Translation guide
How to express the concept of navigating or finding one's way underwater in Japanese, from scuba diving to submarines.
The act of navigating or orienteering while submerged, typically using a compass and natural references.
Direct loanword phrase, widely understood in diving contexts. '水中' means 'underwater', 'ナビゲーション' is 'navigation'.
水中ナビゲーションの練習をしました。
We practiced underwater navigation.
Slightly more descriptive: 'navigation in/under water'. Natural in explanations.
水中でのナビゲーションは難しいです。
Underwater navigation is difficult.
Specifically 'underwater compass navigation', used in diving manuals.
水中コンパスナビゲーションをマスターする。
Master underwater compass navigation.
The process of plotting and controlling the course of a submarine or AUV.
Technical term for underwater navigation of vessels. '航法' means 'navigation method'.
潜水艦の水中航法には慣性航法装置が使われる。
Inertial navigation systems are used for submarine underwater navigation.
Also used for vehicles, though '航法' is more technical.
AUVの水中ナビゲーション技術が進歩している。
Underwater navigation technology for AUVs is advancing.
Competitive underwater navigation using compass and distance measurement.
The official name of the sport in Japan.
水中オリエンテーリングの大会に出た。
I participated in an underwater orienteering competition.
For casual diving talk, '水中ナビゲーション' is fine. In technical or military contexts, '水中航法' is more precise. For the sport, always use '水中オリエンテーリング'.