Category: PADI Open Water Diver Course

​PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1 is explained on this page to help you understand the PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 1 Answers. 

​Are you excited to go Scuba Diving and get your PADI Open Water Diver certification? Your course is not that hard and there will be lots of fantastic scuba diving involved. ​​

However, we do need to learn some basic dive theory from the manual with the knowledge review questions. This is for most people not the most exciting part of the PADI Open Water Diver Course, but it is necessary to help you safely enjoy scuba diving.

Here I will explain all the PADI Open Water Diver Course Manual Answers Chapter 1 to help you easily understand all the PADI Open Water Knowledge Review Questions and to get you ready for your scuba diving certification. 

Question 1 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

Question 1: Pressure, Volume, and Density in Scuba Diving.

​When going scuba diving underwater we will be exposed to more surrounding pressure than when we are on land. 

On land, we have the air pressure surrounding us which is 1 bar/ata of pressure at the surface. For every 10 meters, underwater the pressure increases by 1 bar/ata.

At 10 meters we will have 1 bar/ata of water pressure surrounding us, but then we have to add the 1 bar/ata from the surface which gives us 2 bar/ata at 10 meters of depth.

COULDN’T ADD BUY ME A COFFEE LINK

​At 30 meters we have 3 bar/ata of water surrounding us and with the extra 1 bar/ata from the surface, we have 4 bar/ata. An easy way to calculate this is by using this formula: Depth / 10 + 1 =

Because the pressure increase it will also increase the density of any air that we have underwater. The density increase is easily found as it is the same number as the bar/ata. So, at 30 meters we have 4 bar/ata which means we have 4 times more density.

Question 2 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

Question 2: Different ways of equalizing your ears.​

Like we just discussed in question 1, when we are going underwater we increase the pressure surrounding us. We don’t feel that on most parts of our body except for where we have some air spaces inside our body.​

These air spaces are located in your sinuses, eustachian tubes connecting your ears and your lungs. In all these air spaces we need to equalize the pressure before we feel discomfort.

​The first effect of the increase of pressure you feel on your ears. This is because when we descent water will flow into your ears and put pressure on your eardrums. You can easily counter that by or blocking your nose and attempt to gently blow through it or swallow and wiggle your jaw from side to side. These are most common way to equalize your ears when scuba diving.

To block your nose, you gently squeeze it with your fingers, hold it close. Then gently try to breathe out while also keeping your mouth closed. Now the air cannot escape through your mouth and your nose which will redirect it through your Eustachian Tubes and put pressure can on the other side of your eardrums, equalizing your ears.

If that doesn’t work well or if you want to use it together you can use another equalizing technique which is wiggling your jaw from side to side. This causes your sinuses and Eustachian tubes to stretch creating a pressure difference that also equalizes the ears. Most people prefer to use the first answer: a, but some like b or use both. 

Give it a try and see what works best for you, but whatever you do, always equalize gently and never forcefully.

Question 3 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 1 Answers

Question 3: What to do when you are having trouble equalizing your ears?When you descent too fast without equalizing on time, you might risk a squeeze. Most of the time this happens when you might get excited to go down to see the reef or when you are trying to keep up with others who are decanting fast. 

We recommend you to always slowly decent and equalize often. When you decent too fast and don’t equalize on time you start feeling discomfort because there is too much pressure on your eardrum. This pressure might become so high that you can’t equalize your ears anymore.

​This is easily solved by slowly ascending a bit and try to equalize your ears again. By going up a bit you reduce the pressure on your eardrum, making it easy to equalize again. If it doesn’t work, then slowly go up a bit more and try again. 

You don’t have to go back up to the surface, usually ascending a little bit is enough. However, if in the unlucky event it doesn’t work, then of course you can always go back up to the surface. Just make sure you go with your Scuba Diving Instructor or/and your buddy and ascent slowly. This is rare as normally ascending a little bit and equalizing again works wonders!

Question 4 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

Question 4: When should you equalize your ears?

The reason why scuba divers feel discomfort or pain in their ears is because they descent too fast without equalizing on time. It is therefore important to equalize early and often. 

Some people say you should equalize every meter or so, I recommend equalizing your ears all the time, this way you should never feel discomfort. 

Question 5 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

​Question 5: Can you Scuba Dive with a cold?

People with a cold usually have congestion forming in their sinuses and other air spaces. This congestion can block the airflow in your sinuses and eustachian tubes, making it hard or even impossible to equalize your ears.

Some scuba divers use anti congestion medication to be able to scuba dive. This is bad and you should never do this. Depending on the person and the conditions medication can wear off, be less effective, or cause side effects under pressure. This can cause serious problems underwater.

​Don’t scuba dive if you have or suspect a cold. Just stay home, rest and drink lots of water and then go scuba diving when you are fit and healthy again.

Question 6 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 1 Answers

Question 6: What is the most important rule in scuba diving?Same as our ears we also have to equalize our lungs while scuba diving. If we don’t then on the ascent we risk lung overextension injury. This is a serious condition that can be life-threatening.

​If we hold our breath on the ascent, we trap the air in our lungs and that starts expanding as we move from high to low pressure, to the point it can damage our lungs. 

The good news is that we can easily solve this by doing nothing special other than breathing. When you scuba dive you should always breathe continuously and never hold your breath to let air escape from your lungs at any time, but especially during ascent.

