SSI Specialty Course
Underwater Navigation
Good navigation is what separates confident divers from divers who surface far from the boat. The SSI Navigation specialty teaches you to find your way underwater using your compass and natural references — so you can lead a dive, return to your exit, and explore new sites without stress.
Where you’ll dive
Alexander Springs. Close to Orlando, calm, clear, and shallow — an ideal open-water classroom for laying out navigation patterns and practicing compass work without current.
Rainbow River. A gentle, crystal-clear drift where you’ll practice natural navigation and learn to read the underwater landscape.
Blue Grotto. A contained, clear cavern basin that’s great for tightening up compass headings and reciprocal courses.
What you’ll learn
Using an underwater compass; estimating distance by kick cycles and time; natural navigation with reefs, slopes, and the sun; running patterns (reciprocal, square, and more); and relocating your exit or ascent point.
Prerequisites
SSI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). Your navigation adventure dive from the SSI Advanced Open Water course can be credited toward this Navigation specialty.
Related: Advanced Open Water · Alexander Springs · Rainbow River · Blue Grotto