{"title":"Technical Compasses","description":"\u003csection id=\"technical-compasses\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"font-size: 22px\"\u003eTechnical Compasses — Navigation That Doesn't Depend on Batteries\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwater navigation is one of the few dive skills where the low-tech tool is often the better tool. A digital compass built into a dive computer needs power, calibration, and a screen you can see; an analog compass needs none of those and responds instantly. When visibility drops to nothing in a silted-out wreck, when you're running a reel back to the line, or when your primary computer has quit and you still need to find the ascent line, a mechanical compass on your wrist is doing work nothing else can do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe compasses here are built for that job — large, high-contrast bearing indicators, luminescent cards that glow after charging under a torch, ratcheting bezels operable with thick gloves, and both top-reading and side-reading orientations so you can hold a heading without contorting your arm. At DiveCatalog.com, we carry these as an authorized dealer for every brand represented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px\"\u003eThe Technical Compass Range\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 17px\"\u003eOceanic Maxview Compass — Oversized Analog Readability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Maxview is engineered around clarity above all else. An oversized analog card carries a large, easy-to-read bearing indicator with a high-visibility lubber line and both direct and reciprocal index points — so your return heading is already marked rather than requiring mental arithmetic at depth. The OceanGlo® luminescent backing provides genuinely strong low-light visibility for night dives and deep water where ambient light has disappeared. A large ratcheting bezel supports top- or side-reading, and a durable rubber boot protects the instrument. Available in NH or SH configurations to match different hemispheres and wrist setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 17px\"\u003eOceanic Wrist Mount Swiv SH — Fast Response, Floating Card\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt around an extremely bright OceanGlo luminescent floating card that absorbs light and glows in low-visibility conditions. The swivel design delivers quick response and smooth card movement — important when you're turning to a new heading and need the card to settle rather than oscillate. Large, easy-to-read bearing indicators with top- or side-reading options and a high-visibility lubber line for straightforward course corrections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 17px\"\u003eMares Mission 1C — Compact Precision\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wrist-mounted compass designed for both front and side reading, giving clear orientation at a glance regardless of how your arm is positioned. Scratch-resistant polycarbonate protects the face through demanding dive conditions, and the soft ergonomic strap in high-resistance technopolymer holds a secure, comfortable fit without the bulk of a heavier mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px\"\u003eKey Compass Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSide-reading capability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lets you sight along the compass while holding your arm out in a natural swimming position, rather than rotating your wrist upward and losing your body alignment — which is exactly how divers introduce heading error.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLubber line:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fixed reference line marking your direction of travel. A high-visibility lubber line is what turns a compass from a direction indicator into a usable navigation tool.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReciprocal index points:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mark your return heading (180° from outbound) at the same time as your outbound bearing, so the way back is already set before you leave.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLuminescent cards:\u003c\/strong\u003e OceanGlo® and similar treatments charge under torch or ambient light and stay readable when your primary light is aimed elsewhere — or has failed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRatcheting bezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clicks positively so you can set and feel a bearing with thick gloves, and won't drift off your set heading if bumped.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNorthern vs. Southern Hemisphere (NH\/SH):\u003c\/strong\u003e Compass cards are balanced for magnetic dip, which differs by hemisphere. A card balanced for the wrong hemisphere will tilt and stick.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast card settling:\u003c\/strong\u003e A card that oscillates after a turn costs time and accuracy. Swivel and floating-card designs settle quickly onto a heading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px\"\u003eChoosing Your Compass\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDiver Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended Compass\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eKey Reason\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDivers who want maximum readability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOceanic Maxview\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOversized card, direct and reciprocal index points, OceanGlo® backing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNight and low-visibility divers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOceanic Wrist Mount Swiv SH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExtremely bright luminescent floating card; fast settling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDivers wanting a compact, low-bulk mount\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMares Mission 1C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFront and side reading; scratch-resistant polycarbonate; soft ergonomic strap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDivers needing a backup to a computer compass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAny analog wrist compass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo battery, no calibration, instant response regardless of electronics status\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px\"\u003eMaintenance \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRinse in fresh water after every saltwater dive and dry before storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck for bubbles inside the capsule — a bubble indicates a seal failure and means the card will not read accurately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep away from strong magnets and magnetized tools, which can degrade or reverse card polarity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInspect the bezel for grit and rinse until it ratchets cleanly; a gritty bezel will drift off a set heading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerify against a known bearing periodically, and re-check after any hard impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore away from direct sunlight to protect the luminescent card and prevent lens hazing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px\"\u003eWhy Buy Technical Compasses from DiveCatalog.com?