Question 7 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

Question 7: What can happen when you hold your breath during scuba diving?

If you hold your breath on the ascent while scuba diving you can rupture your lungs as expanding air cannot escape. When you ascend you move from high surrounding pressure to low pressure. This causes air from your lungs to expand. 

This is not a problem if you breathe continuously, but if you hold your breath you trap the air in your lungs, and on the ascent, it can expand to a volume that can cause serious lung overexpansion (lung rupture) injuries. 

Question 8 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

Question 8: Feeling discomfort in your sinuses when ascending.

Feeling discomfort in a body air space while ascending is called a reverse block. You will feel this in your sinuses and ears. This is the opposite of a squeeze. When we experience a squeeze we ascent a bit to solve it but with a reverse block we decent a bit.

This will cause the trapped air to become smaller, which makes you feel better. Then you should ascent again, but this time much slower. This will slowly expend the trapped air until it squeezes out of your airways. When that happens it gives you a relieving feeling.

​Reverse blocks are usually caused by narrow airways or if you have congestion inside your sinuses. It is best to visit a physician after a reverse block and let him/her decide when you can continue scuba diving again.

If the solution to stop, descend slightly and give trapped air time to work its way out doesn’t work, then a great other trick is to decent a bit and then blow your nose underwater to remove any congestion you might have. Do not take your mask off, leave it on and just blow your nose in your scuba mask and clear it the same way you clear water from your mask.

Question 9 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 1 Answers

Question 9: Why do you use more air when you dive deeper?

We use our air faster the deeper we dive. This is because of the increase in pressure. How much faster we use our air relates to the bar/ata. At 10 meters we use twice as much air as at the surface as the pressure doubles from 1 bar to 2 bar.

​At 20 meters we use 3 times more air than on the surface because the pressure at 20 meters is 3 bar and so on. For this reason, our air supply will be shorter at 18 meters than at 10 meters.

Question 10 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

Question 10: What to do when you get overexerted underwater because of swimming too fast?

This is a very important question to understand as many problems can follow overexertion underwater. Same as on land we get overexerted when we move too much.

Underwater this happens faster because of the resistance of the water (it is harder to move through water). The more we use energy the more we tend to breathe. This can lead to hyperventilation.

​Underwater it is harder to exhale our carbon dioxide because of the pressure and dead airspaces. A build-up of carbon dioxide triggers more shallow breathing, leading to hyperventilation, followed by panic because you feel that you can’t get enough air.

You can easily solve this while scuba diving by stopping all of your activity, rest and take long slow deep breaths. Even better is to prevent this from happening by always moving as slow as possible when you scuba dive.

Question 11 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

Question 11: Why are objects more buoyant in salt water than in freshwater?

An object is neutrally buoyant when it displaces the same weight of water as the weight of the object. 1 Litre of freshwater weighs 1 Kilo. For example, if an object weighs 10 kilograms and displaces 10 liters of freshwater it will be neutrally buoyant.

​If we now place the same object in saltwater it will float. This is because saltwater weighs more than freshwater as it is denser (it has salt in it). The object will still displace the same amount of water, but that amount of water now weighs more than the object and that will cause the object to float.

Question 12 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 1 Answers

Question 12: What are the benefits of a buddy system?

With the proper course like the self-reliant diver specialty, you can scuba dive by yourself under certain conditions. We however always recommend you to scuba dive with a buddy, especially without the proper training.

​Scuba Diving with a buddy is always safer than diving alone. You can do a buddy check before the dive, help each other with practicalities like carrying dive equipment and your buddy can help you in the unlikely event you have an emergency while scuba diving. 

On top of that, it is way more fun to scuba dive with a buddy as you can show each other awesome marine life underwater and you can talk about your scuba diving adventures after the dive.

Question 13 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

Question 13: What to think of when buying scuba equipment?

I know that we all love brands and designs of products, and I admit it can be a deciding factor what scuba gear to buy. However, suitability, fit, and comfort are more important factors to consider when choosing your scuba gear.

First of all, you want to make sure the dive equipment is suitable for the type of water and conditions you will be diving in. For example, you probably choose a thicker wetsuit if you decide to dive in colder water.

​Fit is also important as I remembered a long time ago that I fell in love with a specific mask, it looked amazing, soft latex seal, great vision, etc. But in the end, it just didn’t fit my face which is super important in a scuba mask. Therefore I choose another mask that fit me much better.

Besides suitability and fit, comfort is also a very important consideration when choosing any piece of scuba gear. In the end, we want to have fun and the more comfortable your diving equipment is, the more you enjoy the dive. On top of that comfort can also help your scuba diving skills. For example, a comfortable BCD will help to control your buoyancy.

Question 14 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

Question 14: What should you do when your scuba gear is broken?

It is very important and you want to make sure that your scuba gear and especially your regulator are in great condition when scuba diving. This is one of the reasons why we always check our dive equipment by ourselves and later again with a buddy before every dive.

​Always read your manufactures manual on how often you should inspect and service your regulator and other scuba gear with a licensed scuba technician. Even if nothing is wrong with it, you should still service your dive equipment regularly.

Learn more on how to assemble your scuba dive equipment

Question 15 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 1 Answers

Question 15: Can you use a DIN first stage in a yoke valve?

Yes, you can use a DIN regulator on a yoke cylinder valve by using an adaptor. Not many dive shops have these adaptors for rent. So I recommend you to purchase one and bring it with you on your diving travels.

