Sea reading: a skill for the seasoned

Sea reading is an art that requires years of patient observation, but its basics can be learned quickly.

Water surface indicators

Wind and wave height
Wind determines the height of waves, but deeper currents vary. A calm surface does not guarantee a calm bottom.

Water Color
Dark blue water indicates great depth. Green indicates relative shallowness. Brown is evidence of sediments and sandy bottom.

Foam and white lines
indicate the direction of the surface current. Foam always goes with the flow.

Deep current indicators

• Observing the movement of surface weeds and floating floaters
• Ask local fishermen about the currents in the current season
• Note the direction of coral growth, as it always faces the nutrient current

Reading the weather for a diver

• Higher atmospheric pressure means calmer seas
• Northern winds in the Gulf and the coast of Saudi Arabia usually mean higher waves
• Large clouds dampen underwater light

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The sea speaks to whoever listens. Learn his language and it will be less surprises and more fun.