Course overview

The SSI Navigation specialty on Koh Tao teaches you to find your way underwater, using the island's distinctive reef and rock formations as natural reference points. Over a set of training dives you build confidence with compass work, natural navigation and distance estimation, so you can lead yourself back to the start of any dive.

What you’ll learn

• Navigate with a compass using accurate headings and reciprocals
• Read natural references like reef lines, sand ripples and depth
• Estimate distance using kick cycles and time
• Swim navigation patterns and search shapes
• Map a dive site underwater
• Relocate a chosen feature or object

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 10
• SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent
• Diver medical clearance signed by a physician

What's included · What's not

Not included? Sort the rest of your trip

Flights and accommodation aren’t part of the course price, here’s how to book them around your dates.

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
   Theory & briefing

   Complete the SSI digital theory on compass and natural navigation, then a dive briefing.
2. Day1
   Compass & natural dives

   Practise compass headings and natural references at a varied site such as Twins or White Rock.
3. Day1
   Patterns & mapping

   Swim patterns, estimate distance and map the site on the final navigation dive.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to Koh Tao.

Frequently asked questions