Scuba Diving Open Water 5

Question 1

What does 'positive buoyancy' mean for a diver at the surface?

Accepted Answer

The diver floats without effort

Answer

Positive buoyancy means the diver's overall density is less than water, causing them to float — the desired state at the surface for safety.

Question 2

Which environmental hazard should a diver be most cautious about when diving near a coral reef?

Accepted Answer

Accidentally touching or kicking fragile coral

Answer

Coral is extremely fragile and slow-growing; physical contact from fins, hands, or equipment can damage colonies that took decades to form.

Question 3

What is the recommended minimum surface interval between two recreational dives to reduce DCS risk?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes

Answer

Most recreational dive tables and computers recommend a minimum surface interval of at least one hour between dives, though the specific time varies based on depth and bottom time.

Question 4

What does 'skip breathing' mean and why is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Holding the breath to conserve air; risks lung overexpansion injury

Answer

Skip breathing (intentionally holding the breath to save air) violates the cardinal rule of scuba and risks pulmonary barotrauma from expanding gases during ascent.

Question 5

What type of dive site condition most increases the risk of a diver being swept away?

Accepted Answer

Strong tidal or rip currents

Answer

Strong tidal or rip currents can overpower even experienced swimmers, sweeping divers away from the dive site or their boat rapidly.

Scuba Diving Practice Test

Scuba Diving Practice Test

Scuba Diving Open Water 5