Compass and Accessories

An analogue compass is the navigation tool that needs no battery and no menu. We stock Suunto and Nautilus compasses in bungee, strap and console mounts, along with the mounting boots, retractors and spare parts that go with them. Which mount suits you depends on how the rest of your kit is set up, so come and try them if you are not sure.

Diver being shown how a Suunto Compass works

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Mount type is the real decision

Most of what is on this page is the same idea in a different holder. A bungee mount sits on the forearm over an exposure suit and is quick to bring in front of your mask. A strap mount does the same job with a conventional wrist strap. A console mount sits alongside your contents gauge, which keeps your wrist clear but means bringing the console up to read a bearing.

There is no universally right answer. It depends on your exposure suit, what else is already on your wrists, and which hand you want free. We stock all three, and it is far easier to judge with the kit in your hand.

Balancing zones and what NH means

The Earth's magnetic field dips at a different angle depending where in the world you are, so analogue compass cards are balanced for a particular zone. NH indicates a card balanced for the northern hemisphere, which is what you want for UK and European diving. A card balanced for the wrong zone can tilt or read sluggishly.

If you are buying with travel further afield in mind, check the manufacturer specification for the zone that model is balanced for before you order.

Reading the model names

Some models carry a degree figure in the name. On those it usually describes how far the compass can be tilted away from level and still read freely. It is a model characteristic rather than an industry standard, so check the manufacturer specification for the model you are looking at rather than comparing the figures across brands.

A compass alongside a computer

Many dive computers include a digital compass, and plenty of divers still carry an analogue one as well. The digital compass depends on battery and calibration; the analogue one has nothing to power and can be read at a glance. If you are doing navigation work, carrying both is not excessive. Which one you make primary is a matter for you and your training.

If you are not sure which compass or mount fits your setup, come in or get in touch and we will go through it with you.

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Frequently asked questions

A bungee mount sits on the forearm over an exposure suit and is quick to bring in front of you. A strap mount does the same job with a conventional wrist strap. A console mount puts the compass alongside your contents gauge instead.

It comes down to how the rest of your kit is set up and which hand you want free. We stock all three and can show you the difference in the shop.

The Earth's magnetic field dips at a different angle depending where in the world you are, so analogue compass cards are balanced for a particular zone. NH indicates a compass balanced for the northern hemisphere.

A compass balanced for the wrong zone can tilt or read sluggishly. If you dive mainly in the UK, a northern-hemisphere compass is the one you want. Check the manufacturer specification if you are buying for travel further afield.

On some models the degree figure describes how far the compass can be tilted away from level and still read freely.

It is a model characteristic rather than an industry standard, and it varies between manufacturers, so check the manufacturer specification for the compass you are considering rather than comparing the numbers across brands.

Plenty of divers carry both. A digital compass depends on the computer's battery and on being calibrated. An analogue compass has nothing to power and can be read at a glance.

If you are doing navigation work, or diving somewhere that getting the direction wrong would matter, a backup is worth having. Which one you make primary is between you and your training.