Course overview

Master finding your way underwater with the PADI Underwater Navigator specialty in Raja Ampat, an essential skill where strong currents and large reef systems can quickly disorient divers. You learn natural navigation, compass technique and distance estimation on sites like Yenbuba Jetty and the reefs around Mansuar Island, where staying oriented makes every dive safer and more enjoyable.

What you’ll learn

• Navigate accurately using natural references
• Use a compass to swim reciprocal and square patterns
• Estimate distance by kick cycles and time
• Mark and relocate underwater points of interest
• Maintain orientation in current and reduced visibility
• Plan and follow a navigation pattern as a buddy team

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10 (Junior Open Water) and up
• PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent certification
• Diver medical clearance signed by a physician

What's included · What's not

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Natural navigation

   Cover theory and practise natural navigation and distance estimation on a reef near Mansuar.
2. Day2
   Compass and patterns

   Run compass headings, square and reciprocal patterns, and complete the three dives to certify.

Verified through iDive

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Frequently asked questions