Question 16 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1

Question 16: Why is it important to have good buoyancy while scuba diving?

Buoyancy control is one of the most important things to master when scuba diving. Adjusting your buoyancy is not easy for beginner scuba divers, but after some practice, it will become second nature.

​You can compare learning buoyancy controls the same as learning how to ride a bicycle or car. In the beginning, it feels impossible to master, but after some time passed you hardly think about it.

We mainly like to use our lungs for buoyancy control. By breathing in you expand your lung, displacing more water which makes you rise(ascent) a bit. Exhaling will deflate your lungs, displacing less water which in turn makes you fall(descent) a bit. By breathing normally you should stay in one place, hover and achieve neutral buoyancy.

​If you can’t control your buoyancy with your lungs then you can also use your BCD for buoyancy control by adding or releasing a bit of air from it.

Always review your PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1 with a certified PADI Diving Instructor and PADI Dive Shop during your PADI Open Water Diver Course. Read full disclaimer here.

Continue to PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

​PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2 explained in detail to help you prepare for the course and understand the PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 2 Answers. 

In PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2 we focus on more general scuba diving tips for beginners. In chapter 2 we cover refraction, temperature, the buddy system, and more air consumption theory.

After understanding the PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 2 Answers you are another step closer to your scuba diving certification.

Question 1 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 1: What happens to color underwater?

Water absorbs color and red is the first color that gets affected by this. This doesn’t mean that you won’t see a beautiful colorful reef on your dives, but it might be a bit less colorful than when you snorkel in shallow water or have seen on documentaries( as they use underwater lights).

Objects also appear larger and closer to you underwater. This has to do with light traveling through different mediums like water and air and vice versa. We call this refraction. For this reason, you might think that a fish is big during the dive, but in reality, it is a bit smaller.

Question 2 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 2: Why should you move slowly underwater?

It is harder to move through water than through air as water is denser than air. For this reason, we can get overexerted much quicker while scuba diving. To prevent this we want to make sure that we swim in a horizontal position(trim).

​We also want to make sure that we are streamlined by attaching our dive equipment as close as possible to our body and keep our arms locked together or next to our body. We only use our legs to swim, so try not to use your arms when scuba diving.

On top of that, it is important to always swim slowly and steadily while scuba diving to conserve energy and air. The slower you move the more things you can see, and you will love your dives a lot more.

Question 3 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 2 Answers

Question 3: What to do when you get cold while scuba diving?

In water, we lose heat a lot faster than in air. While on land a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius is pleasant, you will find out that scuba diving in 24 degrees gets cold quickly.

You can prevent getting cold underwater by wearing a wetsuit or drysuit. The thickness depends on the temperature of the water and your tolerance level.

​If you do get cold and start shivering underwater then signal your buddy, slowly ascent, and exit the water immediately to prevent hypothermia.

Question 4 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 4: What should you do when you get overexerted underwater?

Like we discussed in the PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 1 you can get quickly overexerted in water when you move too much. 

This is because water is much denser than air and we are under pressure. It is very important to take slow deep breaths in and out to prevent a build-up of carbon dioxide.

​If you did move too much and you feel that you can’t get enough air you should stop all activity, signal your buddy, and rest. The good news is that when you rest you will recover quickly and in most cases, you can continue the dive. Try to avoid sting currents unless you have completed a drift diving course.

Question 5 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 5: What to do when you get separated from your buddy?

It is important to stay close to your buddy at all times. In the unlikely event you might get separated you can search for your buddy for no more than a minute. If you can’t find your buddy you should slowly surface and reunite.

Question 6 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 2 Answers

Question 6: Why is a buddy system important while scuba diving?

Buddy separation can occur because of various reasons. The most common reasons are: One buddy swims too fast without checking enough, using underwater cameras, chasing fish, or getting caught in currents.

Even if you dive with a buddy that doesn’t pay enough attention, it is still your responsibility to stay close to your buddy and remind them to stay close. Try and get the hang of asking if your buddy is ok every few minutes, check each other’s air regularly and keep a close eye on each other at all times.

Question 7 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 7: How to plan your dive based on air consumption?

​You should use the rule of thirds

Question 8 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 8: What should you do when your fin strap gets loose while swimming on the surface?

Keeping your regulator in and mask on your face helps to prevent water from entering your airways in choppy waves. 

​It is important to make sure you are positively buoyant by fully inflating your BCD. This helps you to stay on the surface as it is hard to swim with only one fin. Make sure you signal your buddy for assistance and ask them to help you to swim back to the boat or shore or fix the strap on the surface if it is possible.

Question 9 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 2 Answers

Question 9: What are the steps for the 5 point descent?

​Before your descent, you can use the acronym: SORTED to prepare for your 5 Point Decent. Here are the steps for the 5 point descent:

1. S – Signal OK to go down
2. O – Orientate
3. R – Switch snorkel to your regulator
4. T – Check your computer and the time
5. E&D – Equilize and Descent

Question 10 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 10: What happens to your wetsuit when you descent?

Your wetsuit is made of neoprene rubber. When you decent we increase the surrounding pressure which makes your wetsuit thinner. This will result in loss of buoyancy and you might start descending too fast. 

You can add small bits of air into your BCD frequently to counter to control your speed and buoyancy.

Question 11 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 11: Ascending or Descending while using a reference line.

