Underwater compass

A compass is a magnetic tool used to show your heading. It helps you stay on course during a dive. You use it when navigating open water or following a specific line. In places like Komodo, strong currents can push you 50 m off track if you do not check your bearing. Many divers rely on it for safety in low visibility.

Always keep your compass at eye level. I saw a student in Cebu lose their way because they held the device too close to their body. This mistake makes the reading inaccurate. Check your heading every 2 minutes when moving through deep water. It works best if you use a model with a luminescent dial for night dives. Hold it flat to avoid errors.