PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors Confined & Open Water Skills Questions and Answers

Question 1

During an ascent, a diver fine-tunes their buoyancy primarily with their lungs. What is the correct technique to do this while maintaining a controlled ascent rate?

Accepted Answer

Exhale fully to descend slightly and inhale fully to rise slightly.

Answer

Proper buoyancy control during ascent involves using your lungs. By breathing in a slow, relaxed manner, a diver can make small adjustments to their buoyancy. Inhaling deeply will cause a slight rise, and exhaling fully will cause a slight descent, allowing for fine-tuned control without relying solely on the BCD.

Question 2

You are performing a Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA) from a depth of 9 meters/30 feet. Which of the following actions is critical for preventing a lung-overexpansion injury?

Accepted Answer

Making a continuous 'ahhh' sound throughout the ascent.

Answer

During a CESA, the diver is ascending without breathing from scuba. As they ascend, the air in their lungs expands due to decreasing ambient pressure. To prevent a lung-overexpansion injury, it is crucial to release this expanding air by exhaling continuously. Making a continuous sound, like 'ahhh', ensures the airway remains open and air is constantly escaping.

Question 3

A diver signals that they are out of air. You are the donor. After presenting your alternate air source and seeing them begin to breathe, what is the next critical step for both divers to maintain control and prepare for ascent?

Accepted Answer

Signal 'OK' and then 'up' while establishing and maintaining physical contact.

Answer

After establishing a stable breathing pattern on the alternate air source, the divers must communicate their intentions. The standard procedure is to signal 'OK' to confirm the situation is under control, then signal 'up' to begin the ascent. Establishing and maintaining physical contact (like a 'Roman handshake' grip) is vital for control and communication during the shared ascent.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key performance requirement for the PADI skill of hovering, demonstrating mastery of buoyancy control?

Accepted Answer

Achieving neutral buoyancy by rising and falling gently with each breath for at least 30 seconds.

Answer

The skill of hovering demonstrates fine buoyancy control. A key component is using lung volume to make minor adjustments. The diver should be able to remain at a constant depth, rising slightly on inhalation and falling slightly on exhalation, for a sustained period (PADI requires at least 30 seconds) without needing to kick or use their hands.

Question 5

When performing the five-point descent, what is the correct sequence of the first three steps before you begin to deflate your BCD?

Accepted Answer

Signal, Orientate, Regulator in

Answer

The PADI five-point descent follows a specific sequence for safety and control. The first three steps are: 1) Signal to your buddy that you are ready to descend. 2) Orient yourself to your surroundings and the descent line/area. 3) Switch from your snorkel to your regulator. Only after these steps do you check your time and then deflate your BCD to begin the descent.

PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors Practice Test

PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors Practice Test

PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors Confined & Open Water Skills Questions and Answers