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthorized dealer\u003c\/strong\u003e for Oceanic and Mares — genuine products, full manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNH and SH options\u003c\/strong\u003e — correctly balanced cards for the hemisphere you dive in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpert advice\u003c\/strong\u003e — our team can help you choose a compass and mounting option for your configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e — in-stock items ship within one business day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRewards program\u003c\/strong\u003e — earn points on every purchase\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 17px\"\u003eWhy carry an analog compass if my dive computer has a digital one?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDifferent failure modes and faster response. A digital compass depends on battery power, periodic calibration, and a readable screen. An analog compass needs none of these and responds instantly to a turn without lag. In technical diving, carrying navigation that fails differently from your primary instrument is standard practice, not redundancy for its own sake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 17px\"\u003eWhat is the difference between NH and SH compasses?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarth's magnetic field angles into the ground at different inclinations depending on hemisphere, pulling one end of a compass card downward. Cards are counterweighted to compensate — a Northern Hemisphere card in southern waters (or vice versa) will tilt and bind against the capsule, sticking or reading inaccurately. Match the card to where you actually dive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 17px\"\u003eWhat is side-reading and why does it matter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSide-reading lets you sight along the compass with your arm extended in a natural swimming position. The alternative — rotating your wrist to read the face from above — tends to twist your body off the heading you're trying to hold, which is a common source of navigation error. Every compass in this collection supports side-reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 17px\"\u003eWhat is a reciprocal heading?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heading 180° opposite your outbound course — the direction back to where you started. Compasses with reciprocal index points let you set both at once before you leave, so your return bearing is marked rather than calculated in your head at depth with a task load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 17px\"\u003eThere's a bubble in my compass. Is that a problem?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A bubble means the capsule seal has failed and fluid has escaped. The card can no longer move and settle correctly, so bearings will be unreliable. A compass with a bubble should be replaced rather than dived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 17px\"\u003eCan I mount a wrist compass somewhere other than my wrist?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften yes — many divers mount compasses on a retractor, a console, or a bungee wrist mount alongside a computer. Console-mounted compasses are also available in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/gauge-triple\"\u003etriple gauge consoles\u003c\/a\u003e. Contact us if you want help configuring a specific mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse the full technical compass collection above, or see all \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/gauges\"\u003eTechnical Gauges\u003c\/a\u003e. Reach out if you'd like help choosing the right compass and hemisphere configuration for your diving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"oceanic-wrist-mount-swiv-sh-wrist-compass","title":"Oceanic Wrist Mount Swiv SH Wrist Compass","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor scuba and diving navigation, the Oceanic Wrist Mount Swiv SH Wrist Compass provides reliable underwater orientation. Large, easy-to-read bearing indicators sit on an extremely bright OceanGlo luminescent floating card that absorbs light and glows for visibility in low-visibility conditions, helping divers maintain bearings with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe wrist-mount swiv SH design delivers quick response and smooth movement, with top- or side-reading options and a high-visibility lubber line to simplify course adjustments. This compass is integrated into your diver gear for practical, on-the-fly navigation during dives.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oceanic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40366853718216,"sku":"04.1056","price":84.96,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/3810\/0851\/products\/oceanic-wrist-mount-swiv-sh-wrist-compass.png?v=1662683610"},{"product_id":"oceanic-maxview-compass-wrist","title":"Oceanic Maxview Compass - Wrist","description":"\u003cp\u003eNavigate with precision underwater using the Oceanic Maxview Compass – Wrist. This oversized analog compass is engineered for clarity, durability, and reliability, supporting accurate underwater navigation for \u003cb\u003escuba\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003ediving\u003c\/b\u003e gear. The OceanGlo® luminescent backing provides superior low-light visibility, helping divers maintain clear bearings during night dives and deep-water exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned for wrist-mount use, the Maxview offers a practical balance of performance and durability. It features a large, easy-to-read bearing indicator, a high-visibility lubber line, and both direct and reciprocal index points for reliable navigation. The large ratcheting bezel supports top- or side-reading, and the durable rubber boot protects the instrument for service and modularity needs. Available in NH or SH to fit different wrist configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oceanic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46230715859165,"sku":"04.1984","price":95.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/3810\/0851\/files\/oceanic-maxview-compass-wrist.png?v=1743771761"},{"product_id":"mares-instrument-mission-1c-wrist-compass","title":"Mares Instrument Mission 1C Wrist Compass","description":"\u003cp\u003ePrecision Navigation. Built to Last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wrist-mounted diving compass is designed for both front and side reading, providing clear orientation at a glance. Protected by scratch-resistant polycarbonate, it’s made to withstand demanding dive conditions. The soft, ergonomic strap in high-resistance technopolymer ensures a secure, comfortable fit on every dive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mares","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47539505135837,"sku":"414404NO","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/3810\/0851\/files\/1593145.jpg?v=1772564292"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/3810\/0851\/collections\/oceanic-compass.jpg?v=1787079992","url":"https:\/\/divecatalog.com\/collections\/compasses.oembed","provider":"DiveCatalog.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}