During your PADI Open Water Diver course, you will learn how to descend and ascend without a visual reference in case a reference is not available. However, we always recommend you to descend and ascend with a visual reference for orientation.

​Even better will be a decent or ascent line that you can hold onto if needed. Holding onto a reference line can help you control your speed, makes it easier to equalize your ears, and is great for when you feel any anxiety as it helps in calming you down.

Question 12 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 2 Answers

Question 12: How to perform a proper ascent?​

It is important to always ascent as slow as possible and never faster than 18m/60 ft per minute to prevent decompression sickness. You will learn more about decompression sickness in the PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4.

​We always want to make a safety stop after every dive at 5 meters for 3 minutes to reduce nitrogen levels.

You should also deflate your BCD on the ascent to prevent air from expanding in your BCD, which can lead to an uncontrolled and fast ascent. Just use your legs and fins to swim up to the surface. This way it is much easier to control your ascent.

Question 13 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 13: Why is it important to inflate your BCD at the surface?

A lot of (beginner) divers are very excited when reaching the surface after seeing so many beautiful things underwater. It is common for them to forget to inflate their BCD at the surface which can cause problems as it is hard to stay afloat with their weight system.

It is therefore very important to keep your mask and regulator in when reaching the surface and first fully inflate the BCD. Once the BCD is fully inflated you can switch from your regulator to your snorkel and signal the Divemaster or Instructor on the boat that you are ok.

Learn more about the PADI IDC Course and how you can become a diving instructor.

Question 14 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 14: What types of exposure suits can you choose?

You can wear a rash guard, wetsuit, or drysuit depending on the temperature of the water. Your Diving Instructor can help you select the right one.

Question 15 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 2 Answers

Question 15: Can you get overheated using a wet or dry suit before or after the dive?

Wetsuits and drysuits are fantastic to keep you warm underwater but they can quickly get hot on the surface, especially on a hot day.

​We recommend you only wear them just before entering the water and take them off the moment you get back on the boat or land(shore dive) to prevent overheating.

Question 16 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 2

Question 16: Where should you wear your cutting tool?

It doesn’t matter where you attach your cutting tool as long as either hand can reach it easily when you need it.

We usually don’t use cutting tools often, but they can be a lifesaver in the unlikely event you get entangled. 

PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3 explained to get ready for the exam and understand the PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 3 Answers.

​In PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3 we focus on more practical scuba diving tips for beginner divers. In chapter 3 we cover currents, descents, ascents, buddy system, rescue scenarios, boat, and shore diving procedures.

After understanding the PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 3 Answers you are halfway through the PADI Open Water Diver course.

Question 1 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 1: Using a reference line can help you to avoid disorientation.

Descending and ascending with a reference is always recommend, especially for beginner divers. A reference can be a line, sloping bottom, wall, or pinnacle.

​A reference can guide you to the dive site which is great in low visibility. Even better is that a reference gives you a sense of direction and tells you which way is up or down. This greatly helps to avoid disorientation underwater.

Question 2 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 2: What should you do if there is a small current at the beginning of a dive?

Diving in a mild current is ok and mild currents are common. We recommend that you start your dive swimming against a mild current as you have more energy at the beginning of the dive. 

When you turn back you will go with the current back to your starting point, which is easier and you will conserve more air for the way back.

Question 3 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 3 Answers

Question 3: What should you do if there is a mild current on the surface?

It is easier to swim across a current than against it. This way you can still move closer to the boat without overexerting yourself.

​Behind the boat will be a trail line, which is a line with a buoy attached in the end. Try and grab that line and pull yourself towards the boat or the boat staff will pull you in. In the unlikely event, the current is too strong, you can signal the boat for help and they will pick you up.

Question 4 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 4: Why is it important to avoid touching the bottom?

We must never touch the bottom as it can damage the marine life, you can stir up the bottom and you might get injured.

To do this you need to learn to control your buoyancy and you will practice this during the PADI Open Water Diver course skills. On top of that the more you scuba dive, the better your buoyancy will become.

Question 5 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 5: Why is it important to not dive when you feel anxiety or stress?

Being nervous before the dive is more common than you think and many beginners and sometimes experienced divers feel this. 

If you experience significant anxiety before the dive then please let your buddy, Divemaster, and your Dive Instructor know before the dive. Then discuss if you should continue or take a break from diving until you feel confident again.

​It is important to never feel ashamed about this and don’t let anyone pressure you into diving. In the end, it is your life, and don’t forget scuba diving is supposed to be fun. 

Trying to scuba dive with significant anxiety can get you in a lot of trouble, so be honest to yourself.

Just remember that during your PADI Open Water Diver course you will learn scuba diving in small steps to build confidence and you will never be thrown into the deep end on your first experience. But if your anxiety is too much then you should talk to your instructor and cancel the dive.

Question 6 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 3 Answers

Question 6: What should you do when you dive into a new environment?

You should always get a local orientation before planning a dive on a new dive site that you are not familiar with.

Not every place with water is safe to scuba dive in. Some places have strong currents, rapidly changing tides, dangerous marine life, or other hazards.

​Getting a local orientation from an experienced diver or professional who knows the procedures, hazards, points of interest and other factors unique to the environment can help you plan your dive safely or decide to change dive sites if needed.

Never dive in a new environment that you are not familiar with. The best way to get a local orientation is to book an organized dive trip at a local certified dive shop.

