The ECD Navigation program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to safely navigate underwater using both natural and compass navigation techniques. By combining these basic skills, dive teams will have increased independence on charter or shore dives. The objective is to equip divers to execute the navigational elements of dive plans and return from dives comfortably without direct support from a guide.
Why learn Navigation?
Navigating underwater can be a challenge. Without clear defined routes or markings it’s easy for everything to blend together and look the same. On top of that, as a culture, we’ve grown accustomed to using technology to help us navigate as opposed to natural insight and clues. There aren’t underwater GPS’s yet so the best thing you can do is become proficient in compass use and learn how to use natural features on a dive to help you get where you are going and back to your exit point safely. Don’t find yourself in a situation where you have to rely on a dive buddy or guide to get you where you are going. A good sense of underwater navigation will help any diver build confidence and dramatically increase their comfort and ability.
Many dives have more than one route to follow. In fact, most dive sites are really just a large area with many possible paths to follow. Knowing where you want to go and being able to get there will help you go where you want to go and see what you want to see. There are many Advanced Navigation techniques we use to help you be able to navigate in any condition comfortably and safely. The course is typically bundled with Search & Recovery for one attractive price!
Why train with ECD?
- We combine Navigation with Search and Recovery so you get two specialties in one course
- Our classes are full specialties, not just a “try dive” of each one
- All your academics and land based skills for the combined course will be done during the workshop so your dive day is spent actually diving
- Combining Navigation with Search and Recovery allows for more compass practice during search patterns, leading to more comfort/competence
When does the class run?
This course runs during summer months
All Classes | Drysuit Diving | Deep Diving | Navigation | Enriched Air Nitrox
