Compass handling with camera gear

[Diver Dave1]

I am headed to Bonaire this winter for a couple of fun weeks of diving. Normally, I never seem to need a compass for diving. I seem able to follow the reef to/from the boat as needed so far for 20+ yrs but thinking I would like to have a compass for the bonaire trip. Last time at Bonaire I did not need one but thinking about having one this time. Please do not turn this topic/info request into a lecture on compass use, etc.

I use an air integrated dive computer but it has no compass and I have no plans to replace it. Seems connecting a compass to the camera housing system somehow might be useful - better than figuring out how to arrange using one on the wrist, in my hand via retractor or other wise. I saw a 2012 entry elsewhere where one person connected a compass to the housing handle. That seems like one approach.
I know the routine for wrist mounted compass when both hands are free but that is not the world I/we dive in.

How do you arrange doing compass readings and following a direction while handling your camera gear?
Where do you keep the compass while diving?

I use a Nauticam D7000 housing with ULCS arms. Currently using a back inflation BC and thinking of changing to backplate and wings. This likely has no influence on how I handle a compass but keeping it complete for those with specific methods/connections with their gear.

Thanks for ideas/information in advance.

 

[Akimbo]

I prefer to mount the compass on the housing. It is the closest you can get to the ideal that a compass board provides. I have mounted them to the strobe arms, cold shoe, and focusing light. Not sure what else I can suggest???

 

[tbone1004]

Mount a cheap compass to the housing itself. Suunto A-10 is nice and small, Silva Polaris works as well. Superglue to the housing, and good to go. Otherwise the video that I uploaded a while ago for slate assembly is the best way to properly navigate if you are doing it while you have your camera clipped off.

[video=youtube;x0z4T_3KjFM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0z4T_3KjFM[/video]

 

[Imla]

Compass is mounted in a bungymount and placed on left wrist. No problems navigating with housing.

 

[James R]

I use my compass on my right hand, in a bungee mount. I don't have a need to try to come up with some way to mount it on my housing. I can keep a general direction by glancing at the compass every few min or less often pretty easily. My rig is a DSLR with two strobes etc, so similar in size to your D7000 (bigger than it actually).

 

[JohnN]

Compass is mounted in a bungymount and placed on left wrist. No problems navigating with housing.

DSS bungee mount on left forearm. Computer in DSS bungee mount on the right.

 

[tursiops]

One caution: some aspects of the camera equipment may influence the compass accuracy. Beware of batteries, anything steel/ferrous.

I clip off the compass on a retractor to a D-ring on my left shoulder. If I need it, I can pull it out with my right hand and the tension on the retractor helps stabilize it.

In Bonaire, I find the compass particularly useful on a shore dive for getting out underwater to the mooring line, and then getting back from the mooring line to the exit. During the dive I use natural navigation.

 

[sunnyboy]

I've been using a Suunto SK-7 on my wrist since 2003, taking photos underwater about as long. Even with my more recent gear with strobes, video lights etc. I find it easy to use the wrist mount compass.

 

[Akimbo]

The advantage of mounting a compass on the housing is you can comfortably hold the lubber line on center with your body and you are “in position” to shoot something interesting that passes by. Holding a bulky housing with both hands in front of you also makes you far more hydro-dynamically symmetrical, which makes it easier to swim a straight course.

The housing is also a very convenient place for a backup computer, especially for a macro photographer who often has to wait long periods and any movement to check arm-mounted instruments can spool the critters.

I’m not saying that an arm-mounted compass is bad, just that a two-handed swim-board or camera mounted compass introduces less error and is more comfortable.

RJE International - Diver Navigation