Scuba Equipment Assembly & Function Flashcards
7 cards from real PADI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Scuba Equipment Assembly & Function flashcards as text
When assembling scuba gear, at what point should the diver open the tank valve to check the system?
Answer: After attaching the regulator and routing all hoses
Open the valve after the regulator is attached and hoses are routed so you can safely check for leaks and verify pressure readings.
What does the term 'piston first stage' refer to in regulator design?
Answer: A first stage where a moving piston responds to pressure changes to deliver air
In a piston first stage, a moving piston opens and closes in response to downstream pressure, delivering intermediate-pressure air.
Why should a diver avoid storing a wetsuit in direct sunlight for extended periods?
Answer: UV exposure degrades neoprene, reducing insulation and flexibility
Ultraviolet radiation breaks down neoprene's cellular structure over time, shortening the wetsuit's thermal protection and lifespan.
What should a diver check on the SPG (submersible pressure gauge) before every dive?
Answer: That the needle reads the correct cylinder pressure and the lens is free of cracks
A cracked lens can implode under pressure, and an accurate reading confirms the cylinder is properly filled before the dive.
What is the consequence of assembling a regulator onto a cylinder with a missing or damaged O-ring?
Answer: Air will leak at the connection, potentially causing rapid pressure loss
The O-ring provides the pressure seal at the valve-regulator interface; a damaged or missing O-ring results in an air leak.
Which of the following best describes a 'balanced' regulator first stage?
Answer: It compensates for changes in tank pressure so breathing effort stays consistent
A balanced first stage maintains consistent intermediate pressure regardless of how full or empty the cylinder is, making breathing effort uniform throughout the dive.
A diver rinses the regulator after a saltwater dive. What part needs special care to avoid damage during rinsing?
Answer: The purge button — avoid pressing it while the dust cap is off and no tank is attached
Pressing the purge button without a pressurized tank attached draws water into the second stage, which can corrode internal components.