View Full Version : SCUBA Compass
A story that roundabout leads to a question.
Wife's sisters <shudder> came into town over the holidays, so the daughter and I skipped off wall-diving in Grand Turk for a week. Dove all week with a Playboy model :lifter ("What a coincidence! I like scuba diving and long walks on the beach TOO!"), and two days with a very fat Belgian :mad:. He saw me checking my daughter's safety gear (folded snorkel, strobe, sausage and spool, a good mirror, flashlight, whistle, 1-pint Platypus w/ fresh water, bandanna) and said "You Americanzzzzs. So much! You even waste energy when yeeeou play." Well, that's rich coming from a lardgut who needs 22 (!) pounds of lead to sink his skinny ass. Screw him, it all fits in one pocket. I may be paranoid but we've drifted for seven hours off Tobago playing "Open Water" and all that stuff falls under "lessons learned."
Well, daughter and I go seven coral cuts south against the current and seven cuts back. Beautiful dive. Turn right, find the mooring block, hmmm, no cable. We do our hang and come up to lardgut and spouse thrashing and moaning. No boat. Little tiny speck skidding away -- broke its mooring (very stiff trades blowing, very small boat, old moring cable) and took off. ("Can you say 'Irony?' Sure, I knew you could.") The divemaster, who can't stand the Belgian, says "Mon, you'd better swim in and get a boat. I don't want to drift past the north end of the island -- there are a lot of bullsharks there this time of year." LOL, you should have seen Belgian's face. I hand over my strobe, sausage and mirror to the divemaster and he, Hottie, and the Belgians stay put while daughter and I swim for shore (it was only about a mile, but much more than the Belgians could make). Made it about halfway when an eagle-eyed fisherman on shore saw the sausage I was towing and picked us up (big tip and nice steak dinner for Mr. Fisherman and his wife). The current was running pretty good out past the wall where they were and they'd drifted a piece but we saw their sausage and picked them up pretty quickly.
OK, end of story and now the query: What's a good SCUBA compass that is tolerant of less-than-perfect level? When we were swimming back there was some fairly decent swell and my compass needle constantly got hung up. Went northeast for a spell when I thought I was going east. I remember a spherical dive compass on a chain back in the day that couldn't hang up but I can't find one on the 'net.
Any recommendations gratefully accepted.
x SF med
01-16-2007, 18:50
Mug-
Have you thought of one of the digital, sealed dive compasses? they can't hang up. Just a thought.
http://www aqualung.com/products/d9.html (add the dot after www to make it work)
Mug-
Have you thought of one of the digital, sealed dive compasses? they can't hang up. Just a thought.
http://www aqualung.com/products/d9.html (add the dot after www to make it work)
No I didn't. Thanks for the idea, I'll look into them.
Snaquebite
01-16-2007, 20:56
Suunto makes good stuff
http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/article_1column.jsp?ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474 395903522&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673939780&searchAccessories=false&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395903551&bmUID=1132533105448
Suunto makes good stuff
http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/article_1column.jsp?ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474 395903522&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673939780&searchAccessories=false&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395903551&bmUID=1132533105448
Thanks. The SK-7 looks good: "The superior SK-7 has an exceptional tilt potential of +/-30 degrees, which is 2-3 times larger than in conventional diving compasses. "
Yes the SK/7 from Suunto is a great digital compass. But don't fall into the trap of, just because you have the latest "bling", that you don't forget and stick with the basics.
Mug,
Not pointing a finger at you, this is just a general refresher for any and all who use a compass, whether U/W or Above Water/snorkeling.
When using a compass above water, while snorkeling or doing a surface swim...
1) Look at the conditions of the water and how and which direction the wind is blowing. Is there much of a chop? Can you tell which way the current is going? Can you see the surf breaking? If not, this will be something that you will want to take into accounting, the closer you get to shore.
2) Pick out a very distinguishable land mark. (I used to tell my students to pick out two.) I say distinguishable, because hotels/condos/buildings can all look the same the closer you get to shore. (that is, if you are doing pin point surface nav.) If you aren't doing pin-point surface nav, and are just attempting to get to shore, it is still advisable to pick out a land mark.
3) Once you have you land mark picked out, align your compass heading with that land mark. Mark it/lock it in, depending on which compass you're using.
4) Begin your swim on your heading.
5) After a set amount of time, whether you are using a watch or kick cycles to mark your time, after a set amount of time, stop where you are. Check your heading on your compass to the land mark(s) that you have picked out. Adjust accordingly. Repeat this process several times. Don't just trust in one or two or even three readings. Check, check, check, and re-check, over and over.
