Divemaster Final Exam B (2026/2027)-
Practice Questions & Study Guide
What will the buoyancy of an object be (positive, neutral, or negative) if it
displaces an amount of water:
a. more than its own weight?
b. less than its own weight?
c. equal to its own weight?
a. positive
b. negative
c. neutral
How does the buoyancy of an object differ in fresh water compared to salt water.
Because salt water weighs more than fresh water, it causes more buoyancy (more
upward force)
What is the relationship between increasing and decreasing depth and water
pressure?
With increasing depth the water pressure increases. With decreasing depth the water
pressure decreases.
What is the relationship between air volume and density, and how do they vary
according to this relationship when pressure increases or decreases?
Air volume and density change proportionately with pressure. As pressure increases, air
volume decreases, and air density increases. As pressure decreases, air volume
increases, and air density decreases.
What is a "squeeze"?
A pressure imbalance that pushes tissues into an air space.
What is "equalization"?
The process of adding air to an air space.
What are the three ways you can equalize air spaces during descent?
1. pinch your nose and blow gently against it
2. wiggling your jaw side-to-side and swallowing
3. blow air into mask through your nose
How often should you equalize during descent?
Frequently
What three steps should you take if you feel discomfort in an air space while
descending?
1. stop your descent
2. signal your buddy(ies)
3. ascend slightly until the discomfort passes and try again
What is the most important rule in scuba diving?
to breathe continuously and never, ever hold your breath
What are the consequences of breaking the most important rule in scuba diving?
lung overexpansion injuries
How does increasing depth affect how long your air supply lasts?
it shortens it
1|P age
,What's the most efficient way to breathe dense air underwater?
take slow, deep breaths
When selecting scuba equipment, what are the three most important factors?
suitability, fit, and comfort
How do you prepare a new mask for use?
you may need to scrub the interior of the glass with a mask cleaner. main preparation is
to adjust the strap. fit it over the crown of your head, above your ears, with a snug but
not overly tightly fit. secure the strap locking device if it has one.
What are two basic types of tank valves?
yoke and DIN
What's the difference between a DIN valve and a yoke valve?
the yoke system holds the first stage to the cylinder with a clamp system. with the DIN
system, the regulator threads into the valve.
What's the best way to keep water out of a scuba tank?
to never completely empty it and store the cylinder in a standing position.
Why do you need scuba tank visual inspections and pressure tests and how often
are they done?
to keep the maintenance of the cylinder and to know it is properly working. the visual
inspection is done annually. the pressure test is done every two to five years.
How does looking at something underwater affect its apparent size?
the make them looker larger and/or closer
How does water affect light intensity and color?
as you go deeper, it gets darker and colors start to fade.
How does being underwater affect hearing?
sound travels over longer distances and more efficiently
How should you move underwater to compensate for the increased resistance of
water?
slowly and steadily
How do you breathe underwater for maximum efficiency?
slowly and deeply
what are eight symptoms of overexertion while diving?
fatigue, labored breathing, a feeling of suffocation or air starvation, weakness, anxiety,
headache, muscle cramping, and a tendency to panic
what two properties may an exposure suit lose due to increased water pressure
at depth?
buoyancy and circulation
why should you avoid an excessively tight-fitting hood?
it it is too tight, it can restrict blood flow through your neck
what's the most important feature of any weight system?
the quick release
how do you determine how much weight you need for a dive?
you want to wear just enough to offset your positive buoyancy, but not more. the second
is the right distribution of weight.- trim.
if you lose contact with your buddy underwater, what should you do?
look for your buddy for no more than a minute, then reunite on the surface
how can you obtain an orientation to an unfamiliar aquatic environment?
2|P age
, PADI Discover Local Diving experience
what's the definition of "underwater visibility"?
you measure visibility as the distance you can see horizontally underwater
What four principle factors affect underwater visibility?
water movement, weather, plankton, and bottom composition
how do you avoid the problems associated with diving in clear water?
using a reference and staying two seconds away from your buddy
in most circumstances, which way should you go when there's a mild current
present?
into the current
what are the two basic classifications for interaction between divers and aquatic
life?
passive and active intereactions
what causes nearly all injuries from aquatic life?
human carelessness
what should you do if you see an aggressive animal underwater?
watch it and enjoy the experience. remain still and calm on or near the bottom and don't
swim toward the creature.
what are the signs of diver in distress?
mask on forehead or no mask, not using their breathing equipment, wide, unseeing
eyes, quick and jerky movements, and do not follow instructions.
what, in order or priority, are the five low-on-air/out-of-air emergency
procedures?
Make a normal ascent
Ascend using an alternate air source
Ascend using a controlled emergency swimming ascent
Make a buoyant emergency ascent
how do you breathe from a free-flowing regulator?
Don't seal your mouth on the regulator, old the regulator in your hand and press the
mouthpiece to the outside of your lips, inserting one corner if your like, breathe the air
you need letting the excess air escape.
what are the four general procedures for dealing with an unresponsive diver in
the water?
1. establish buoyancy for the victim and for yourself. Inflate both BCDs and/or drop
weights as necessary.
2. call for help to the boat or shore.
3. check for breathing and if not breathing give rescue breaths
4. continue rescue breathing
what should you do for a diver suspected of breathing contaminated air?
make them breathe fresh air and give emergency oxygen if available. provide CPR if
required. Contact emergency care.
how do you prevent problems with contaminated air?
get your cylinder filled only at reputable scuba air sources and have your tank checked
regularly
what are five symptoms of nitrogen narcosis?