Question 7 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 7: It is important to understand the risk of scuba diving beyond my training level.

Some risks and hazards are not always obvious to the untrained eye. Some types of currents, marine life, tides, and other hazards are not always easy to identify. This can lead to a false sense of security or increases your anxiety levels. Feeling nervous or anxious can cloud your judgment and reaction speed.

You can solve this by taking more specialized dive training, have an experienced certified dive leader with you on a dive, or just choose to cancel the dive and plan another easier dive.

Question 8 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 8: What should you do if anyone is pressurizing you into making a dive you don’t feel comfortable with?

Too many people feel the pressure to follow other people’s opinions, but in the end, it is your life at stake. Never let anyone pressure you in participating in a dive that you are not comfortable with. 

Just ask them to change the dive plan to something that you feel good with and if someone keeps pushing you, then cancel everything and find a new dive buddy or leader. Scuba diving is supposed to be fun and safe. There is no room for ego in the scuba dive community.

Question 9 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 3 Answers

Question 9: How to prevent aquatic life injuries?

Being familiar with potentially hazardous animals can help you identify them easier. Never touch anything underwater, even if you are convinced the animal is harmless. Not only is it bad for the animal to disturb them, but many dangerous marine species are camouflaged or imitate the looks of a harmless animal.

​​Try mastering your buoyancy before diving over the reef to prevent accidentally touching it. Practice this over a sandy bottom during your first dives.

Wearing an export suit can help you prevent cuts and stings if you accidentally touch dangerous marine life. Some divers wear gloves to be able to touch marine species. This is very bad and you should never touch anything while scuba diving.

Make sure you have a first aid kit on the boat or/and on land to treat injuries in the unlikely event you do get stung or receive a cut. Then always check with a physician afterward. 

Certified Rescue Divers, EFR, Divemasters, and Diving Instructors are trained to provide basic first aid, but they are not doctors and for this reason, you should always let a licensed physician look at any dive-related injury.

Question 10 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 10: How to deal with a rip current?

A rip current is hard to recognize with an untrained eye. They can be tricky to deal with and potentially dangerous. Rip currents are usually too strong to swim against. 

We recommend you swim parallel to the rip current towards the shore. Make sure you always fully inflate your BCD when you are at the surface. In case the rip current is too strong you should signal for help and stay close to your buddy.

A local orientation can help in preventing getting catch in a rip current in the first place by not diving in areas know for rip currents.

Question 11 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 11: How tides can affect your dives?

Tides are mainly caused by the position of the sun and moon. In some places, you hardly have any changes in the tides, which makes it easy to plan your dives.

Question 12 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 3 Answers

Question 12: Why a dive roster is so important?

A boat master which can be a certified Divemaster or Scuba Diving Instructor will stay on the boat looking after surface logistics and your safety.

To make sure that everyone is back on the boat before leaving the dive site, they use a dive roster to track the divers. It is common that you fill this in before and after the dive and confirm that you entered and exit the water.

Question 13 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 13: How to get into the water?

You can enter the water with different techniques like a backward roll, giant stride or put on your scuba equipment in the water.

There is no best entry. In the end, it all depends on conditions and your comfort level, so choose the easiest and safest entry technique.

Question 14 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 14: Boat propellors can be a real hazard.

Boat propellers can cause serious injuries, so it is important to stay far away from them. Even if an engine is not running you need to stay away as a captain can decide to start the engine at any time.

Question 15 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 3 Answers

Question 15: How to use a line to get you to the mooring line in a surface current?

It can be hard to swim against a mild to moderate current on the surface to the descent line. Even if you are a strong swimmer it can take a lot of energy and you might get overexerted before the dive. This can lead to stress or bad air consumption during the dive.

Using is line from the back of the boat to the descent line can help you to stay relaxed and conserve energy before descending.

Question 16 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 16: When should you use a surface marker at the surface?

With a good dive plan, you should come back to your starting point. In the unlikely event, you might surface with no boat or float inside you should first fully inflate your BCD, stay close to your buddy, deploy your surface signaling device and wait for help.

Question 17 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 17: What extra courses can I take to learn more about handling dive emergencies?

During your PADI Open Water Diver course, you will learn to prevent and deal with some emergencies. The PADI Rescue Diver, Emergency Oxygen Provider, and Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care courses specialize in rescue training for almost all scenarios.

​We highly recommend you to take these courses if you plan regular dive trips and/or want to become a PADI Divemaster and/or Instructor. These courses are fun, serious, and potentially life-saving.

Question 18 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 3 Answers

Question 18: What is the first thing you should do when you surface?

The first thing you should always do when reaching the surface is to fully inflate your BCD to become positively buoyant.

​Especially in an emergency, you want to be as positively buoyant as possible, so besides fully inflating your BCD you should also drop your weight belt or integrated weight system.

Question 19 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 19: What should you do when you see a panicked diver at the surface?

A panicked diver at the surface usually does not respond well. It is therefore important to make sure they are positively buoyant by inflating their BCD and dropping the weight system.

​Don’t forget to also inflate your BCD and drop your weight system to assist an out-of-control panic diver better. In the PADI Rescue Diver course you will learn more techniques to deal with this situation, so ask your instructor for more information on how to join this potentially life-saving course.

Question 20 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 20: How to respond to an unresponsive diver underwater?

It is rare, but in the unlikely event, you might encounter an unresponsive diver underwater you should first get the victim to the surface. 