6) As you approach the shore, what are the conditions of the surf. Can you see any foaming water away from the beach? This could denote a sand bar or two. If so, there is most likely a rip tide/current between those sand bars. How are the waves "crashing" on shore? Adjust accordingly.
Remember, the best way to use a compass while on scuba/rebreather or even on snorkel is under water, and close to the bottom. You don't have to tend with the wind affecting you, and the currents are somewhat less towards the water's floor.
Peregrino
01-16-2007, 22:37
SDiver - Good advice, especially the part about staying close to the bottom in shallow(er) water. Course the last time I swam >1 mile underwater it wasn't with recreational gear either. (Yes - I'm jerking your chain :p ) I quit doing MILSPEC nav swims a long time ago. My preferred method for an extended surface swim is to shoot an azimuth, convert to a reciprocal heading, roll over on my back, put the compass on my chest, and read the heading through the sight glass/window. All your other steps are the same.
MW - I'll be checking out the Suunto too. Personally I use SCUBAPRO and Aqualung wrist compasses and don't have the problems with them that many people do with console mounted compasses. That and the "swim backwards" technique isn't as susceptible to needle/card lock. NTM I HATE snorkels and will avoid using them whenever possible. FWIW - Peregrino
.... My preferred method for an extended surface swim is to shoot an azimuth, convert to a reciprocal heading, roll over on my back, put the compass on my chest, and read the heading through the sight glass/window. ..... NTM I HATE snorkels and will avoid using them whenever possible. FWIW - Peregrino
Ditto to Peregrino also;
If the air runs out you are forced to the surface. Very relaxing to roll over on your back for extened swims. Keeps your face out of the water also.
Pete
"My preferred method for an extended surface swim is to shoot an azimuth, convert to a reciprocal heading, roll over on my back, put the compass on my chest, and read the heading through the sight glass/window. All your other steps are the same."
D'Oh! What a great method -- should have known that. The part about hugging the bottom I knew. Daughter had 1700 and I had 1000 psi left and we were saving the for the approach and the shore break, which wasn't much as it turned out. My nav skills underwater are decent if there are features but nav on long swims is obviously weak - I was more a down and up diver before. I need to spend some time on that. I know about adjusting for current which is why I was upset at the ENE heading when I really thought I was on a ESE.
I agree about snorkels, generally useless, but we once spent a very long day stranded off northern Tobago in pretty rough conditions. We couldn't ride high enough to breathe without <spit><head shake> every breath. I swore I wouldn't have to do that again (or not have something to shade my face - still looking for a really small roll-able hat). I have two old Dacor? rubber snorkels from about 1968 that can be folded into thirds and tied flat. They built to last in those days.
I'm actually thinking about getting a dive-able EPIRB w/ GPS if the daughter and I head off to the Pacific this summer. Seven hours of wondering if I'd killed my daughter left a pretty big impression on me.
x SF med
01-17-2007, 08:04
Peregrino-
Danish Scout Swimmer School? Or plain old SF MarOps? I remember the days of freezing the young butt off on lovely little swims using that method, and dragging a sea anchor (loaded ruck, praying it's packed well) along too.
Mug-
I haven't used that Suunto D9 I linked you to, but I use a Suunto Mariner as a backup compass (3*) while sailing. I go for a primary of my rated magnetic marine compass, secondary is my Garmin (they are kind of interchangeable), and then my Suunto for quick checks from the deck when someone else is driving.
You'll like this Peregrino/Sdiver/Pete...
The divemaster and two Democrat lawyers from DC "dove" a small wreck on a ledge of the wall: 212 feet on air w/ single 80s. Basically a touch-and-go. They had 2 tanks (air) hung at 15' for deco for 3 people, that's all. Did it on the spur-of-the-moment. "It's OK, it's our first dive of the day."
Mug,
Not pointing a finger at you, this is just a general refresher for any and all who use a compass, whether U/W or Above Water/snorkeling.
Point away, it's well-deserved. I used to be pretty good at deco theory but my nav skills could really use some work. Thanks for the refresher. Funny how I fell into a trap thinking good at one thing = good at all things. I usually don't do that.
I'm just really disappointed that a QP hasn't asked to see pictures of the Hottie -- I'm pretty sure Daughter took some.
x SF med
01-17-2007, 08:39
Ok, I'll bite...... Pics or it never happened!!
(all better now? Remember, this is a family site.)
