PADI Confined & Open Water Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student is practicing underwater communication and gives the 'problem' signal with a rocking hand motion. What should the buddy do first?
- Ascend immediately to the surface
- Establish eye contact, give the 'okay' query signal, and determine the nature of the problem (Correct answer)
- Hand over the alternate air source without hesitation
- Signal the instructor and surface
Correct answer: Establish eye contact, give the 'okay' query signal, and determine the nature of the problem
The 'problem' signal prompts the buddy to make eye contact and query the diver with the 'okay?' signal to identify the issue before taking action.
Question 2: During a simulated air depletion drill, the donor diver should position themselves relative to the out-of-air diver in which way?
- Directly below to push the diver upward
- Face-to-face, slightly to the side, maintaining eye contact (Correct answer)
- Behind the diver to control the ascent
- Perpendicular to the diver to avoid entanglement
Correct answer: Face-to-face, slightly to the side, maintaining eye contact
A face-to-face, slightly offset position allows the donor to maintain eye contact, monitor the out-of-air diver, and control the shared ascent.
Question 3: What is the recommended depth for the open water checkout dives for PADI Open Water Diver candidates?
- No deeper than 10 meters/30 feet
- No deeper than 12 meters/40 feet (Correct answer)
- No deeper than 18 meters/60 feet
- No deeper than 20 meters/66 feet
Correct answer: No deeper than 12 meters/40 feet
PADI Open Water Diver checkout dives are conducted to a maximum depth of 12 meters/40 feet during training.
Question 4: Which of the following is the correct order for the pre-dive safety check (BWRAF)?
- BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final check (Correct answer)
- Buoyancy, Water, Regulators, Air, Fins
- BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Fins
- Buoyancy, Weights, Releases, Alternate air source, Final check
Correct answer: BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final check
BWRAF stands for BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final check — the standard PADI pre-dive safety check sequence.
Question 5: When practicing a tired diver tow in open water, which tow method is recommended for a conscious, cooperative diver?
- Tank valve tow (Correct answer)
- Armpit tow
- Tired swimmer carry over one shoulder
- Ankle tow while swimming backward
Correct answer: Tank valve tow
The tank valve tow is efficient and stable for a conscious, cooperative diver, allowing the rescuer to maintain speed and control.
Question 6: A student fails to equalize during descent and signals pain. The correct immediate action is to:
- Ascend slightly until the pain subsides, then attempt equalization again before descending further (Correct answer)
- Continue descending slowly and equalize harder
- Abort the dive and surface immediately
- Pinch the nose harder and blow forcefully
Correct answer: Ascend slightly until the pain subsides, then attempt equalization again before descending further
Ascending a short distance relieves pressure on the middle ear and allows the Eustachian tubes to open so equalization can be reattempted safely.
Question 7: In confined water training, why is it important for students to practice weight removal and replacement underwater?
- To prepare for situations where weights may need to be ditched or adjusted during a dive (Correct answer)
- To improve overall swimming speed with less drag
- To fulfill a PADI requirement for pool certification only
- To demonstrate that the weight system fits correctly
Correct answer: To prepare for situations where weights may need to be ditched or adjusted during a dive
Practicing weight removal underwater builds the skill needed to ditch or reposition weights in an emergency or if buoyancy must be adjusted during a dive.
PADI Confined & Open Water Skills 3
A student is practicing underwater communication and gives the 'problem' signal with a rocking hand motion.
What should the buddy do first?