Compass Navigation

[Kimusubi]

I recently purchased a compass, and I want to learn how to use it to its full potential. The main reason for this is, 1) I need to get my buddy from point A to point B to point C, then back to point A without getting lost next weekend, and 2) we're going to be doing some night dives next weekend where this will come very handy. I know how to do the straight forward and back compass use, but my question is how to go from one straight point to another, make a turn, and go to another point, make another turn, and eventually backtrack my way. I know there is a way to adjust the compass on each turn, but unfortunately I don't know how. I tried googling it, but nothing came up with great detail. The compass I use is Suunto SK7 which has a spot to read your position on the side. If anyone has any suggestions or links to anywhere that will explain the techniques in detail, I would really apprecaite it. Thank you all for your help in advance.

[FishFood]

Here's a VERY good, and detailed guide:

Compass Parts

Be sure to check out the sections (on the left):

Headings
Orienting a Map
Triangulation
Route Planning
Pacing

EDIT:

Also, dont forget you can practice these skill above water too!

[cutter77]

Get a towel, put it over your head. Hold your compass level and practice taking headings and returning on reciprocals..use a notepad to jot them on.

(I did this out in the pasture so I wouldn't run into anything and no one saw me but the horses.)

[maverick]

Take a navigation course 2 clear up any questions.

[awap]

Out and back is fairly easy. You know (or select) the direction for out ande then back is just the opposite direction (+/-180). To do a triangle, you need to know the azimuths between each of the three points. Do you k now those azimuths?

[Gumby]

Originally Posted by maverick

Take a navigation course 2 clear up any questions.

Your deep, intellectual insight intrigues me. I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

Here is a great read to help you get an understanding of the fundamentals: SCUBA

Two things I highly recommend... PRACTICE on land first! Do not think that just because you read how to use a compass that you will remember how when underwater. Practice, Practice, Practice!

If you have a slate, I strongly recommend writing down your headings and bearings when you are first getting started with U/W navigation.

Both of these ideas are for one reason.... to help you minimize any task loading. Add in a buddy to monitor depth and air consumption, and you'll off load even more tasks.

[crosseyed95]

Originally Posted by Gumby

Your deep, intellectual insight intrigues me. I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

Here is a great read to help you get an understanding of the fundamentals: SCUBA

Two things I highly recommend... PRACTICE on land first! Do not think that just because you read how to use a compass that you will remember how when underwater. Practice, Practice, Practice!

If you have a slate, I strongly recommend writing down your headings and bearings when you are first getting started with U/W navigation.

Both of these ideas are for one reason.... to help you minimize any task loading. Add in a buddy to monitor depth and air consumption, and you'll off load even more tasks.

These are VERY good suggestions.

[James1010]

There are some things you might want to learn such as what type of training are you going to do. In the woods if you have points you are going to you need to get a pace count and so fourth. I don't feel like typing because it will be way to long but here is a basic site to go to. Compass - how to use one
If you are doing it underwater it's different. You can't shoot an azimuth.

[monant]

If I anticipate a lot of turns I use a SCUBA sextant. They are easy to use and get the job done very well. Google it and you should be able to find where to purchase one.

[Kimusubi]

Yeah I've been reading compass dude's website. A lot of interesting stuff. I haven't gotten a chance to read the whole thing, but I get a hang of it of how it works. I'm definitely going to start practicing it on land before we go to California, and I'll eventually take the class for underwater navigation. The only problem with taking it now is the time constraint.

Let me get this straight though:

If I start at point A, and I go directly in a straight line to point B for lets say 10 kick cycles, then I go 70 degrees North North-West for 10 kick cycles to point C, and then I take a direct 90 degree south to point C for another 10 kick cycles. Now to get back, I would do ten kick cycles to 20 degrees North-North East, then take another 10 kick cycles at 70 degrees South-South East, and finally take ten kick cycles directly south.

I used no compass for this, simply because I just wanted to get a feel for how it worked. In retrospect, my directions don't really make sense, but if anyone can clear it up for me, I'd really appreciate it.

Here is a LOVELY paint image of how I went through with it. Excuse my poor paint skills and my absolutely terrible scaling.