News
Improving your sense of direction underwater
By: Kate Heller
Where’s the boat? Did we pass this part of the reef already? Should we just go up? Whether it happens to a new diver or an experienced one, there will more than likely come a time where navigating under water will become difficult. For a new diver who’s excited to experience the underwater world without an instructor, the difficulty might come when it’s time to head back to the boat or when the buddy team gets turned around. An experienced diver might have trouble when diving in a new place where conditions are not what they are accommodated to. For instance, a diver who is used to the visibility in an ocean and travels to a quarry and experiences less than decent visibility for the first time. All the silt from the bottom that’s been stirred up from the day before could cause the diver to lose track of their surroundings. This is when being not only being able to navigate underwater with a compass comes in handy, but when other methods of navigation can and should be utilized as well.
1. Know your compass
A diver should know what the parts of a compass are and what they are used for.
The card is the part of the compass that always points to the north. It will display N, S, E, and W on it. The card is shaped a bit like a dome with degrees shown on the face. These numbers will allow the diver to see what direction they are traveling, for example, 45 degrees SW.
The lubber line is used to point the buddy team in the direction they want to go. The person in charge of the compass should hold it out in front of them and in line with their body.
The side window of a compass is used along with the lubber line. When the lubber line is pointed in the direction the buddy team wants to travel, that window shows the degree to which the team is heading.
The bezel remembers the original degree the team wanted to travel. Once the lubber line is set in the direction of travel, the leader of the buddy team will have to turn the bezel to where the card points to North. Make sure to put the “N” between the two tick marks on the bezel.
2. Listen to the boat briefing or ask a dive shop about a particular shore site.
Knowing a bit more about the orientation at any given site will not only help you plan your dive based on what you want to see but also help you with navigating. Often times a briefing from a crew member on the boat will include what to look for from any given point of the boat (bow, stern, port, and star port side).
3. Elect and follow a leader.
When planning a dive within a buddy team you’ll want to delegate a person as the leader. This person is going to be in charge of the compass. So as to not leave the other member of the team out, they will need to help guide the leader by looking out for obstacles, as well as possible landmarks.
4. Monitor your time.
On a boat, the captain will normally give you an amount of time that they’ll allow divers to stay underwater. Using and dive computer as a reference of time will help you to do a little math to figure out how long the buddy team has to look at the underwater world as well as having enough time to return. If a dive is being planned for a shore dive, the buddy team will want to decide on a time collectively. In both cases, the buddy team will need to make it a point to set their air limits to stay safe.
5. Get to know your surroundings.
Keeping in mind the dive briefing for the site the team is at, the next step would be to look around at your surroundings and keep in mind what you’ve seen around the boat. Once the buddy team has decided on a direction to travel, made a note of the degree you’ll need to travel back to the boat on your compass, and set your lubber line for the direction you want to travel, the team can continue on their adventure. Once you’re on your way, look for the landmarks along the way and either make a mental note of them or write them on a slate if you have one. This will help you to follow a path if one is not apparent underwater. However, sometimes there are paths underwater. If you’re on a reef you might find yourself swimming between a couple rock formations with corals and schools of fish hanging around. You can follow this path and make a note of the things you see to keep yourselves on track. In the same respect, on a shore dive, you might be able to follow a trail made in the sand by waves. Remember to check your compass as well as your air and time to be sure you’re staying within those limits.
6. Stop, Look, Listen.
If for some reason the bezel on the compass got bumped and you can’t remember the directional degree the boat was, then you’ll want to keep in mind these tips. First, stop and think about your dive thus far. Second, look around for the landmarks that you made notes of along the dive. Third, listen for the boat’s engine. Remember sounds travels 4 times faster underwater than on land and although it might be harder to depict where the sounds are coming from, you might be able to pick out the general direction of the boat. If all else fails and you think you might be way off course, ascend at the appropriate rate and look for the boat at the surface. Once you spot the boat, take a new heading in the direction of the boat and follow that. If you are doing a shore dive you can look at the pattern in the sand and follow that to shore. You’ll quickly notice that your depth gets shallower and shallower.
7. Practice.
Like anything else in life, the best thing you and a buddy team can do for your skills is to practice. To do that all you need to do is get out and dive. Remember to incorporate your compass and other navigational skills into every dive you do and you’ll keep getting better and learning more about navigating in an underwater environment.
Navigating under water to new divers can seem intimidating without a guide or knowledge of the dive site, but with these tips in mind, it will become easier. Eventually, navigating under water will become second nature.
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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