Compass handling - do you? How do you?

[diver dave1 23]

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 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 here where one person connected a compass to the housing handle.

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.

 

 

 

 

[Glasseye Snapper 47]

Hi Dave,

 

Like you I rarely need to use a compass but normally strap one on just in case. I just set the compass so it points out the direction to shore and so far have never needed to rely on it. I have done compass navigation on a few occasions but never with camera. If I had to I would not mix photography and compass reading but press the camera against my chest and focus on the compass until I reached my destination. In all cases I would have the compass on my wrist. I don't like retractors but if I would do a lot of compass diving then I would consider hooking up the compass to the housing. Perhaps someone can post pictures of ways to do just that.

 

Bart

[Macdaza 2]

Hi Dave,

 

Like many of us, I rarely need to use a compass, but I do always have one underwater. I use a compass with hose mount, and keep it mounted on my back-up regulator hose near the second stage, which I keep clipped at my right lower BC ring. The mount allows me to twist the compass so it's in the right spot to look at when I look down at it At that spot, I can read it without having to hold or touch it. I've got enough going on with my housing and wouldn't want the clutter of a compass on it.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cameron

[blibecap 29]

Hi Dave

 

It has taken a while but here is a picture of where mine is.

 

 

Bill

[davephdv 0]

Compass and snorkel, never get in the water without them.

 

I like mine on a retractor. Though my computer has one also

[Atom 3]

I put mine on my wrist, most of the time when I'm shooting I don't have to do navigation without visual references so I don't need to continually reference it.

 

I found Bonaire easy to navigate, shore is to the east (unless you're diving the east coast but for most people this is less frequent), and since its a slope it's harder to get lost.

 

Not enough people bring stage kits to do long dive though, it's perect for it in the south.

Edited November 29, 2014 by Atom

[Nir2C 1]

Hi Dave,

 

Have great time at Bonaire!

 

I don't like using a compass. I find environmental navigation much comfortable, regardless of the camera.

Unfortunately most of nearby diving where I live, require a compass.

It could be either for a sec. to get direction or for a couple of min. where topography cannot be used to preserve accurate azimuth.

Nevertheless, it is always to get to a certain point whether the dive site or shore. At the dive site it is rarely used.

For the first case it should be easily approached and stored with things in your hand. Putting it in a pocket, for instance, will not serve you well. All other options I can think of, are equally efficient.

For the second case compass will take most, if not all, of your attention. In addition, due to UW compass limitation, it should be held parallel to earth surface. Adding a few $ for electronic or large angle compass is highly recommended.

Since both taking pictures and preserving azimuth req. full attention, I find it impractical to do both simultaneously. Most chances you have to stop one to do the other.

Unless on your wrist or on the camera case, you will need a free hand, at least, to use it.

Since compass orientation is important while read, mounting it on camera case means you'll have to hold the case to follow this orientation.

Same for your wrist but you'll have higher degree of freedom. Inaddition you won't have to improvise mounting so I prefer this option.