Diving Theory & Safety Flashcards

What is the recommended action if a diver becomes negatively buoyant and begins sinking uncontrollably?

Answer: Drop the weight belt and inflate the BCD

Dropping the weight belt instantly reduces negative buoyancy and combined with BCD inflation allows rapid controlled ascent.

How does water temperature affect a diver's gas consumption?

Answer: Cold water increases consumption due to shivering and greater effort

Cold water increases gas consumption because the body works harder to stay warm through shivering and heat production.

A diver's mask floods during a dive. The correct technique to clear it is to:

Answer: Tilt the head back and exhale through the nose while pressing the top of the mask

Tilting the head back and exhaling through the nose creates positive pressure that expels water out through the bottom of the mask skirt.

What is the PADI recommended maximum depth for recreational divers using air?

Answer: 40 meters (130 feet)

PADI sets the recreational diving limit at 40 meters (130 feet) for qualified Open Water divers using air.

Which hand signal indicates 'I am OK' when used underwater between buddy pairs?

Answer: A circle formed with thumb and index finger (OK sign)

The OK signal underwater is the circle formed with thumb and index finger; thumbs up means 'ascend' or 'end the dive'.

A diver with a dive computer showing 'deco' on the display should:

Answer: Perform the required decompression stop(s) before surfacing

A 'deco' indication means mandatory decompression stops are required; the diver must complete them at the indicated depth before surfacing.

What is the primary reason PADI recommends diving with a buddy?

Answer: To assist in an emergency and provide mutual safety

The buddy system provides mutual assistance and emergency response capability, dramatically improving diver safety in critical situations.