SSI Open Water Diver Section 4 2026/2027 – 16 Questions & Answers | Dive Planning, Buddy System, Navigation, Dive Computers & Decompression

This SSI Open Water Diver Section 4 2026/2027 study guide contains 16 exam questions with correct answers across 5 pages, focusing on dive planning, buddy procedures, surf entries, rip currents, safety stops, no-decompression limits, residual nitrogen, repetitive dives, surface intervals, compass navigation, ascent rates, and dive-computer use. The material is presented in a concise question-and-answer format designed for students reviewing Section 4 concepts before an SSI Open Water Diver assessment. The opening section concentrates on the buddy system and dive-site procedures. The document states that buddy teams entering through surf should maintain physical contact and coordinate entry with a lull between wave sets. If buddy contact is lost, the material instructs the diver to search for no more than one minute by turning 360 degrees and looking above and below before making a normal ascent. It also describes a good buddy as someone familiar with their partner's equipment and able to assist throughout dive planning and diving activities. Another major topic is dive planning and decompression-related terminology. Students review the no-decompression limit, residual nitrogen, repetitive dives, surface intervals, and the safety stop presented in the notes as 15 feet for 3–5 minutes. The source defines a repetitive dive as one beginning more than 10 minutes but less than 12 hours after a previous scuba dive and defines residual nitrogen as excessive nitrogen remaining dissolved in the bloodstream and tissues after a dive. The final pages emphasize dive computers and underwater navigation. According to the document, dive computers help divers remain within decompression limits, record relevant information, monitor ascents and descents, and track nitrogen absorption. The notes state that divers should not share a computer with a buddy and give a recommended maximum ascent rate of 30 feet per minute. Compass navigation is reviewed through the bezel, witness marks, magnetic needle, and lubber line, while a reciprocal azimuth example converts 60° to 240°. Dive-site selection and documentation are also covered. The material emphasizes evaluating the abilities and conditioning of both divers, considering site difficulty and the purpose of the dive, and using the SSI Total DiveLog as a record and future information resource. The final planning question identifies accident prevention as the most important reason for planning a dive and executing it according to that plan. Professional Reference: For current course standards, dive-planning procedures, certification requirements, and safety guidance, students should consult Scuba Schools International (SSI). The uploaded document is the basis for the specific exam answers summarized here; current SSI instructional materials and qualified instructor guidance should take priority for actual diving procedures. Relevant students: This resource is particularly relevant to SSI Open Water Diver candidates, recreational scuba students, beginner divers, entry-level scuba certification learners, and students preparing for the SSI Section 4 knowledge assessment. It is especially useful for revision of buddy procedures, dive-site selection, rip currents, safety stops, no-decompression limits, residual nitrogen, repetitive dives, surface intervals, dive computers, ascent rates, reciprocal azimuths, compass navigation, and the SSI Total DiveLog. No university or conventional academic course code is identified in the document. Keywords: SSI Open Water Diver Section 4, SSI Section 4 exam, SSI Open Water Diver , SSI Section 4 questions and answers, SSI scuba exam, Open Water Diver study guide, scuba dive planning, SSI buddy system, lost buddy procedure, surf entry scuba, rip currents diving, safety stop scuba, no decompression limit, residual nitrogen, repetitive dive, surface interval, dive computer questions, SSI dive computer, scuba ascent rate, 30 feet per minute ascent, compass navigation scuba, reciprocal azimuth, lubber line compass, SSI Total DiveLog, dive site selection, scuba certification questions, SSI diving theory, SSI exam preparation