Reading the sea: a skill of the experienced

Reading the sea is an art that requires years of patient observation, but its basics can be learned quickly.

Surface-water indicators

Wind and wave height
Wind determines wave height, but deep currents differ. A calm surface does not guarantee a calm bottom.

Water color
Dark blue water indicates great depth. Green indicates relative shallowness. Brown is a sign of sediment and a sandy bottom.

Foam and white lines
They indicate the direction of the surface current. Foam always travels with the current.

Indicators of deep currents

• Observing the movement of surface weeds and floating objects
• Asking local fishers about currents in the current season
• Observing the direction of coral growth; it always faces the feeding current

Reading the weather for the diver

• High atmospheric pressure means a calmer sea
• Northerly winds in the Gulf and on Saudi coasts usually mean higher waves
• Large clouds reduce the intensity of light underwater

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The sea speaks to anyone who listens. Learn its language and it will have fewer surprises and more enjoyment.