Dive Master Knowledge Review

Divemaster Course Knowledge Review Answer Keys

Divemater Course Knowledge Review Answer Keys © PADI 2009 Published by PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DIVING INSTRUCTORS 30151 Tomas Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 USA Printed in U.S.A.

Divemaster Manual Knowledge Review Chapter 1 Answer Keys 1. What three broad characteristics may divers expect in a PADI Divemaster?

1. Professionalism 2. Role model behavior 3. Ability to assist/supervise during training and dive activities 2. List five criteria that define “professionalism” as it applies to the PADI Divemaster.

1. Expert skills and knowledge of dive theory, dive management and leading dives 2. Good judgment that reflects training and experience 3. Dress and act like a professional 4. Good interpersonal skills 5. Exemplary rescue skills 3. Explain what is meant by a role model.



Someone other divers base their behavior on because they respect the person and what the person stands for.

4. Describe a PADI Divemaster who is a good role model.

(Description should include:) • High skill level - demonstration quality • Commitment to responsible dive practices • Equipment well maintained and up-to-date • Physically fit or good fitness for diving • Agrees with the PADI training philosophy 5. Describe the characteristics and attributes of a poor role model divemaster.

(Description should include:) • Hypocrisy and lack of conviction. • Disregard for personal fitness. • Uncaring or unempathetic of divers and their skill levels. • Contradicts or disagrees with an instructor in front of students. • Fails to perform as a "team player"

6. Explain how role model behavior can affect other divers both positively and negatively.



Good role model behavior reinforces responsible diving habits and practices. Poor role model behavior may cause divers to question whether responsible dive habits and practices are really necessary.

7. Explain how role model behavior can affect your ability to function as a divemaster.



Good role model behavior makes it easier to encourage other divers to dive responsibly and accept your suggestions. Poor role model behavior may cause divers to question you, making them less likely to consider your suggestions.

8. Explain how good role model behavior benefits student divers when you assist with training.



Good role model behavior earns students' respect, making it easier for you to guide and direct them for the instructor during training.

9. List five benefits and five responsibilities of being a PADI Divemaster.

Benefits: 1. Receive professional publications such as The Undersea Journal 2. Can purchase materials from your PADI Office at special divemaster rate 3. Access to professional liability insurance and legal defense team 4. Ability to earn income as an assistant 5. Gain important experience toward becoming an instructor 6. Regular update mailings 7. Access to educational consultants for training questions Responsibilities: 1. Follow PADI Standards 2. Keep up with changes in standards 3. Renew membership annually 4. Keep address current 5. Represent PADI favorably

Divemaster Manual Knowledge Review Chapter 2 Answer Keys 1. Six characteristics of responsible diver behavior are:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Staying within personal limits Diving properly equipped Caring for equipment Managing air conservatively Using computer/tables conservatively

6. Staying aware of the environment 2. List four ways to encourage responsible diver behavior.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Follow responsible diving practices yourself Remind divers of responsible behaviors by applying them on the dive Make responsible behavior easy Reward responsible behaviors

3. Describe the aspects of diving that do and do not fall within the divemaster’s responsibility, and the aspects of dive planning and diving for which each diver must retain responsibility.



Each diver maintains responsibility for planning their own dives and following their plan. Divers must be responsible for their own actions. A PADI Divemaster normally offers a general orientation and broad dive plan that individual divers use to plan their own dives. The divemaster encourages responsible diving, provides logistical support, prepares for reasonably foreseeable emergencies, but does not plan the dives of individual divers.

4. Describe how to assess general dive conditions, and how you can expect conditions to affect diving.





Based on weather, tides, current and visibility, you determine appropriate dive techniques or if conditions are acceptable for diving. This also depends on the skill level and experience of the divers.

5. The four aspects of supervision in managing dives are:

1. Preparation 2. Communication 3. Recognition 4. Vantage point 6. List and describe the advantages and disadvantages of in-water versus out of water supervision, and the advantages and disadvantages of supervision vantage points inwater versus out of water.

