navigation while maintaining buoyancy, trim, and awareness
• How to integrate compass and natural navigation together
• Planning navigation routes before the dive
• Correcting errors calmly when navigation doesn’t go as planned

• Reduces stress and uncertainty during dives
• Improves safety by helping you return to exits or boats reliably
• Builds confidence diving in low visibility or unfamiliar sites
• Strengthens situational awareness and buoyancy control
• Makes every dive more efficient and enjoyable

1. Knowledge Development: Self-paced academics covering navigation theory, compass use, distance estimation, and dive planning. Most students complete this in short sessions.
2. Instructor Briefing & Practice: Dry and shallow-water practice to set up equipment, review patterns, and prepare for open-water application.
3. Open-Water Training Dives: Coached dives focused on compass and natural navigation exercises. Typically completed in one day, depending on conditions and pacing.

Required personal scuba gear:

• Mask, snorkel, fins
• BCD, regulator, computer
• Exposure protection appropriate to conditions (wetsuit or skins as needed)
• Compass (wrist or console-mounted)

If you don’t have a compass or aren’t sure which style works best, we’ll help you select properly fitting and practical equipment.

• Included:
• Private (1 student) or Private Group (2 students) instruction
• SDI digital learning materials (eLearning or equivalent materials as available)
• Instructor-led planning, in-water coaching, and debriefing
• Certification processing upon successful completion

• Not included (varies):
• Personal scuba gear (you supply your own or rent; rental availability varies by location)
• Location or entry fees
• Charter boat fees (if applicable)
• Travel, lodging, meals, and optional purchases

We confirm third-party costs during the consult before you commit.

• Minimum age: 18
• Prerequisites: Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent)
• Water skills expectations: Comfortable buoyancy control and basic underwater skills
• Medical: Completion of a medical questionnaire is required; physician sign-off is needed if indicated before in-water training

• Is this course taught privately? Yes. Instruction is private or semi-private for focused pacing and individual feedback.
• Do I need strong compass skills already? No. The course builds from fundamentals to practical application.
• How long does the course take? Most students complete it in one day after academics, depending on conditions.
• Where do the dives take place? At sites suitable for navigation practice, chosen for safety and learning value.
• What if conditions change? Training is rescheduled if conditions aren’t appropriate.
• What if I need more practice? Additional coaching sessions can be added; certification is based on demonstrated skills.

Your phone consult helps us understand your experience, local dive conditions, and goals. We’ll outline a clear training plan and confirm logistics before scheduling.

This ensures your navigation training is practical, safe, and matched to where you actually dive.

Schedule a Free Phone Chat