PADI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PADI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. To achieve neutral buoyancy, a diver adds or removes air from their Buoyancy Compensator (BC). This action directly applies which physical principle? → Archimedes' Principle
2. A diver in your group surfaces and immediately shows signs of arterial gas embolism (AGE). What is the Divemaster's immediate priority? → Administer 100% oxygen and arrange immediate evacuation to a recompression facility
3. Why is it important to add air to the BCD in small bursts rather than large continuous inflations? → To prevent sudden, rapid buoyancy changes that are difficult to control
4. What is the minimum number of logged dives required to complete the PADI Divemaster certification? → 60 dives
5. The main ocean currents move clockwise in the ______________ hemisphere and counterclockwise in the _____________ hemisphere. → Northern and Southern
6. Which PADI specialty teaches proper techniques for diving in freshwater caves and overhead environments up to a defined limit? → PADI Cavern Diver
7. What is the maximum depth limit for a PADI Deep Diver Specialty certification? → 130 feet / 40 meters
8. The PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) specialty primarily benefits divers by doing which of the following? → Extending no-decompression limits at shallower depths
9. When handling an unconscious diver on the surface, the main thing to remember is to: → Verify breathing
10. Which of the following is a fundamental rule for planning repetitive dives using the Recreational Dive Planner? → Each successive dive should be planned to a shallower depth than the previous dive.
11. During a dive, conditions are significantly worse than those described in the pre-dive briefing. What should the Divemaster do? → Signal all divers to abort the dive and surface to reassess conditions and safety
12. Unless specifically stated otherwise by law, I should remain within ___________ of my dive flag. → fifteen meters
13. A diver is having difficulty equalizing their ears during a rapid descent. To prevent a middle ear barotrauma, which is the most critical action to take? → Stop the descent, ascend slightly, and attempt to equalize again.
14. What is the maximum depth for any training dive conducted during a PADI Scuba Diver course? → 12 metres / 40 feet
15. Ocean currents are mostly caused by two key environmental factors: → The wind and rotation of Earth
16. What natural underwater feature can divers use to navigate parallel to shore? → Depth changes along a reef or slope
17. Which PADI specialty course is designed to teach divers the proper techniques for night diving? → PADI Night Diver
18. During a search for a missing diver, what is a primary responsibility of the rescue team before entering the water? → To assign roles and establish a clear underwater search pattern.
19. What is the primary focus of the knowledge development phase in the PADI Divemaster program? → Mastering dive theory, PADI standards, and professional conduct
20. What distinguishes a PADI Specialty Instructor from a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor? → Authorization to teach a specific specialty course
21. Which PADI program may a Divemaster conduct to introduce non-divers to snorkeling and skin diving? → PADI Skin Diver program
22. Which specialty certification is a prerequisite before enrolling in the PADI Divemaster program? → PADI Rescue Diver
23. A participant's RSTC Medical Statement reveals a condition that requires physician evaluation before diving. What must the Divemaster do? → Require written medical clearance from a physician before allowing participation
24. Which professional attribute most distinguishes an effective PADI Divemaster from an average one? → Proactively identifying and mitigating risks before they escalate into problems
25. Which natural navigation reference uses the position of the sun and wave surge patterns to determine direction? → Sun angle and surge direction
26. Which instrument is the primary tool used for underwater navigation without natural references? → Underwater compass
27. A diver who consistently sinks feet-first in the water likely has too much weight placed where? → On the weight belt at the hips or ankles
28. What is the correct method to check if a diver is wearing the proper amount of weight before a dive? → Float at the surface with a full breath, eyes at water level, and a nearly empty tank
29. Which of the following is the most effective and immediate field treatment for a diver exhibiting signs of Nitrogen Narcosis? → Ascending to a shallower depth.
30. According to the Recreational Dive Planner rules, which of the following situations requires a mandatory safety stop at 15 feet for 3 minutes? → A dive to 80 feet for 28 minutes.