82ndtrooper
01-17-2007, 10:43
Thanks. The SK-7 looks good: "The superior SK-7 has an exceptional tilt potential of +/-30 degrees, which is 2-3 times larger than in conventional diving compasses. "
Ya beat me to the punch ! This is the only compass I have ever owned for diving. Yes, +/- 30 degree tilt. SK-7. Then again I still use the old tried and true Aqualung Rocket Fin I also.
http://www.suunto.com
I'm just really disappointed that a QP hasn't asked to see pictures of the Hottie -- I'm pretty sure Daughter took some.
No.....we're diapointed that YOU haven't posted them up yet with sayings like...."Look who I got to dive with.", or...."Ahhh, a great day to be alive.", or "Ghtfdr kngh igsbfh ojdbgvf...."
So, now I'm pointing a finger at you....POST 'EM UP !!!!:D
No.....we're diapointed that YOU haven't posted them up yet with sayings like...."Look who I got to dive with.", or...."Ahhh, a great day to be alive.", or "Ghtfdr kngh igsbfh ojdbgvf...."
So, now I'm pointing a finger at you....POST 'EM UP !!!!:D
Asking her permission...I doubt she'll mind. How's that for not having your ducks in a row!
The Reaper
01-17-2007, 12:53
Tease.
TR
7086
She said OK on this one...She wants artistic control on the rest (she's a dirrrrector now). The other pics have her boyfriend in them, I'll crop and get approval.
It was difficult to look her in the eye. My daughter said "I was dieing to ask her if those things hurt."
Set the Tivo for "Dangerous Isolation" on Lifetime Network in the next few months. Hottie's Boyfriend had been filming in Grand Turk and my daughter got a big speaking part as a police dispatcher in a last-minute "fill shot" (killed the afternoon dive): "You can't do that! What will the Chief say?" She got a pina colada and a manicure out of the deal. Not exactly big budget cinema; I don't' think she'll get a SAG card. We just missed the skinny Baywatch babe, the only one on that old show without bolt-ons. Can't remember her name -- she was the heroine of the movie. We did meet Nick Turturro from NYPD Blue. I have no idea what the movie's about but the release said it was PG rated for "theatrical violence."
Edited: Oops, I don't know how the "attached thumbnails" got hooked on here but I can't remove it. She sent me that one in the return email but it's not from GT. She needs new trousers.
The Reaper
01-17-2007, 13:48
Okay, hottieness is as stipulated, despite what would appear to be, ahem, cosmetic improvements.
You never know, some people have the strangest tastes.:D
Good taste on your part by not posting anything offensive. We do have rules here.
TR
Roger on the modesty, Sir. That one is more modest than some pics of her in the restaurant. Hottie was actually a very sweet transplanted Wisconsin girl. Even our old island friend, Miss Ivy (an iron-rod, foundation-garment wearing, Pentacostal force of nature if there ever was one) liked her in spite of how she dressed. Boyfriend was very nice too, even if my daughter once had to give him a sharp elbow shot to the solar plexus. It was...reassuring...to see how she handled herself.
Peregrino
01-17-2007, 15:54
MW - God bless you (and her) for sharing (especially her!). You get extra points for having her contact info (and the courtesy to ask before sharing). It's nice to see Wisconsin is still a "wholesome goodness, dairy products state" with a generous export program. Though I'm still trying to figure out why she'd put up with a boyfriend so crass as to deserve an elbow in the ribs from your daughter. As for snorkels - I said I hated them and would go to great lengths to avoid using them, not that I didn't carry one. Your Belgian "buddy" would have had a field day with me. (Just another flavor of Frenchman.) I carry a standard snorkel and a full complement of survival/signaling gear whenever I'm on the open ocean. (The same way I never jumped from a USAF fixed wing without at least web gear, even on admin Sicilly jumps.) I dive wings almost exclusively and keep a full sized snorkel under the bungees, out of the way yet easilly accessible. It's more durable, less breathing resistance, fewer failure points, and CHEAPER than the collapsible ones. I'm impressed you carry as much as you do and that you pre-checked your daughter's equipment. That's rare in the recreational dive community. Your story about the bounce dive doesn't surprise me in the least. If you hear of them succumbing to their imprudence, please send me the details. Mike Ange is a friend of mine and I'm sure we can get him to squeeze it into his next book.
x SF med - Good old SF MAROPS. The Danish school was mostly a 10th Gp thing and I was 5th, 7th, and finished DOTD, SWCS. (Not bad for a guy who can get seasick standing on the beach watching the waves come in.) It's one of the few things I'll actually throw the SME card for.
Peregrino