Supervision In-water: • Advantages: Puts you close to the divers. Allows you to watch for problems such as exceeding maximum depth or navigation errors. • Disadvantages: Can only watch one group. Some divers don’t like to dive in a group. Supervision Out of water: • Advantages: Easier to supervise multiple teams. Close to emergency equipment. More flexibility for buddy teams. • Disadvantages: Unable to point out interesting features. Not immediately on hand to help solve problems. Vantage point - In-water: • Advantages: Easier to see a problem before it happens. • Disadvantages: Can only be in front or behind leading or escorting, Makes it hard to know when there is a problem. Vantage point - Out of water: • Advantages: Allows you to choose location with visibility of the entire dive site. • Disadvantages: Sometimes the site with the best visibility is not the easiest to respond from. 7. List eight types of equipment that can assist in supervising certified divers.

1. Dive roster 2. Binoculars 3. Dive site maps 4. Emergency oxygen 5. First aid kit

6. Rescue float 7. Marine Radio/cellular phone 8. Tool Kit 9. Dive flag/float 10. Spare gear

8. The primary purpose of diver accounting procedures is:

To make sure every diver returns to the boat or shore after the dive. 9. Describe the characteristics of predive stress, and explain how you help divers deal with it.





Predive stress comes from both physical stressors like heat exhaustion, fatigue and dehydration, or psychological stressors like physical stress, peer pressure, dive concerns and personal problems unrelated to the dive. There are three approaches to stress relief: 1) remove the stressor, 2) change the perception of the stressor to nonthreatening, or 3) change the perception of the diver's ability to cope with the stress.

10. List the ten points/steps usually included in a dive briefing.

1. Dive site name 2. Site descriptions 3. Your role 4. Entry and exit techniques 5. Dive procedures 6. Emergency procedures 7. Signal review 8. Roster/buddy check 9. Environmental interaction suggestions 10. Predive safety check 11. Describe the general steps to solving a novel problem (one you've never encountered before).

• • • •

Identify the problem precisely Inventory your resources. Create several possible solutions Choose the best solution.

• Assess and revise.

12. Explain when dive situations call for you to apply your judgment, and how you develop good judgment as a divemaster.



You apply judgment when evaluating acceptable dive conditions, choosing dive techniques to recommend and picking supervision vantage points. Judgment comes from experience and working with more experienced professionals.

13. The two likely roles of a PADI Divemaster in the event of an accident are as:

Scene manager or as assistant to someone more qualified. 14. Explain how to gain more knowledge and experience with specialized diving activities.

Complete the appropriate specialty courses.

Divemaster Manual Knowledge Review Chapter 3 Answer Keys 1. Compare and contrast the primary role of a PADI Divemaster to that of a PADI Instructor in an instructional setting.





The PADI Divemaster deals with the logistics, supervising student divers and other duties as well as the social and adventurous aspects of diving. The instructor concentrates on teaching and attending to individual student diver needs.

2. List seven functions a divemaster may fulfill as an instructional assistant.

1. Predive equipment distribution 2. Supervising students not working with instructor 3. Logistics 4. Conducting tour for experience portion of dives 5. Providing student diver performance information to instructor 6. Checking divers in and out of the water 7. Helping divers on an individual basis 3. What is the primary characteristic that makes a PADI Divemaster an ideal instructional assistant?



Anticipating and providing what the instructor and student divers need.

4. Describe the relationship between the instructor and you, a PADI Divemaster candidate.



Mentor/protege relationship – instructor is a coach, guide, confidant and advisor.

5. Four reasons for having your own copy of the PADI Instructor Manual are:

1. Lists all the standards and procedures 2. Makes it easier to anticipate and meet instructor needs 3. Includes standards for programs divemasters can offer independently 4. Benefits you to start becoming familiar with it. 5. Training Bulletins keep you current on changes.

6. Describe your role as a PADI Divemaster in relation to student divers in training.



The PADI Divemaster is a role model and an intermediary between student divers and the instructor supervising both training and nontraining related activities.

7. With respect to PADI programs, what is a certified assistant and what can a certified assistant do?



A certified assistant is a renewed PADI Instructor, Assistant Instructor and Divemaster who can perform specific functions as a teaching assistant.

Certified assistants can: • Independently guide student divers on Open Water Dives 2, 3, 4 and the optional Skin Dive. • Accompany Open Water Diver/Scuba Diver students under the indirect supervision of an instructor. • Conduct subsequent Discover Scuba Diving dives after participants complete the first dive with an instructor. • Accompany students during training dives in continuing education courses. • Generally supervise divers in training and nontraining activities. 8. Explain how positioning affects your ability to assist with student diver control, and two common examples of position for the skill practice in the Open Water diver course.





