[bubbletrubble]

@Kimusubi: To elaborate on what awap has posted, whenever you refer to a direction in compass terms (heading in degrees), the standard convention is that zero degrees is due north, 90 degrees is east, 180 degrees is south, and 270 degrees is west -- no matter what your position is. The number that you read through the "window" on your SK-7 compass is the heading.

Compass navigation isn't rocket science. I really wouldn't suggest taking a formal course in it (unless the course is offered for free). It's nothing more than tracking distance (kick cycles), direction (degree heading), and using simple geometry to figure out where to go next. As someone else pointed out, compensating for currents can make navigation a little more challenging.

I completely agree that you should exploit the existence of natural and man-made navigational landmarks. For example, on my local shore dives, one swims perpendicular to the ripples in the sand to get back to shore. When I'm at a new site on a dive boat, I tend to use more natural landmarks, like a peculiar rocky reef formation, to help find my way back to the boat. YMMV.

When taking headings with your compass, constantly check that the compass is level by tilting it around. It should be moving freely within the oil. I've seen instructors leading their classes astray by following "stuck" compass needles. :-) You'll be happy to know that the SK-7, unlike some other compasses, can tolerate a fair amount of tilt.

Have fun on your dive...