PADI Underwater Navigator
Always Know Where You Are.
One of the biggest differences between a newly qualified diver and an experienced diver is confidence in underwater navigation.
The PADI Underwater Navigator course teaches you how to find your way underwater using both a compass and natural navigation techniques.
Why Take Underwater Navigator?
It’s easy to become distracted by marine life, underwater scenery or photography and suddenly realise you’re no longer sure where you are. Good navigation reduces stress, improves buddy communication and helps you enjoy your dives with greater confidence.
This course will help you navigate confidently underwater, improve your dive planning, use a compass accurately, and return to your exit point efficiently.
Is This Course Right For Me?
Underwater Navigator is ideal if you:
- Want to improve your confidence
- Enjoy shore diving
- Dive regularly in UK inland sites
- Plan to explore larger dive sites
What You Will Learn
- Using a dive compass accurately
- Setting and following compass bearings
- Navigating using natural references
- Estimating distance underwater
- Planning underwater routes
- Returning accurately to entry and exit points
Course Requirements
- Be at least 10 years old (Junior Underwater Navigator available from age 10 under current PADI standards).
- Hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification).
- Be medically fit to dive.
- Complete the required participant paperwork.
What Is Included?
- Instructor-led tuition
- Practical navigation dives
- Air fills during training
- PADI Underwater Navigator certification
No upcoming dates are currently scheduled for this course.
Includes instructor-led tuition, practical course sessions and PADI certification upon successful completion. Any site entry, boat fees, equipment hire or other course-specific costs are listed separately where applicable.
Classroom & Practical Sessions
Private Training
We can offer 1:1 teaching and private pool sessions by enquiry for many of our PADI courses.
This is ideal if you would prefer a quieter learning environment, want extra support, or need training arranged around your availability.
Private training is subject to instructor and pool availability, so please get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk through the best option for you.
Contact UsWhy Train With Wiltshire Scuba?
At Wiltshire Scuba we believe confident navigation makes every dive more enjoyable. Our instructors focus on practical exercises that you’ll continue using long after the course has finished.
- Small group sizes
- Experienced instructors
- Real-world navigation exercises
- Friendly coaching
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own compass?
Not necessarily. Please refer to the booking page or contact us before your course if you’re unsure.
Is navigation difficult?
Not at all. Like any diving skill, it becomes much easier with practice.
Will this help me on every dive?
Yes. Good navigation is one of the most frequently used diving skills and quickly becomes second nature.
Can I take this soon after Open Water?
Absolutely. Many divers complete Underwater Navigator shortly after qualifying.
What should I do after this course?
Popular next steps include Peak Performance Buoyancy, Search and Recovery, Rescue Diver and Wreck Diver.
Related Courses
Where Could Your Diving Journey Take You?
- Navigate with Confidence — you are here
Learn to find your way underwater accurately and efficiently.
- Build Better Diving Skills
Combine navigation with buoyancy and search techniques.
- Explore More Challenging Dive Sites
Use your skills on wrecks, shore dives and larger dive sites.
- Continue Your Progression
Develop towards Rescue Diver and Divemaster.
Ready to Become a Better Navigator?
Good navigation transforms the way you dive.