PADI Open Water Diver 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the function of a submersible pressure gauge (SPG)?
- Measures water depth in real time
- Shows how much air remains in the scuba cylinder (Correct answer)
- Monitors the diver's heart rate
- Tracks cumulative nitrogen absorption
Correct answer: Shows how much air remains in the scuba cylinder
The SPG displays the remaining cylinder pressure so the diver can monitor air supply throughout the dive.
Question 2: Which hand signal means 'go up' or 'ascend' when used underwater?
- Flat palm facing down, waved downward
- Index finger pointed upward
- Thumbs up (Correct answer)
- Circular motion with index finger
Correct answer: Thumbs up
The thumbs up signal is the universally recognized underwater sign to ascend or end the dive.
Question 3: What should a diver do if they lose sight of their buddy underwater?
- Immediately ascend to the surface and wait
- Search for one minute, then ascend slowly and meet at the surface (Correct answer)
- Blow the whistle on their BCD to signal
- Continue the dive alone for up to 10 minutes
Correct answer: Search for one minute, then ascend slowly and meet at the surface
PADI's buddy separation protocol is to search for approximately one minute, then slowly ascend and reunite at the surface.
Question 4: When is it most important to breathe continuously and never hold your breath while scuba diving?
- Only during the descent phase
- Only when swimming against a current
- At all times, especially during ascent, to avoid pulmonary barotrauma (Correct answer)
- Only when the regulator is freeflowing
Correct answer: At all times, especially during ascent, to avoid pulmonary barotrauma
Holding your breath while ascending can cause expanding air to rupture lung tissue (pulmonary barotrauma), so breathing continuously is essential at all times.
Question 5: What does negative buoyancy mean for a diver?
- The diver floats effortlessly at the surface
- The diver sinks because overall weight exceeds buoyancy force (Correct answer)
- The diver hovers motionless in the water column
- The diver rises uncontrollably toward the surface
Correct answer: The diver sinks because overall weight exceeds buoyancy force
Negative buoyancy means the diver is heavier than the water displaced, causing them to sink without actively swimming upward.
Question 6: What is the safest way to enter the water from a boat when wearing full scuba gear?
- Dive headfirst to minimize splash
- Giant stride entry with one hand holding mask and regulator (Correct answer)
- Remove the BCD and tank, then re-don them in the water
- Slide in backward while holding the ladder
Correct answer: Giant stride entry with one hand holding mask and regulator
The giant stride entry — stepping off with one large step while holding your mask and regulator — is a standard and safe boat entry technique.
Question 7: Which condition should lead a diver to cancel or postpone a planned dive?
- Water temperature below 25°C (77°F)
- Feeling congested or having difficulty equalizing on land (Correct answer)
- Visibility less than 15 meters (50 feet)
- Presence of other divers at the site
Correct answer: Feeling congested or having difficulty equalizing on land
Congestion or difficulty equalizing on land indicates potential for ear or sinus barotrauma during descent, making it unsafe to dive.
PADI Open Water Diver 5
What is the function of a submersible pressure gauge (SPG)?