PADI Dive Planning and Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When planning a multi-level dive, which sequence of depth profiles is safest to follow?
- Shallow first, then progressively deeper
- Deepest portion first, then progressively shallower (Correct answer)
- Alternating deep and shallow segments equally
- Depth sequence does not matter if total bottom time is within limits
Correct answer: Deepest portion first, then progressively shallower
PADI recommends the 'reverse profile' warning: you should dive deepest first and ascend progressively shallower to allow nitrogen off-gassing and reduce DCS risk.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a pre-dive safety check (BWRAF)?
- To log the dive for certification records
- To verify equipment is correctly configured and functioning before entering the water (Correct answer)
- To calculate surface interval requirements
- To assess underwater visibility conditions
Correct answer: To verify equipment is correctly configured and functioning before entering the water
BWRAF (BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final OK) ensures all equipment is properly set up and working before the dive begins.
Question 3: A dive group is planning a shore dive at an unfamiliar site. What is the FIRST step in site assessment?
- Enter the water and scout the area
- Check local dive charts, guidebooks, or consult local dive operators (Correct answer)
- Set up equipment and wait for conditions to improve
- Determine maximum depth using a dive computer
Correct answer: Check local dive charts, guidebooks, or consult local dive operators
Researching the site through charts, local knowledge, and dive operator briefings is the essential first step before entering an unfamiliar dive site.
Question 4: Which factor most directly determines the maximum allowable bottom time on a repetitive dive?
- Water temperature at depth
- Residual nitrogen from previous dives (Correct answer)
- Current speed at the dive site
- Tank pressure remaining from the first dive
Correct answer: Residual nitrogen from previous dives
Residual nitrogen carried from previous dives reduces the allowable bottom time on subsequent dives to avoid exceeding no-decompression limits.
Question 5: What does the term 'surface interval' refer to in dive planning?
- The time spent on the surface before the first dive of the day
- The rest period between dives that allows nitrogen to off-gas (Correct answer)
- The distance traveled on the surface between dive sites
- The time needed to set up equipment between dives
Correct answer: The rest period between dives that allows nitrogen to off-gas
A surface interval is the time spent on the surface between dives, during which the body off-gases residual nitrogen, affecting repetitive dive limits.
Question 6: During dive planning, which condition would most likely cause a dive leader to postpone a planned deep dive?
- Water temperature of 75°F (24°C)
- Surge and surge-driven currents exceeding diver ability (Correct answer)
- Visibility of 60 feet (18 meters)
- A group of four divers instead of six
Correct answer: Surge and surge-driven currents exceeding diver ability
Strong surge and currents beyond diver competency create significant safety risks, making postponement the responsible decision.
Question 7: When using the PADI Recreational Dive Planner (RDP), what does the 'pressure group' letter indicate?
- The tank pressure remaining at the end of a dive
- The amount of residual nitrogen in a diver's tissues (Correct answer)
- The water pressure at the planned maximum depth
- The group size limit for the planned dive
Correct answer: The amount of residual nitrogen in a diver's tissues
The pressure group letter on the RDP represents the amount of residual nitrogen remaining in a diver's tissues after a dive.
PADI Dive Planning and Management 2
When planning a multi-level dive, which sequence of depth profiles is safest to follow?