PADI Search & Recovery Diving 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Where should a diver position themselves relative to a heavy object being raised with a lift bag?
- Directly above the object to guide its ascent
- To the side and slightly below the object (Correct answer)
- Below the object to push it upward
- At the surface to manage the ascent line
Correct answer: To the side and slightly below the object
Positioning to the side and slightly below keeps the diver clear of the object's ascent path if the lift bag rises uncontrollably.
Question 2: What is the PADI-recommended primary method for inflating an open-bottom lift bag underwater?
- Connect a high-pressure hose directly from the first stage
- Use a dedicated small inflation cylinder carried separately
- Direct air from the second stage regulator into the bag's open bottom (Correct answer)
- Use the BCD low-pressure power inflator hose
Correct answer: Direct air from the second stage regulator into the bag's open bottom
PADI teaches inflating open-bottom lift bags by directing air from the second stage regulator (by purging or exhaling) into the bag's open bottom.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'spider' or 'octopus' rigging system in search and recovery?
- A multi-diver search pattern using lines radiating from a center point
- Multiple attachment lines from one lift bag to balance and level a large object (Correct answer)
- A knot system that secures multiple lift bags together in series
- A surface signal device that marks the search perimeter for boat traffic
Correct answer: Multiple attachment lines from one lift bag to balance and level a large object
A spider rig uses multiple lines connecting a single lift bag to several attachment points on an object, distributing weight evenly to keep it level during ascent.
Question 4: When rigging a heavy, irregularly shaped object for recovery, what is the PRIMARY concern?
- Completing the recovery as quickly as possible
- Minimizing the cost of rigging equipment used
- Ensuring the object is stable and securely attached to prevent slipping (Correct answer)
- Maximizing visibility for observers watching the recovery
Correct answer: Ensuring the object is stable and securely attached to prevent slipping
Heavy, irregular objects can shift or slip if improperly rigged, creating serious hazards for nearby divers and risking loss of the object.
Question 5: How should lift bag capacity be matched to the object being recovered?
- Always use the largest available lift bag to ensure sufficient buoyancy
- The lift bag capacity should closely match the object's submerged weight (Correct answer)
- Lift bag size only matters for objects exceeding 100 kg in air weight
- Multiple small lift bags should never be used together for a single object
Correct answer: The lift bag capacity should closely match the object's submerged weight
Matching lift bag capacity to the object's submerged weight gives divers control over the lift and prevents dangerous uncontrolled rapid ascents.
Question 6: What should a diver do if a lift bag begins ascending faster than anticipated during a recovery operation?
- Hold tightly onto the lift bag line to slow its ascent
- Cut the lift bag loose with a dive knife to stop it
- Release the line immediately and clear away from the object's path (Correct answer)
- Deflate the BCD and swim down to grab the object from below
Correct answer: Release the line immediately and clear away from the object's path
Holding onto a rapidly ascending lift bag could carry the diver to the surface dangerously fast; releasing the line and clearing the area protects the diver.
Question 7: In PADI Search and Recovery, what is the purpose of leaving a 'tag line' at a found object's location?
- To communicate depth and object weight information to the surface
- To guide divers back to the exact object location on subsequent dives (Correct answer)
- To attach a surface marker buoy as a warning for boat traffic
- To measure the distance between the object and the search anchor point
Correct answer: To guide divers back to the exact object location on subsequent dives
A tag line is left in place at the found object so the team can follow it back to the precise site after surfacing to prepare recovery equipment.
PADI Search & Recovery Diving 2
Where should a diver position themselves relative to a heavy object being raised with a lift bag?