Learning How To Use A Dive Compass

The Compass

Traditional compass
- Side reading: Can be read from the top or the side
- Top reading Navigational Compass: Can be read only from the top
Digital Compass: They can provide more information then traditional compass for different types of diving. They do however require batteries.

How much does a scuba compass cost/ to buy?

Starting: $30 Top Range: $60

Scuba Diving Equipment / Diving Gear

The sea or the ocean is such a wide area to explore so similar to a driver on land, a diver, should have a tool that can help him with the directions -- the compass.

Basically, the dive compass helps the diver to locate areas underwater and move from one location to another without breaking the surface. The dive compass comes in different varieties, with the most typical ones integrated into the gauge or near the pressure hose and console. Some trendier types, meanwhile, allow to be worn on the wrist, just like a normal wristwatch.

While all kinds of compass have the same purpose, the dive compass has elements that the diver must carefully study so that he can maximize the use of the device. In essence, the compass has four parts: the lubber line, north arrow, rotating bezel, and calibration marks.

The lubber line is the part that tells the point of destination and the north arrow, as its name indicates, always points in a northern direction. Meanwhile, the rotating bezel with reference marks consists of a primary and reciprocal mark that lets you travel in a perpendicular position or to your point of origin. Finally, the degree calibration marks is used in navigating in a familiar multi-leg direction and has a different label, depending on the brand.

Given these components, how does one use the compass? Actually, just like a regular compass, the dive compass is quite easy to control. You just need to handle the compass ahead of you pointing towards your point of destination in a level position.