PADI Underwater Navigator Course

Want to become the scuba diver who leads the dive? Then go for the PADI Underwater Navigation Speciality course as it will fine-tune your observation skills. It will also teach you to more accurately use your compass underwater. If you love big rewards attached to challenges, then this diving course is perfect for you. Underwater Navigation Speciality is quite sought-after among countless scuba divers. You can enrol in the PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course if you are a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least ten years old.

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Take the PADI Underwater Navigator if you are interested in:

  • Improving your navigation skills
  • Learning natural navigation clues 
  • Finding the boat without surfacing

You will learn how to:

  • Use a diving compass
  • Estimate distance underwater
  • Navigate by making multiple turns

Program structure 

One of the toughest challenges for scuba divers is to work out where they are underwater. However, it is not so difficult to overcome as navigation is an easy skill to learn if you get proper training from a PADI-certified instructor. During the training, you will practise the following:

  • Measuring distance underwater: “kick cycles”
  • Compass use—reciprocal swim
  • Surface and u/w compass use
  • Introduction to square navigation patter
  • Underwater navigating patterns: square & hollow U’s
  • Fixing an underwater feature at the surface for relocation
  • Underwater orienteering exercise
  • Draw a map of the underwater area

Independent study

With the PADI eLearning, you will be able to improve your underwater navigation skills. One can start this program whenever, wherever it is convenient. Using a computer or mobile device online or offline, you are free to work at your own pace. And whenever you have a question or for in-water training, then you can connect with your instructor.

eLearning time commitment: 2-4 hours

At the dive centre

This is done with your diving instructor. You will practice using a compass on the surface and you will learn to apply your skills underwater during 3 dives. You will be taught how to estimate distance, follow natural clues, and find your way back to the boat/shore. 

Prerequisites: PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or qualifying entry-level-certification)

Total time commitment: 2-3 days

Minimum age: 10 years or older

Medical requirements

You should have a minimum level of health and fitness for scuba diving. In case of any chronic health conditions, certain medications and/or recent surgery, you may have to get written approval from a physician before the dive. In order to avoid any hassle, you can download and review the Diver Medical form. With this, you can know before enrolling in a scuba course that you will not need a physician’s approval for diving. 

Please note: You should not ask for any medical advice from instructors, divemasters, and dive shop staff as they are not physicians. Only medical professionals can give medical clearance to scuba dive. In case of any confusion regarding medical fitness, you can contact the experts at Divers Alert Network (DAN).

Prerequisites & minimum age

Minimum Age: 10 years

Course prerequisites: (Junior) Open Water Diver or equivalent entry-level certification

Other costs & equipment

In-water training, as well as knowledge development, are required for the certification. Only the knowledge development part is covered in the cost when you buy the PADI eLearning program. For completing your certification with a PADI instructor, there is an additional cost that depends on class size, environment, and whether or not you need to rent scuba diving equipment. For more details, contact Dive Andaman, which is a 5-star PADI centre in Havelock Island.

Along with basic scuba gear, one will need a compass and an underwater slate. Your instructor may suggest additional gear to help you stay oriented. This includes marker buoys or lines and reels. We highly recommend investing in your own scuba equipment as it will help you in learning with it during the course and thus, you will become familiar with its working. 

Time commitment

PADI eLearning: 2-4 hours

Entire course: 2-3 days

System requirements

The online courses of PADI work on the browsers listed below: Ensure that your browser is updated to have the best experience.

  • Chrome
  • Safari
  • Edge
  • Firefox

You can also study at a location that has no internet access. Just use the PADI Training app to download course content and study offline. You can download the content in small sections with a total file size of around 188 MB. 

You can upload your progress when you get back online. This will help you in resuming your training right where you left off. 

The app is available for Android as well as Apple iOS devices. Devices should not be more than three models old and updated with the latest Operating System (OS). 

Objective of PADI Underwater Navigation course

Whether you are a newly certified diver or a diver who is sick of getting lost under the water, this diving course is ideal for you. the aim of this PADI program is to:

  • Develop your practical knowledge of underwater navigation
  • Enable you to enjoy more your diving using navigational skills
  • Improve your diving confidence
  • Enable you to navigate underwater

After PADI Underwater Navigator course

Your first dive of the PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course may be counted toward the Advanced Open Water Diver certification. You can ask your instructor about earning credit. Every earned PADI speciality certification is one step closer to becoming a master scuba diver. Only 2% of divers have achieved this elite rating. 

Underwater Navigation Speciality will cost Rs. 14,000 for one dive, which will be for 50 minutes or until you have at least 50 bar left in the tank, whatever happens first. Except for guests coming from Taj Exotica Resort & Spa and Barefoot, we will provide pick-up and drop-off facility as well.

