What is your best tip for underwater navigation on a dive?

Question

The couple of times I have been without a guide, I do not feel like I have a good sense of where I am, despite understanding how to read a compass.

Answer 1

also pay attention to your surroundings noting landmarks as you go.

I know people that will mark sandy bottoms as they go by dragging a fin every so often.

Answer 2

Practice on the skill you and your buddy have been taught.  Do triangles, squares and rectangles.

Dive your locations and know profiles.

Answer 3

Practice, Practice, Practice.

Practice on the ground with a compass.  Measure your paces.  Practice distances with walking.

Create a course for yourself and friends (at least a buddy) underwater.  Measure a distance and calculate your number of kicks from point to point.

Get accustomed to noticing your compass during your dives.  Take note of how current affects your movement from point to point.

Get comfortable using your compass when you don't really need it, so when you do need it in cloudy water or night diving, you'll be comfortable.

Answer 4

Have a good compass and know how to use it. Plan and know the dive site especially shore/boat direction. Descend and get your bering before continuing the dive. Keep a constant eye on your course. Find and locate points of reference, etc...