Good positioning allows you to see the entire group and the instructor and respond quickly to a problem. • Opposite instructor, hovering behind students who are in a semicircle with the instructor in front of them. • Students form a line with the divemaster at one end of the line and the instructor at the other.

9. List five examples of logistical functions you can perform to assist with training dives at the surface and five underwater.

On the surface: 1. Coordinate student divers 2. Enforce safety or facility rules 3. Handle equipment 4. Assist with student diver preparation 5. Escort student divers 6. Handle paperwork Underwater 1. Lead/follow 2. Escort 3. Air checks 4. Standby supervisor 5. Navigation 10. Describe how you would model mask removal, replacement and clearing in a demonstration quality manner.



Slow pace, critical attributes emphasized, sequence emphasized, with each step clearly seen, mastered and automatic.

11. List and describe the three steps to take to help a student diver master dive skills.

1. Have a student attempt the skill to look for missing or improperly performed critical attributes. 2. Redemonstrate the skill. 3. Assure early success. 12. Where do you find skill performance requirements student divers must master for PADI courses.

In the PADI Instructor Manual.

Divemaster Manual Knowledge Review Chapter 4 Answer Keys 1. Explain why the PADI Divemaster course emphasizes dive theory training.



It develops problem solving abilities, gives the candidate theoretical knowledge to apply during practical sessions and prepares the candidate for instructor level training.

2. Explain why you would want a dive reference library.

It gives you a place to look up information and a way to keep up with new and changing information. 3. List what you already have in your current dive reference library (to a maximum of 12 items). List four works or types of works you would like to add and explain why.

(Answers vary but may include:) Magazines PADI Manuals Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving Diving Knowledge Workbook Dive travel guides and maps 4. Explain how specialty diver training benefits you with respect to learning dive theory.



Specialty courses go into more theoretical detail than other learning sources and give you a change to apply the knowledge.

5. List the theory subjects you study as part of the PADI Divemaster course and explain how you demonstrate mastery of them.



Dive physics, dive physiology, equipment and decompression theory You demonstrate mastery by completing an exam in each study area and earning a score of 75 percent or better.

6. Explain how you will keep you dive theory knowledge current after you complete this course. Be as specific as possible.





Subscribe to and read dive magazines, reread and review the Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving and other diving related materials. Continue your diving education, attend seminars and diving -related meetings.

Divemaster Manual Knowledge Review Chapter 5 Answer Keys 1. Describe what a compartment is, and what are meant by halftime and M-value.





Compartments are theoretical tissue models that account for differing tissue absorption rates. Halftime is the rate a compartment absorbs nitrogen. It's the time it takes for the compartment to go from beginning pressure to halfway to saturation. M-value is the maximum tissue pressure allowed in the compartment.

2. Explain why you need to know your approximate altitude when diving.



There is reduced atmospheric pressure at altitude. This could make the tissue pressure gradient too high, increasing the risk of DCS.

3. Describe the relationship between the Haldanean model and the human body, and explain to what extent you can rely on the model.



There is no direct relationship between the model and the body. Testing supports the model but there is always some risk of DCS.

4. In metres/feet of pressure, how much nitrogen would the 5, 10, 20 and 60 minute halftime compartments each have after 60 minutes at 18 metres/60 feet?

5-minute = 18 metres / 60 feet 10-minute = 18 metres / 60 feet 20-minute = 16 metres/ 52.5 feet 60- minute = 9 metres / 30 feet 5. Compare the basis of the US Navy tables repetitive diving procedures with the RDP’s. Explain a) what compartment controls each, b) why each is appropriate for that table and c) the practical difference on repetitive diving between them.

a) The US Navy surface interval credit table is controlled by a 120 minute compartment. The RDP surface interval credit table is controlled by a 60 minute compartment. b) The US Navy table was designed for decompression diving — requiring longer/slower compartments to control repetitive dives. The RDP is for no decompression diving — allowing the use of faster compartments to control repetitive dives.

c) The US Navy table accounts for the worst case scenario – a repetitive dive after a decompression dive – which is why repetitive dive times need to be more conservative. The RDP can allow shorter surface intervals and longer repetitive dives because all dives are planned as no decompression dives. 6. Explain why you can’t use pressure groups from the RDP on the US Navy Tables or any other tables.



