I have been diving since 1982 and can't remember exactly when navigating back to an ascent line became second nature. I remember the first few dives, though...man, even on defined ledges I would end up way away from the boat. I was comfortable under water but I spent more time thinking about what I was doing than where I was. Plus I was so excited about everything I was seeing that I totally spaced on where I started the dive. Unfortunately, at the time, I never had a dive buddy with more experience and my instructor failed to mention that usually a DM on board will gladly give me a tour or accompany me. This is one thing that I really stress in my classes. Especially since the DM on the boat I use is an excellent guide, very professional and one of the best divers I have ever met.
In your experiences, what do you think were the best methods you have used/learned that help you with our underwater navigation? I'd love some pointers to share with my students. When I take them on their first open water tours someone almost always asks me how I found my way back so easily.
I used the Cognative Mapping subject line because now, at almost any point during a dive, I have a good idea of where the ascent line is (if I'm using one) and generally don't intentionally pay attention to which direction I am going. I carry a compass in my BCD pocket but have not used it in years and years.
In your experiences, what do you think were the best methods you have used/learned that help you with our underwater navigation? I'd love some pointers to share with my students. When I take them on their first open water tours someone almost always asks me how I found my way back so easily.
I used the Cognative Mapping subject line because now, at almost any point during a dive, I have a good idea of where the ascent line is (if I'm using one) and generally don't intentionally pay attention to which direction I am going. I carry a compass in my BCD pocket but have not used it in years and years.