Taking an advanced diving class will help out A LOT. But just for the basics..
-Hold the compass flat (it will not read properly if it is held at an angle)
Look through the side window and take your bearing
(I always tell my students to write down the number that appears in the window that way they cant forget)
Still get lost?
Blame someone else
All else fails..... Get the underwater sonar (makes it fool proof)
Good luck