​At the surface establish positive buoyancy for you and the victim and check for breathing. If the diver is not breathing you should start rescue breaths while towing the non-breathing diver to the boat or shore.

Learn more about the temporarily updated PADI Rescue Exercise 7 Guidelines

Question 21 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 3 Answers

Question 21: What should you do when you feel out of breath or exhausted while scuba diving?Y

ou should always move as slow and relaxed as possible when you scuba dive. In case, you do feel overexerted you should stop all activity, rest, and signal your buddy.

When you calm down you can continue the dive. If not then you should cancel the dive and ascent slowly. There is always another dive.

Question 22 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 22: How to deal with an unresponsive diver at the surface?

After checking for breathing and provide CPR you should prioritize contacting emergency medical care to not lose evacuation time. After EMS is on its way they can give you advice and you can continue providing CPR and First Aid.

Question 23 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 23: What is the best option when you run out of air and your buddy is too far away from you?

In the unlikely event, you run out of air and your buddy is too far away from you, you can perform a CESA – Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent and slowly reach the surface.

Steps to perform a CESA:

1. Get into the ascent position with your right hand above your head and use your left hand to deflate the BCD.
2. On your last breath start swimming not faster than 18m/minute while continuously exhaling(make a continuous sound)
3. At the surface orally inflate your BCD to establish positive buoyancy

Question 24 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 3 Answers

Question 24: Should you always seek medical attention even when a diver looks like he is fully recovered after an accident?

You never know 100% if a diver is fully recovered. There is a good chance that an unresponsive diver underwater has water in the lungs and even a little bit of water can damage the lung. It is therefore important to always do a medical examination with a physician after the event.

Question 25 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 25: How many visual and audible signaling devices should you have as a scuba diver?

A visual signaling device can be a DSMB which you can inflate like a long, slim, easy-to-see balloon. This will alert boats that you are close to the surface or are making an ascent. You can also use a fully inflated DSMB at the surface to signal boats for help.

​An audible signaling device can be a whistle or air horn to alert boats that you need assistance at the surface.

Question 26 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3

Question 26: Do boats always see your Dive Flag?

Most captains are well trained and always look for dive flags, but a captain might miss it, or a dive flag might be hard to see in certain weather conditions. 

Never assume a boat will see your dive flag and always stay deep enough until the boat passes.

Always review your PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 3 with a certified PADI Diving Instructor and PADI Dive Shop during your PADI Open Water Diver Course. Read full disclaimer here.

Continue to PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4 explained to get ready for the exam and understand the PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 4 Answers.

​In PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4 we focus on more medical questions. In chapter 4 we cover alcohol, smoking, medication, nitrogen, and decompression theory.

Question 1 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 1: How to use a clean-up mesh bag underwater?

Never attach a full mesh bag to your scuba equipment as you can get entangled and hard to drop in an emergency. Always hold it in your hands so you can easily drop it if needed.

Question 2 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 2: Should you scuba dive with a cold or congestion?

You should never dive with a cold as that causes congestion which can block your sinuses, lungs, and other airways. This makes equalizing hard and you can risk a squeeze, reverse block, or lung overexpansion.

​Take some rest, drink lots of water and continue diving when you are healthy again. Always check with a physician before your next dive if you are fit enough.

Question 3 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 4 Answers

Question 3: Cardiovascular conditions and scuba diving.

If you suspect any cardiovascular conditions, are of age or are not in shape you should always do a medical examination with PADI medical statement with a physician to check if you are fit enough to go scuba diving.

Even if the physician tells you that you can dive, you should still avoid swimming hard, carrying equipment, climbing a ladder, long walks wearing gear, and heat stress from wearing an exposure suit in a hot climate.

Question 4 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 4: Can you drink or use tobacco when scuba diving?

Drinking alcohol before the dive can dehydrate you, reduce your reaction speed, accelerates body heat loss and rational thinking.

​Smoking decreases the efficiency of your circulatory and respiratory systems and causes overall health problems.

Question 5 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 5: Can you use prescription drugs while scuba diving?

Medication can wear out underwater, cause side effects, and might affect your judgment. Always consult your physician to check if you can take your medication while scuba diving.

Question 6 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 4 Answers

Question 6: Can you go scuba diving while pregnant?

Very little is known about the effects of diving on a fetus and for this reason, women should not dive while pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Question 7 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 7: When should you do a scuba refresher course?

A scuba diving certification never expires, but after some time of inactivity we might lose out on knowledge and diving skills.

​You should do a scuba refresher course after 6 months of no diving. You can always take it earlier if you need it or a dive shop might ask you to take a scuba diving refresher before a course or fun dive. A scuba review is called the PADI Reactivate course.

Question 8 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 8: Can I dive on enriched air (Nitrox) without taking the proper course?

Oxygen problems are unlikely within recreational depth limits using air, but enriched air has higher oxygen content. PADI Enriched Air Diver course teaches you to avoid oxygen problems.

​Oxygen toxicity can cause twitching and muscle spasms, especially in the face. This can cause you to drop/spit your regulator from your mouth and this can cause drowning. It is therefore important to never dive with a cylinder labeled “Nitrox,” “EANx” or “Enriched Air Nitrox” unless trained.

Question 9 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 4 Answers

Question 9: What are the symptoms of breathing contaminated air?​

You can get contaminated air into your scuba cylinder by improper filling procedures. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and causes mild symptoms like a headache, feel ill, dizziness, or worse.

