SUUNTO SK-8 DIVE COMPASS NH - Manual (Page 3)

2
The meridian lines on a map indicate the direction toward true north
while your compass needle indicates the direction toward magnetic
north. The angle between these two directions is called magnetic
declination.
You should check the magnetic declination for the dive site from
a trusted source, such as a recent map or the NOAA website. If
the magnetic declination is more than a few degrees, you must
compensate for it when navigating with a compass.
SIGHT A BEARING
A bearing is the angle between direction to north and the direction
to a target. This can be used in communicating directions with others
or when finding your location.
1. Hold the compass level with the sighting window facing you.
2. Align the target with the bearing line.
3. Read the bearing from the sighting window.
NOTE: Compensate for declination.
At the dive site, you should establish your general orientation by
sighting bearings of your underwater navigation aids, such as a
shoreline or reef. Memorize or make note of these bearings to use
while diving.
MAINTAINING DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
With practice, you can maintain your direction of swimming over
long distances using your Suunto dive compass.
1. Find a visible target in the direction you want to travel.
2. Hold the compass level in front of you with sighting window
facing you.
3. Turn the bezel until the orienting indicators are aligned with the
triangle.
Swim towards target and check your direction when the target is not
visible by holding the compass as in step 2 above. If the orienting
indicators and triangle are not aligned, turn yourself until they are
aligned and continue travelling in the corrected direction.