PADI NAVIGATION SPECIALTY DIVER COURSE

 The PADI Underwater Navigation Specialty Diver Course is a continuing education program designed to improve your skills in underwater navigation using natural references and a compass. It’s a great course for divers who want to gain confidence in their ability to find their way underwater — especially in unfamiliar dive sites or challenging visibility conditions. 

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to use a compass accurately underwater, including how to take and follow bearings, make precise turns, and return to a specific location without surfacing. Just as important as compass work is the ability to navigate using natural references. You’ll develop the skill of reading the underwater environment—using features like sand ripples, light patterns, reef formations, and even water movement—to find your way.

You’ll also learn techniques for estimating distances underwater based on your kick cycles and timing. These tools help you measure how far you've traveled without needing complex equipment. During your training dives, you’ll practice navigation patterns such as squares and triangles, combining compass and natural navigation to build a complete and reliable method for orientation underwater.

 The course typically includes two to three open water dives, completed over one or two days, and a knowledge development session which can be done through PADI eLearning or with your instructor. It is open to certified Open Water Divers (or equivalent) aged 10 and up. 

 Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 10 years old to enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver course. For participants aged 10 to 14, PADI offers the Junior Open Water Diver certification, which has depth and supervision restrictions.

Medical Fitness: Participants must complete a medical questionnaire to assess their fitness for diving. If they answer "yes" to any of the questions, they may need to obtain medical clearance from a physician before participating in the course.

Swimming Skills: While there are no specific swimming requirements for the PADI Open Water Diver course, participants should be comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills. They will need to demonstrate basic water competency skills, such as floating and treading water, during the course.

 Upon completion, you’ll earn the PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty certification. This not only enhances your underwater skills but also counts toward your PADI Master Scuba Diver rating—a recognition of advanced training and experience in recreational diving.

Taking this course gives you the confidence to explore dive sites without the fear of getting lost. It’s especially valuable if you plan to dive independently, in low-visibility conditions, or in more advanced environments such as wrecks or deep sites. With strong navigation skills, you’ll spend less time searching and more time enjoying the underwater world.

If you’re ready to become the diver others rely on to lead the way, the PADI Underwater Navigation Specialty is your next step.