Question 10 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 10: How to avoid getting contaminated air in your scuba cylinder?

You can visit the filling station and ask for their licenses and diplomas. When in doubt look for another filling station.

Question 11 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 11: How much nitrogen gets absorbed into our body during a dive?

Under pressure, we dissolve nitrogen into our tissues. The deeper and longer we stay the more nitrogen will be dissolved into our tissues. That is why you should always dive with a dive watch or even better a diving computer as it tracks your nitrogen exposure, depth, and time.

Question 12 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 4 Answers

Question 12: What can happen if I go too deep or stay too long while scuba diving?

Decompression sickness is caused by bubbles of nitrogen forming in the tissues and bloodstream that block the flow of oxygen to the tissues.

​Therefore we want to stay well within our depth and time limits when scuba diving. You can plan this by using the PADI Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) or a diving computer.

Question 13 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 13: What are the signs and symptoms of decompression sickness?

There are two types of decompression sickness/ DCS:

• Type I: ‘Pain only’, symptoms are not immediately life-threatening.
• Type II: Symptoms that may be immediately life-threatening involving the central nervous system.

In this case, we are talking about Type I: Pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. These symptoms can get worse and become life-threatening over time. 

It is very important to contact a dive physician and do a medical examination anytime you suspect DCS, even with mild symptoms.

Question 14 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 14: Some factors increase the risk of decompression sickness.

Being dehydrated, stressed, obese, your age, and some injuries can increase the chances of getting DCS while scuba diving.

Question 15 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 4 Answers

Question 15: What do we mean by a No-Stop dive?

When you stay within the No Decompression Limits (NDL) of the RDP you can always slowly ascend directly to the surface without stopping if necessary (do make a safety stop).I

f you exceed the NDL from your computer or RDP you need to make an emergency decompression stop.

Question 16 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 16: The deeper we dive the shorter our NDL will be.

The deeper we dive the shorter our no stop limits become. This has to do with the increase of pressure and how much nitrogen we dissolve into our tissues.

Question 17 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 17: What is the maximum ascent rate?

The maximum ascent rate is 18meters/minute. As people’s physiology differs we always recommend going slower than that. To be honest the slower is always better so take your time. Make sure you plan your dives correctly to have enough air for a slow ascent.

If the ascent is too fast, the difference in pressure of nitrogen dissolved in the body and the surrounding pressure (pressure gradient) is too great. Nitrogen comes out of solution faster than it can be eliminated from the body and forms bubbles and may result in decompression sickness, DCS.

Question 18 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 4 Answers

Question 18: How will repetitive dives affect your NDL?

Your body releases some, but not all, of the absorbed nitrogen during a surface interval. On a repetitive dive, dive computers or tables account for this residual nitrogen by shortening no stop limits.

Question 19 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 19: Can you share a dive computer?

Your dive computer tracks your dive profile, surface intervals, and nitrogen levels. Therefore you need to use the same computer for all the dives that day to get accurate personal calculations and readings. Never share a dive computer with another scuba diver.

Question 20 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 20: should you always follow the most conservative dive computer?

Depending on the dive conditions and depth you sometimes reach one limit before the other. You should turn the dive when you reach either of the limits, depending on which one comes first.

Question 21 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 4 Answers

Question 21: What are the dive computer guidelines?

Always follow the dive computer guidelines:

• Dive computer guidelines:
• Dive the plan – don’t exceed planned limits
• Stay well within computer’s limits
• Follow most conservative computer 
• Watch air supply
• Start at the deepest point and go shallower
• Ascend slowly

It is important to carefully read your dive computer manual before using it, as guidelines can differ depending on the brand/model dive computer.

Question 22 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 22: What should you do when your computer fails during a dive?

Although computer failure is very rare, if it happens, end the dive. Don’t continue without information about depth, time, and nitrogen level. After surfacing, wait 12 or more hours before diving with a different computer.

Question 23 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4

Question 23: It is important to be an environmentally-friendly scuba diver.

Coral reefs are very delicate and easily damaged. Most marine life relies on healthy reefs and it is therefore important to have environmentally-friendly dive skills.

​This includes good buoyancy, never touch anything, dive slowly, and don’t litter on the dive site. We also recommend removing any garbage you might find on a dive site to help preserve the natural beauty for other divers and generations to come. Another great way to become an environmentally-friendly diver is to support Project AWARE.

Always review your PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 4 with a certified PADI Diving Instructor and PADI Dive Shop during your PADI Open Water Diver Course. Read full disclaimer here.

Continue to PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5 fully explained. After this you have completed the PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 5 Answers and you are ready for the exam.

​In PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5 we focus on dive planning. In chapter 5 we will cover dive planning, navigation, flying after diving, altitude, and more DCS scenarios.

Question 1 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

Question 1: What devices can you use to plan your dives?

You can plan your dives using a dive computer, PADI RDP Table or the PADI eRDPML.

​You can use all of the above to plan your surface interval and get the most out of your receptive dives while staying within the limits.

Question 2 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

Question 2: Can you use normal dive tables when diving at altitude?

At altitude, the surrounding pressure is less than at sea level. Most decompression models are based on surfacing at sea level.

​Going to altitude after a dive can cause dissolved nitrogen to come out of the solution faster – increasing the risk of DCS. Follow altitude diving procedures, or wait before ascending to altitude after a dive.