The tables are based on different models which means that pressure group designations do not indicate equivalent amounts of absorbed nitrogen.

7. Explain how modern dive computers apply decompression models to provide more no decompression time than a table.

Dive computers write custom tables to precise depths which eliminates unnecessary rounding. 8. State the three broad computer groupings and list their M-value and surface interval credit characteristics compared the RDP and each other.

Spencer Limits, EE washout — M-values similar to RDP. Shorter surface intervals can permit repetitive dives beyond what has been shown to work reliably. Spencer Limits, 60 minute washout — M-values same as RDP. Surface intervals are similar to RDP. Buhlmann Limits, EE Washout — lower M-values than RDP. Repetitive dives similar to RDP though some deep dives with short surface intervals may still permit repetitive dives beyond what has been shown to work reliably. 9. Explain why the general recommendations for diving with tables apply equally to dive computers, and list three recommendations specific to computer diving.





Most general recommendations apply equally because they come from what has been found to work in actual diving situations. Computer specific recommendations: • Each diver has a computer. • Follow manufacturer recommendations. • End the dive on the most conservative computer.

Divemaster Manual Knowledge Review Chapter 6 Answer Keys 1. Explain where to find standards and related information on PADI Divemaster-conducted programs, and how you identify standards you must adhere to from other supporting material.



PADI Instructor Manual: General Standards and Procedures section, Skin Diver Course Instructor Guide, and Experience Programs Guide.



Standards appear in bold face type.

2. Identify where you find the maximum ratios of a PADI Divemaster to participants for PADI Divemaster-conducted programs.



General Standards and Procedures section, and the instructor guide and the Key Standards Box for each program.

3. Explain where to find performance requirements for programs and why its usually a good idea to state the requirements for participants.



Performance requirements are in bold face type in each Instructor Guide. Stating requirements allows students to know what you expect them to accomplish.

4. Identify where you find a listing of material required and recommended for PADI Divemaster-conducted programs.



Instructor Guide for each program.

5. List the six general administrative requirements that apply to all PADI programs:

1. Participants must complete a Medical Statement at the beginning of each course 2. Questions of fitness are the responsibility of a physician 3. Participants must complete a PADI Safe Diving Practices Statement of Understanding 4. Participants must complete a Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Agreement 5. Retain records for a minimum of seven years. 6. File an incident report for any dive incident.

6. Explain the annual renewal requirement for a PADI Divemaster.



Sign an annual membership agreement and return with annual dues to your PADI Office.

7. Explain the professional liability insurance requirements for a PADI Divemaster.



Insurance is not required (in most areas) but highly recommended when acting as a certified assistant. Insurance is required (in most areas) when conducting divemaster-conducted programs.

8. Identify the intended audience and basic philosophy for each of the following PADI programs:

Skin Diver Course — Training program for those interested in diving but not necessarily in scuba. May appeal to those interested in physical conditioning. Discover Local Diving — Formal diving orientation for certified divers to a new location or new diving environment. Discover Snorkeling — Casual experience for swimming and looking underwater. May appeal to people who want to experience the underwater world but aren't interested in scuba. Emphasis is on having fun. Scuba Review — A way for certified divers who have been inactive to refresh skills. 9. List one marketing idea for each of the following programs. (You're encouraged to list original ideas not discussed in the text.)

Skin Diver Course — Market to schools, health clubs, children of scuba divers, youth groups, etc. Discover Local Diving — Market to divers visiting an unfamiliar dive site, to inactive divers in conjunction with Scuba Review, etc. Discover Snorkeling — Market to health clubs, casual gatherings at dive sites, travel agencies, people involved with other water sports, etc Scuba Review — Market in resort areas, to divers who view their inactivity as an obstacle, etc.

Divemaster Manual Knowledge Review Chapter 7 Answer Keys 1. Define risk management, duty of care and negligence.

Risk management — the process of reducing risks you face while acting as a divemaster which involves increasing safety for divers and for you in your capacity as a divemaster. Duty of Care — your responsibility to act as a reasonably prudent divemaster would act under same or similar circumstances to maintain safety. Negligence — failure to meet the duty of care expected 2. Explain why it is recommended that you carry professional liability insurance, even when it’s not required and you plan to function exclusively as an assistant working under a PADI Instructor.



