Navigation is the skill of determining your position and direction, both underwater and at the surface, and moving accurately toward your intended destination.

In areas with limited visibility or at dive sites you are visiting for the first time, it can be difficult to recognize your location and the direction you are heading.

You could surface to check your position and swim back on the surface. However, by developing proper navigation skills, you can dive with greater confidence and safety, even in areas with stronger surface currents.

For example, you can return precisely to your original entry point, or navigate to an alternative safe exit in the event of an unexpected situation.

Navigation skills are especially important when participating in buddy dives without a professional guide.