Never feel lost underwater again! The SDI Underwater Navigation Course is designed to give you the skills and confidence to find your way in any dive environment. Whether you’ve struggled with navigating back to the boat, finding a specific dive site, or keeping track of your buddy, this course provides practical solutions to common underwater challenges.
Underwater navigation can be intimidating, especially in new or complex dive sites. This course focuses on building your ability to confidently plan and execute dives where navigation is key—ensuring you enjoy every moment without the stress of losing your bearings.
What you’ll learn:
- How to use a compass effectively for precise underwater navigation.
- Techniques for natural navigation, using environmental cues like depth, landmarks, and currents.
- How to combine compass and natural navigation for the most accurate results.
- Strategies for locating and returning to specific points, like a dive boat or entry spot.
- How to navigate with a buddy team and maintain communication throughout the dive.
How this course solves your problems:
- Lost while diving? Learn how to use a compass and natural cues to stay oriented.
- Can’t find the dive site? Master pre-dive planning techniques to ensure you reach your target.
- Struggle returning to the boat or shore? Gain skills to confidently locate exit points without frustration or wasted air.
- Difficulty navigating with your buddy? Improve your teamwork and communication to dive as a cohesive unit.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to navigate underwater with precision, eliminating the stress of disorientation and helping you focus on enjoying your dive. Whether you’re exploring a new wreck, leading a group, or diving in challenging conditions, the skills from this course will transform how you experience the underwater world.
Take control of your diving—become the navigator your buddy can rely on!

Course prerequisites
- SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent
- Minimum age 18, 12 with parental consent
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SDI Underwater Navigation Course?
The SDI Underwater Navigation Course teaches divers how to use compasses, natural navigation techniques, and pre-dive planning to navigate underwater effectively and confidently.
Do I need to be a certified diver to take this course?
Yes, you must be an Open Water Diver or equivalent to enroll in the course, as it builds on foundational diving skills.
Why is underwater navigation important?
Navigation skills help you locate dive sites, return to the exit point, and avoid getting lost or disoriented underwater, adding an element of safety and more enjoyable.
What equipment will I need for the course?
You’ll need a dive compass, a slate or underwater writing tool for notes, and your standard scuba gear. Your instructor may recommend specific tools for practice.
What skills will I learn in this course?
You’ll learn compass navigation, natural navigation techniques, how to create dive site maps, and strategies to locate and return to key points like the boat or shore.
How long does the course take to complete?
The course typically involves two dives and can usually be completed in a single day, depending on your pace and instructor’s schedule.
Is compass navigation hard to learn?
Not at all! The course breaks it down step-by-step, giving you plenty of practice to build confidence in using a compass underwater.
Will this certification allow me to navigate in all dive environments?
Yes, the skills you learn are versatile and can be applied to a variety of environments, including reefs, wrecks, and lakes. Practice and experience will help you adapt to different conditions.
What if I get disoriented during a dive?
The course teaches you how to recognize when you’re disoriented, how to reorient yourself using a compass or natural cues, and how to safely recover your planned navigation route.
How will this course improve my diving?
By learning navigation skills, you’ll spend less time worrying about direction and more time enjoying your dive. You’ll also increase your safety and confidence, making you a more self-reliant diver and a valuable buddy. This course can also be paired with our Advanced Diver package, which includes SDI Night Diver and Advanced Buoyancy or Advanced Buoyancy and Deep Diver, to further enhance your diving skills and broaden your underwater experience.
How do I take this course?
- Click Button Below To View Courses
- Locate the dates and click "Add to Cart"
- Complete Your Contact Information and Payment
- Receive Your E-code via Email and begin your training immediately!