Because you can be sued even if you did nothing wrong. Insurance helps cover legal costs and damages. Instructors liability insurance does not cover assistants.

3. Describe the most important step you can take to manage legal risk.



Adhere to conservative diving practices and use good judgment.

4. Explain how adhering to standards helps you reduce legal risk and the role of good judgment in reducing legal risk.



Standards help you demonstrate that you followed the stipulated duty of care. Good judgment shows that you made reasonable and prudent decisions and acted conservatively.

5. Explain the role of paperwork in reducing legal risk, and describe the steps to follow with any PADI program.



Paperwork establishes your conduct as a reasonably prudent divemaster who followed standards. Paperwork helps you be organized, aids meeting standards, delivering good customer service and maintaining professionalism.

6. List the dos and don’ts to follow, with regard to legal risk management, in the event of a dive accident.

1. Do handle the emergency. 2. Do inform the victim’s family — show compassion and caring. 3. Do cooperate with authorities — give only the facts. 4. Do not assign, admit or speculate on causes or blame. 5. Do collect the victim’s equipment to turn over to authorities. 6. Do call your PADI Office to report the incident. 7. Explain how the Quality Assurance process helps you reduce legal risk.



Creates documentation that you, as a PADI member, followed standards. The process also documents that any standards-related problems are addressed and corrected.

8. Describe the basics of the Quality Assurance process.

• • • • •

Indication of problem or a complaint. PADI seeks additional information. PADI contacts member to get member’s side. If a member verifies problem, PADI determines corrective action. When statements can’t be reconciled, the PADI Quality Management Committee reviews the information and determines the appropriate action.

9. List five suggestions to help you manage risks to your health and safety as a divemaster.

1. Stay physically fit 2. Make the deepest dive first and stay well within limits 3. Stay hydrated. 4. When ill or injured, moderate your activities. 5. Pay attention to your mental health.



Divemaster Manual Knowledge Review Chapter 8 Answer Keys 1. List the “three Es” of diving and explain why each is necessary for someone to be a diver.

Education — to dive safely, divers need instruction. Equipment — without equipment, there is no diving. Experience — divers need opportunities to dive. Without a reason to dive, education and equipment have no purpose. 2. Where does the dive consumer find the three Es of diving.

At PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. 3. Explain the role of leadership level divers with respect to equipment counseling and why it is important.



Divers will come to the divemaster for advice about equipment because diving is a technical activity and divers rely on the divemaster’s experience. Dive operators depend on equipment sales for business.

4. List four attributes of a positive sales process.

1. Give the best recommendation. 2. Listen to the divers who come in and ask for advice. 3. Don't make assumptions about price, but recommend the equipment that best addresses the customer's need. 4. Give all the advice you would like to get.



Divemaster Manual Knowledge Review Chapter 9 Answer Keys 1. List six reasons why you should consider continuing your training through the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor level.

1. Instructors are more versatile employees. 2. The majority of boat divemasters are instructors. 3. The instructor level is the most common path into other areas of the dive industry. 4. Instructors have more opportunities to work on a part-time basis. 5. Instructor training has credibility beyond diving. 6. There is more demand for PADI Instructors than any other dive professional rating. 2. Explain how it benefits you to complete the PADI Assistant Instructor course before taking the PADI Instructor Development Course.



Being an Assistant Instructor gives you more time to assimilate and apply information as well as allows more time to log dives. Assistant Instructors may be excused from certain IDC Curriculum components, thus reducing the IDC load. Assistant Instructors may complete PADI Specialty Instructor courses prior to an IDC.

3. Explain how diver level specialty training can help your career as a PADI Divemaster.



It gives you broader and more frequent diving opportunities and helps you gain experience for Specialty Instructor ratings.

4. List six skills, outside of diver training, that can make you more valuable in the dive industry.

1. Boat handling/captain's license 2. Retail sales training 3. Sales management training 4. Manufacturer's equipment repair technician 5. Compressor or diesel engine mechanic 6. Writing, word processing, layout and photography

5. Explain how emerging technologies can affect your career, and what you should do in response.



Technological changes can make what you know obsolete. Stay tuned to the dive media, attend trade shows, keep up with changes in computer technology and business trends in other fields that affect virtually every industry.