3|P age
Practice Questions & Study Guide
What will the buoyancy of an object be (positive, neutral, or negative) if it
displaces an amount of water:
a. more than its own weight?
b. less than its own weight?
c. equal to its own weight?
a. positive
b. negative
c. neutral
How does the buoyancy of an object differ in fresh water compared to salt water.
Because salt water weighs more than fresh water, it causes more buoyancy (more
upward force)
What is the relationship between increasing and decreasing depth and water
pressure?
With increasing depth the water pressure increases. With decreasing depth the water
pressure decreases.
What is the relationship between air volume and density, and how do they vary
according to this relationship when pressure increases or decreases?
Air volume and density change proportionately with pressure. As pressure increases, air
volume decreases, and air density increases. As pressure decreases, air volume
increases, and air density decreases.
What is a "squeeze"?
A pressure imbalance that pushes tissues into an air space.
What is "equalization"?
The process of adding air to an air space.
What are the three ways you can equalize air spaces during descent?
1. pinch your nose and blow gently against it
2. wiggling your jaw side-to-side and swallowing
3. blow air into mask through your nose
How often should you equalize during descent?
Frequently
What three steps should you take if you feel discomfort in an air space while
descending?
1. stop your descent
2. signal your buddy(ies)
3. ascend slightly until the discomfort passes and try again
What is the most important rule in scuba diving?
to breathe continuously and never, ever hold your breath
What are the consequences of breaking the most important rule in scuba diving?
lung overexpansion injuries
How does increasing depth affect how long your air supply lasts?
it shortens it
1|P age
,What's the most efficient way to breathe dense air underwater?
take slow, deep breaths
When selecting scuba equipment, what are the three most important factors?
suitability, fit, and comfort
How do you prepare a new mask for use?
you may need to scrub the interior of the glass with a mask cleaner. main preparation is
to adjust the strap. fit it over the crown of your head, above your ears, with a snug but
not overly tightly fit. secure the strap locking device if it has one.
What are two basic types of tank valves?
yoke and DIN
What's the difference between a DIN valve and a yoke valve?
the yoke system holds the first stage to the cylinder with a clamp system. with the DIN
system, the regulator threads into the valve.
What's the best way to keep water out of a scuba tank?
to never completely empty it and store the cylinder in a standing position.
Why do you need scuba tank visual inspections and pressure tests and how often
are they done?
to keep the maintenance of the cylinder and to know it is properly working. the visual
inspection is done annually. the pressure test is done every two to five years.
How does looking at something underwater affect its apparent size?
the make them looker larger and/or closer
How does water affect light intensity and color?
as you go deeper, it gets darker and colors start to fade.
How does being underwater affect hearing?
sound travels over longer distances and more efficiently
How should you move underwater to compensate for the increased resistance of
water?
slowly and steadily
How do you breathe underwater for maximum efficiency?
slowly and deeply
what are eight symptoms of overexertion while diving?
fatigue, labored breathing, a feeling of suffocation or air starvation, weakness, anxiety,
headache, muscle cramping, and a tendency to panic
what two properties may an exposure suit lose due to increased water pressure
at depth?
buoyancy and circulation
why should you avoid an excessively tight-fitting hood?
it it is too tight, it can restrict blood flow through your neck
what's the most important feature of any weight system?
the quick release
how do you determine how much weight you need for a dive?
you want to wear just enough to offset your positive buoyancy, but not more. the second
is the right distribution of weight.- trim.
if you lose contact with your buddy underwater, what should you do?
look for your buddy for no more than a minute, then reunite on the surface
how can you obtain an orientation to an unfamiliar aquatic environment?
2|P age
, PADI Discover Local Diving experience
what's the definition of "underwater visibility"?
you measure visibility as the distance you can see horizontally underwater
What four principle factors affect underwater visibility?
water movement, weather, plankton, and bottom composition
how do you avoid the problems associated with diving in clear water?
using a reference and staying two seconds away from your buddy
in most circumstances, which way should you go when there's a mild current
present?
into the current
what are the two basic classifications for interaction between divers and aquatic
life?
passive and active intereactions
what causes nearly all injuries from aquatic life?
human carelessness
what should you do if you see an aggressive animal underwater?
watch it and enjoy the experience. remain still and calm on or near the bottom and don't
swim toward the creature.
what are the signs of diver in distress?
mask on forehead or no mask, not using their breathing equipment, wide, unseeing
eyes, quick and jerky movements, and do not follow instructions.
what, in order or priority, are the five low-on-air/out-of-air emergency
procedures?
Make a normal ascent
Ascend using an alternate air source
Ascend using a controlled emergency swimming ascent
Make a buoyant emergency ascent
how do you breathe from a free-flowing regulator?
Don't seal your mouth on the regulator, old the regulator in your hand and press the
mouthpiece to the outside of your lips, inserting one corner if your like, breathe the air
you need letting the excess air escape.
what are the four general procedures for dealing with an unresponsive diver in
the water?
1. establish buoyancy for the victim and for yourself. Inflate both BCDs and/or drop
weights as necessary.
2. call for help to the boat or shore.
3. check for breathing and if not breathing give rescue breaths
4. continue rescue breathing
what should you do for a diver suspected of breathing contaminated air?
make them breathe fresh air and give emergency oxygen if available. provide CPR if
required. Contact emergency care.
how do you prevent problems with contaminated air?
get your cylinder filled only at reputable scuba air sources and have your tank checked
regularly
what are five symptoms of nitrogen narcosis?
3|P age
