How should divers approach the navigation around obstacles?

Remembering the heading around obstacles is essential for effective navigation during a dive. By taking note of the direction you need to swim to maneuver around an obstacle, divers can maintain their orientation and avoid losing their way. This technique helps to ensure that divers can safely navigate through complex environments, such as wrecks or reefs, where visibility can be limited, and getting disoriented can lead to safety issues.

Utilizing a mental note of the heading allows divers to establish a clear plan for their route, making it easier to return to specific points of interest or to safely exit the area. This practice also aids in maintaining awareness of one's surroundings, contributing to overall safety while underwater.

While varying navigation patterns or attempting to swim quickly might seem like viable strategies, they could potentially increase confusion or risk. Relying solely on visual cues can also be risky, especially in reduced visibility, which is why remembering the heading serves as a reliable method that complements other navigational techniques.