Question 3 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 5 Answers

Question 3: What are the flying after diving recommendations after scuba diving?

According to the RDP the Flying after diving recommendation for no stop dives:

• Single dives: minimum preflight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested. 
• Repetitive dives or multiday dives: minimum preflight surface interval of 18 hours is suggested. 
• Dives requiring emergency decompression stops: minimum preflight surface interval greater than 18 hours is suggested.

Question 4 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

Question 4: 300 meters above sea level is altitude diving. 

Altitude and flying after diving: Reduced atmospheric pressure at altitude increases the pressure gradient (the pressure difference) between the gases dissolved in the tissues and ambient pressure.

To learn more about attitude diving we recommend you to take the PADI Altitude Specialty course.

Question 5 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

Question 5: What are the recommendations for planning your dive when you were cold, stressed, or had to exercise?

Using the RDP dive tables you should plan your dive 4 meters deeper than actual when you are cold or exercise a lot during the dive. 

Try to prevent diving in conditions where you can get too cold, wear proper exposure suits, and always dive a slow as possible. Otherwise, you risk DCS.

Question 6 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 5 Answers

Question 6: What should you do when you exceed your NDL?

According to the RDP dive planner if you exceed the limit by no more than 5 minutes, stop at 5 m/15 ft for at least 8 minutes and more than 5 minutes, stop at 5 m/15 ft for at least 15 minutes.

Question 7 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

Question 7: You went over your NDL, but forget to do an emergency decompression stop. You realize this when your surface. What should you do?​

Not in all cases do you end up with DCS after missing a decompression stop. It is important however to stop scuba diving for at least 24 hours and monitor yourself for DCS symptoms.

​Your dive computer will most likely go into error mode for a limited time reminding you to not dive. When in doubt always seek advice from a dive physician.

Question 8 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

Question 8: What should you do when you run out of air during your emergency decompression stop?

Completing the decompression stop is important, but if you can’t stay underwater with no air. Try to stay as long as you can, but do surface when you get low on air. In some situations, you can use an emergency drop tank supplied by the boat.

Question 9 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 5 Answers

Question 9: What are the steps to help someone with decompression illness?

Oxygen is recommended for DCS first aid treatment because it may accelerate nitrogen elimination and raise blood oxygen levels, reduce limb pain, and reduce bubble size.

Administer oxygen to the patient, this helps to accelerate the nitrogen elimination from the tissues and raises blood oxygen levels. This assists tissues with blood flow that was reduced by bubble blockage.

Keep breathing patients lying level on the left side with the head supported in the recovery position. This helps to keep the airway clear if the patient vomits and also to ensure blood flow to the brain. Advise the patient not to sit up even during transport or if feeling better.

Lay a non-breathing patient on the back to provide rescue breathing, whilst also using the continuous flow with a pocket mask for rescue breaths if possible. Monitor the airway, breathing, circulation, and contact emergency medical care.

Question 10 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

Question 10: What is the treatment of decompression illness?

Recompression chamber treatment is required as this forces the bubbles in the patient’s body to a small size or back into solution. It alleviates symptoms by effectively removing the immediate cause.

​Never attempt recompression in the water due to the depths and times required and also the lack of access to necessary drugs. Additionally, putting the patient back into the water to recompress for less than the required time and depth will just make them worse.

Both DCS and lung overexpansion injuries require the same first aid, there’s no need to distinguish between them when providing care. Decompression illness/ DCI, therefore, refers to both DCS and lung overexpansion injuries as a single condition with respect to the emergency protocols and first aid.

Question 11 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

Question 11: What is gas narcosis and how to solve it?

Partial pressures of nitrogen and oxygen increase with depth. High concentrations of nitrogen in the nerve cells result in a type of euphoric, anesthetic effect. Susceptibility varies by the diver and physiological state during the dive.

It is typically subtle at this depth with slowed thinking, increased problem-solving times, a mild sense of euphoria or wellbeing. Other possible symptoms may include drowsiness, a false sense of security, poor judgment, lack of coordination, hallucination, and giddiness.

Narcotic effects will continue to increase with depth. Narcosis itself isn’t harmful, the concern is a diver’s reduced problem-solving ability and slower reaction times affect decisions relating to safety. Symptoms will decrease by simply ascending to shallower depths.

Question 12 – PADI Open Water Knowledge Review 5 Answers

Question 12: How to use a compass and what is magnetic north?

The point of the needle helps you to determine where north is underwater and how to read the other information from the compass. Not only does a compass help you navigate, but it also helps in feeling more comfortable during a dive have a sense of direction.

Question 13 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

Question 13: How to set your underwater compass?​

• Point the lubber line in the desired direction
• Let north needle settle on magnetic north
• Rotate the bezel until the index marks are over the north needle

Question 14 – PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5

Question 14: What is the maximum depth for an Open Water Diver?

After completion of your PADI Open Water Diver certification, you can dive up to 18 meters of depth or shallower and in the same or better conditions that you have been trained in.

We highly recommend you to take the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course if you would like to dive deeper than 18 meters. This course is amazing, ask your instructor for more information.

Always review your PADI Open Water Diver Manual Answers Chapter 5 with a certified PADI Diving Instructor and PADI Dive Shop during your PADI Open Water Diver Course. Read full disclaimer here.

Continue to PADI Open Water Diver Skills list