An Idea (V.)

Core of the idea is to have an underwater compass along, but not necessarily on the wrist. Diver's hands and arms should be kept as uncluttered as can be. ...
Read more

Core of the idea is to have an underwater compass along, but not necessarily on the wrist. Diver's hands and arms should be kept as uncluttered as can be. That's why I use a retractor.

It is a small retractable gear tether used to secure keys or tools so as not to lose them. Now my wrist compass is fixed to the end of the retractor's Kevlar string. The spring-loaded spool itself can be attached anywhere it can be easily reached, like to the airtank harness or a BCD jacket,

Just pull out the compass on the string when you need it,
Open your hand, and it zips back to its stand-by position.

The only thing I've removed in this first version is the original stainless steel end loop. Now the compass magnet is not influenced by it, and this arrangement works just fine!

There are underwater compasses with built-in retractors, but if you already have a compass, an adaptation might save you some money.
Read less