SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam

Techniques commonly used to navigate underwater include:

1. Compensated and un-compensated navigation.

2. Natural and compass navigation.

3. Dive computer tracking.

4. Surface interval calculations.

The correct answer is: Natural and compass navigation.

Underwater navigation is a crucial skill for divers, and natural and compass navigation are commonly used techniques that allow divers to orient themselves and find their way while submerged. Natural navigation involves using the physical environment, such as topography, marine life, and light patterns, to determine direction. Divers often memorize specific landmarks or features that can be spotted underwater to aid in their navigation. Compass navigation, on the other hand, utilizes a magnetic compass to provide a clear and reliable sense of direction when exploring underwater. By understanding how to effectively use a compass in conjunction with visual references, divers can plan their dive path, make adjustments, and ensure they return to their entry point or a specific location. Though other options such as compensated and un-compensated navigation involve different aspects of diving theory, they are not standard techniques employed in practice. Dive computer tracking is certainly valuable for monitoring depth and time but does not relate directly to navigating. Surface interval calculations pertain to planning dives and managing decompression times rather than navigating underwater. Thus, natural and compass navigation stand out as essential techniques that divers can apply during their underwater explorations.