How to Set Up and Use the Shearwater Swift GPS for Accurate Dive Location Logging
For divers who value precise record-keeping, Shearwater’s Swift GPS is a powerful upgrade to any air-integrated Shearwater dive computer. With it, you can automatically log accurate entry and exit coordinates, visualize your dives on a map, and keep a reliable record of exactly where each adventure took place.
This guide walks you through the full setup process and outlines how to get the strongest possible GPS signal before and after every dive—so your logs are always accurate.
What the Swift GPS Does
Swift GPS is a wireless air-integrated transmitter that adds a built-in GNSS receiver capable of capturing your dive location on the surface. It works with all Shearwater air-integrated computers and records:
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Entry coordinates (before descent)
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Exit coordinates (after surfacing)
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Mapped dive logs through the Dive Shearwater app
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Fully integrated gas-pressure data during your dive
GPS does not work underwater, so surface positioning is crucial. The key to accurate dive logging is making sure the transmitter gets a strong satellite fix just before descent and after surfacing.
Installing the Swift GPS
Setting up the Swift GPS is simple and tool-free:
1. Attach the transmitter to an HP port on your first-stage regulator.
2. Hand-tighten only—no wrenches or tools needed.
3. Ensure it’s mounted on the same side of your body as your dive computer to maintain the ~1 m (3 ft) transmission range.
4. If using an HP hose, confirm:
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The hose is rated to 300 bar / 4350 psi or higher
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A proper HP spool is installed
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The transmitter isn’t positioned behind obstructions
Once connected and pressurized, the Swift GPS automatically wakes up and begins broadcasting.
Preparing Your Dive Computer
Before heading out:
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Update your dive computer firmware.
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Ensure AI Mode is set to On + GPS.
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Pair your Swift GPS as you would any other Shearwater transmitter.
Check that your computer displays the GPS status indicator so you know when a valid fix is received.
How to Get the Best GPS Signal Before Your Dive
Getting a strong GNSS fix before entering the water is the most important step. Follow these best practices for reliable surface positioning:
1. Get an Unobstructed View of the Sky
Satellite signals require a clear view of the open sky. Avoid:
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Boat roofs or hard canopies
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Dense trees or cliffsides
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Tunnels, overhangs, and dock structures
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Being directly under metal frameworks
The more sky your transmitter “sees,” the quicker and more accurate the fix.
2. Understand the GPS Status Colors
Your dive computer will display GPS status as:
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Red – No satellites detected
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Yellow – Fix in progress
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Green (full border) – Valid location found
Only begin your descent when you see a full green border. With good sky conditions, this usually takes under one minute.
3. Avoid "Stale" Position Fixes
The Swift GPS may treat a location fix up to 30 minutes old as still valid. This can cause the system to log the wrong location—for example, the boat’s position from earlier, not your actual dive site.
To prevent old data from being used:
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Turn on your tank valve shortly before the dive
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Let the system pressurize
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Wait for a new green GPS fix
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Verify the timestamp on your dive computer’s location information screen
This ensures your entry point is accurate and current.
4. Activate Pressure and Let the System Sync
If your equipment has been sitting pressurized for awhile or maybe you had a long walk or surface swim to your entry point, try the following to acquire a new signal:
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Take a few breaths from your regulator
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Or purge it briefly
This small pressure fluctuation wakes the system fully and gives the transmitter and computer time to exchange fresh GPS data. Allow 10–15 seconds for this process.
During the Dive
Underwater, GNSS reception is not possible. During the dive:
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The Swift GPS functions as a normal air integration transmitter
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Gas pressure updates continue as usual
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GPS remains dormant until you return to the surface. This helps preserve the battery.
Capturing Accurate Exit Coordinates
Once you surface:
1. Keep the transmitter above the waterline.
2. Ensure it has a clear view of the sky
3. Wait for the GPS icon to turn green again.
4. Once the fix is captured, the exit point is logged automatically.
This is especially useful when you surface far from your entry point or drift on a dive with current.
Transferring Your Dive Log
After the dive:
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Use Bluetooth to connect your dive computer with the Dive Shearwater app and download your dives.
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Your map view will display pinpoints for:
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Entry coordinates
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Exit coordinates
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Site naming and notes
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All gas-pressure data, dive profile, and depth information are shown with the dive log as well.
This makes post-dive record-keeping effortless and accurate.
Common Mistakes That Affect GPS Accuracy
Avoid these for best results:
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Starting the dive indoors or under a canopy
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Descending before a valid fix is displayed
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Pressurizing your gear too early and relying on an outdated location
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Mounting the transmitter on the opposite side of your body from the dive computer
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Leaving the system pressurized for extended periods (unnecessary battery drain)
These are easy to avoid with a consistent pre-dive routine.
Quick Reference: Pre-Dive GPS Checklist
Here’s a rapid rundown you can use before every dive:
1. Install Swift GPS and pair it with your computer.
2. Make sure AI + GPS is enabled.
3. Check for clear sky view at the dive site.
4. Pressurize the system shortly before diving.
5. Purge or breathe from the regulator for 10–15 seconds.
6. Wait until GPS status is green.
7. Verify coordinates and timestamp.
8. Begin your descent only after a confirmed fix.
9. After surfacing, wait for a new green fix for your exit point.
Follow these simple steps and your dive logs will always show accurate, useful GPS data. For more tips including troubleshooting, FAQ, getting started video, and product manuals, please visit Swift GPS Support.
