PADI Open Water Updated Actual Exam
Question and Answer (2026/2027) | A+
Verified
• What is the most important rule of scuba diving? -✓✓ Do not hold your breath
Breathe continuously
• What are the consequences of breaking the most important rule in scuba diving? -
✓✓ Lung over expansion
severe injuries, death
• What is a reverse block? -✓✓ pain and discomfort caused by expanding air
trapped inside an air space during ascent
• What should you do if you feel discomfort during ascent due to air expansion in
the ears, sinuses, stomach, intestines, or teeth? -✓✓ slow or stop ascent
descend a metre/few feet and give the trapped air time to work its way out
• How does increasing depth affect how long your air supply lasts? -✓✓ the deeper
you descend, the denser the air becomes.
It takes 4X the effort to breathe twice as fast
• What's the most efficient way to breathe dense air underwater? -✓✓ take deep,
slow breaths
• Why does a diver need a mask? -✓✓ creates an air space, so your eyes can focus
, • As you go deeper, you consume air from your scuba cylinder _____ -✓✓ faster
• Why does the mask need to enclose your nose? -✓✓ to equalize during your
descent to prevent mask squeeze
• What 6 features should you look for in a mask? -✓✓ 1) tempered glass
2) comfortable skirt with a good seal
3) nose or finger pockets
4) low profile
5) Adjustable strap that can be locked in place
6) wide field of vision
• When buying a mask, what are the 2 most important features? -✓✓ fit and
comfort
• How do you prepare a new mask for use? -✓✓ use a soft cloth with a low
abrasion cleaner to remove the protective chemical
adjust the strap
• What 3 general maintenance procedures apply to mask care? -✓✓ 1) rinse
thoroughly with fresh H2o
2) keep out of direct sunlight
3) store in a cool, dry place
Question and Answer (2026/2027) | A+
Verified
• What is the most important rule of scuba diving? -✓✓ Do not hold your breath
Breathe continuously
• What are the consequences of breaking the most important rule in scuba diving? -
✓✓ Lung over expansion
severe injuries, death
• What is a reverse block? -✓✓ pain and discomfort caused by expanding air
trapped inside an air space during ascent
• What should you do if you feel discomfort during ascent due to air expansion in
the ears, sinuses, stomach, intestines, or teeth? -✓✓ slow or stop ascent
descend a metre/few feet and give the trapped air time to work its way out
• How does increasing depth affect how long your air supply lasts? -✓✓ the deeper
you descend, the denser the air becomes.
It takes 4X the effort to breathe twice as fast
• What's the most efficient way to breathe dense air underwater? -✓✓ take deep,
slow breaths
• Why does a diver need a mask? -✓✓ creates an air space, so your eyes can focus
, • As you go deeper, you consume air from your scuba cylinder _____ -✓✓ faster
• Why does the mask need to enclose your nose? -✓✓ to equalize during your
descent to prevent mask squeeze
• What 6 features should you look for in a mask? -✓✓ 1) tempered glass
2) comfortable skirt with a good seal
3) nose or finger pockets
4) low profile
5) Adjustable strap that can be locked in place
6) wide field of vision
• When buying a mask, what are the 2 most important features? -✓✓ fit and
comfort
• How do you prepare a new mask for use? -✓✓ use a soft cloth with a low
abrasion cleaner to remove the protective chemical
adjust the strap
• What 3 general maintenance procedures apply to mask care? -✓✓ 1) rinse
thoroughly with fresh H2o
2) keep out of direct sunlight
3) store in a cool, dry place
