Free Scuba Diving Open Water Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Where would you carry an octopus as a backup air source?
- In a BCD pocket
- Clipped to your tank
- Dangling free
- attached in the triangle area between your chin and the corners of your rib cage (Correct answer)
Correct answer: attached in the triangle area between your chin and the corners of your rib cage
The 'octopus,' or secondary regulator, should be carried in the triangle area between your chin and the corners of your rib cage for immediate accessibility. This placement ensures that it is easily visible and can be quickly deployed by either the diver or a buddy in an emergency air-sharing situation. Quick access is crucial for safety during a dive.
Question 2: Decompression Sickness (DCS) is a condition that could be dangerous. What changes in the blood and tissues lead to DCS?
- Nitrogen Bubbles (Correct answer)
- Waste products
- Poisons
- None of the above
Correct answer: Nitrogen Bubbles
Decompression Sickness (DCS) is caused by nitrogen bubbles forming in the blood and tissues. During a dive, inert gases like nitrogen dissolve into the body under pressure. If a diver ascends too quickly, the rapid decrease in pressure causes these dissolved gases to come out of solution and form bubbles, which can obstruct blood flow and damage tissues.
Question 3: Sometimes what you see underwater appears _________ from what you would see on the surface.
- Larger and closer (Correct answer)
- Smaller and distant
- Distant and larger
- Closer and smaller
Correct answer: Larger and closer
Due to the refractive properties of water, objects underwater appear larger and closer than they actually are. Water causes light to bend differently than air, creating an optical illusion that magnifies and shortens distances. Divers must account for this effect to accurately judge distances and sizes underwater.
Question 4: A thing in water that doesn't float or sink is
- Negatively Buoyant
- Neutrally Buoyant (Correct answer)
- Partially Buoyant
- Positively Buoyant
Correct answer: Neutrally Buoyant
A thing in water that doesn't float or sink is neutrally buoyant. This state occurs when the buoyant force acting on an object is exactly equal to its weight, allowing it to remain suspended at a particular depth. Achieving neutral buoyancy is a fundamental skill for divers, enabling them to hover effortlessly and conserve energy.
Question 5: As a newly certified Open Water Diver, how deep can you dive?
- There is no limit
- 18 meters/60 feet (Correct answer)
- 30 meters/ 100 feet
- 40 meters/ 130 feet
Correct answer: 18 meters/60 feet
As a newly certified Open Water Diver, the maximum recommended depth limit is 18 meters (60 feet). This depth restriction is set by certifying agencies to ensure new divers gain experience and develop their skills within a safe and manageable environment. Deeper dives require additional training and advanced certifications.
Question 6: Back in the boat, you and your friend have exited the sea. Your friend passes out unexpectedly. What should you do right away?
- You must use a different breathing gas than air
- Triple all emergency decompression stops
- Don't do anything different. Altitude doesn't affect divers.
- You need to use special tables and procedures. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: You need to use special tables and procedures.
This answer, 'You need to use special tables and procedures,' refers to the specific protocols for altitude diving, not directly to a friend passing out. When diving at altitude (above 300 meters/1000 feet), the reduced atmospheric pressure affects nitrogen absorption and off-gassing, requiring divers to use specialized dive tables or computers adjusted for these conditions. Failing to do so significantly increases the risk of decompression sickness.
Question 7: How frequently should you visually inspect your scuba tank?
- It doesn't need to be inspected.
- At least once a year, more frequently if used often (Correct answer)
- Once every two years
- Once every five years
Correct answer: At least once a year, more frequently if used often
Scuba tanks should be visually inspected at least once a year, and more frequently if they are used often or stored in humid conditions. This inspection checks for internal and external corrosion, damage, or other defects that could compromise the tank's integrity. Regular inspections are crucial for ensuring the tank remains safe and preventing potential failures during a dive.
Free Scuba Diving Open Water Question and Answers
Where would you carry an octopus as a backup air source?