If you have a query regarding any water adventure activity in the Andaman Islands, then contact us to get all the details. We are committed to offer you the best deals! Total assistance will be given from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. 1 : What is the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    The PADI Underwater Navigator Course is a certification course designed to teach divers the skills and knowledge needed to navigate underwater with confidence. During the course, students will learn how to use a compass, natural navigation techniques, and other tools to navigate underwater safely and accurately.

  • Q. 2 : Who can take the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    The PADI Underwater Navigator Course is open to anyone who is at least 10 years old and has a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.

  • Q. 3 : Where can I take the PADI Underwater Navigator Course in India?

    There are several PADI dive centers and resorts in India that offer the PADI Underwater Navigator Course. Some popular locations include the Andaman Islands, Goa, and Pondicherry.

  • Q. 4 : How long does the PADI Underwater Navigator Course take to complete?

    The course typically takes 2-3 days to complete, depending on the student's pace and schedule.

  • Q. 5 : What topics are covered in the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    The course covers a variety of topics related to underwater navigation, including the use of a compass, natural navigation techniques, estimating distance, marking and relocating submerged objects, and creating a map of an underwater area.

  • Q. 6 : What equipment do I need for the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    Students will need a compass, a slate or underwater writing board, and a dive computer or dive watch. Some dive centers may provide this equipment, but it's recommended that students bring their own if possible.

  • Q. 7 : How much does the PADI Underwater Navigator Course cost?

    The cost of the course varies depending on the dive center or resort, but it typically ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 25,000.

  • Q. 8 : What are the prerequisites for the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    Students must have a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent and be at least 10 years old.

  • Q. 9 : What is the certification process for the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    To earn the certification, students must complete the knowledge development portion of the course, which can be done online or in a classroom setting, and then complete two open water dives under the supervision of a PADI instructor.

  • Q. 10 : What are the benefits of taking the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    The course teaches valuable skills that can improve a diver's safety and confidence underwater. It also allows divers to explore new dive sites with greater independence and helps them become more self-reliant underwater.

  • Q. 11 : How can I prepare for the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    It's recommended that students review the PADI Underwater Navigator Manual and complete the knowledge development portion of the course before arriving at the dive center. It's also important to practice using a compass and natural navigation techniques before the course begins.

  • Q. 12 : Is the PADI Underwater Navigator Course difficult?

    The course can be challenging, but it's designed to be accessible to divers of all experience levels. Students are encouraged to take their time and ask questions as needed to ensure that they understand the material.

  • Q. 13 : Will I need to take a written test for the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    Yes, students must complete a written exam at the end of the knowledge development portion of the course.

  • Q. 14 : What happens if I fail the written test or open water dives?

    If a student fails the written test or open water dives, they can retake the portion of the course they failed at a later time.

  • Q. 15 : How long is the PADI Underwater Navigator certification valid?

    The certification does not expire and is valid for life.

  • Q. 16 : Can I take the PADI Underwater Navigator Course if I have a medical condition?

     It's important to consult with a doctor before taking any scuba diving course if you have a medical condition. Some conditions may prevent you from diving or require special precautions.

  • Q. 17 : What is the maximum depth for the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    The maximum depth for the course is 30 meters (100 feet).

  • Q. 18 : What is the minimum age requirement for the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    The minimum age requirement is 10 years.

  • Q. 19 : Do I need to have previous diving experience to take the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    Yes, students must have a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.

  • Q. 20 : Can I take the PADI Underwater Navigator Course if I have a fear of the dark or open water?

    It's important to be comfortable in the water and have a basic level of comfort in open water to take the course. If you have a fear of the dark or open water, it's recommended that you work on overcoming those fears before taking the course.

  • Q. 21 : What is the difference between the PADI Underwater Navigator Course and the PADI Search and Recovery Course?

    The PADI Underwater Navigator Course focuses on navigation techniques, while the PADI Search and Recovery Course teaches divers how to search for and recover objects underwater.

  • Q. 22 : What is the difference between the PADI Underwater Navigator Course and the PADI Underwater Photography Course?

    The PADI Underwater Navigator Course teaches navigation techniques, while the PADI Underwater Photography Course teaches divers how to take photos and videos underwater.

  • Q. 23 : Can I use a dive computer instead of a compass for underwater navigation?

    While dive computers can provide valuable information about depth and time, they cannot replace the accuracy and reliability of a compass for underwater navigation. It's important to know how to use both tools effectively.

  • Q. 24 : What is the recommended time gap between the PADI Open Water Diver course and the PADI Underwater Navigator Course?

    It's recommended that students have some experience diving before taking the PADI Underwater Navigator Course, but there is no specific time gap required between courses.

  • Q. 25 : Can I take the PADI Underwater Navigator Course if I wear glasses or contact lenses?

    Yes, it's possible to dive with glasses or contact lenses, but it's recommended that you use a dive mask with prescription lenses or bring a backup set of glasses or contacts.



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