PADI Underwater Navigation and Buoyancy Control 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which instrument is the primary tool used for underwater navigation without natural references?
- Depth gauge
- Submersible pressure gauge (SPG)
- Underwater compass (Correct answer)
- Dive computer
Correct answer: Underwater compass
An underwater compass is the primary instrument for navigating when natural references such as sunlight, bottom contour, or surge are unavailable.
Question 2: When swimming a square search pattern underwater, a diver turns how many degrees at each corner?
- 45 degrees
- 90 degrees (Correct answer)
- 120 degrees
- 180 degrees
Correct answer: 90 degrees
A square search pattern requires 90-degree turns at each corner to maintain a systematic grid over the search area.
Question 3: What is the recommended technique for maintaining a straight compass bearing while swimming underwater?
- Hold the compass at eye level and flutter kick strongly
- Keep the compass level, align the lubber line with the direction of travel, and hold it steady (Correct answer)
- Tilt the compass toward the surface for easier reading
- Refer to the compass only at the start and end of the swim
Correct answer: Keep the compass level, align the lubber line with the direction of travel, and hold it steady
Divers should keep the compass level, align the lubber line with the direction of travel, and hold it steady to maintain an accurate bearing.
Question 4: To return to the starting point on a reciprocal compass course, a diver should add or subtract how many degrees from the original heading?
- 45 degrees
- 90 degrees
- 180 degrees (Correct answer)
- 360 degrees
Correct answer: 180 degrees
A reciprocal bearing is calculated by adding or subtracting 180 degrees from the original heading to reverse direction.
Question 5: Which natural navigation reference uses the position of the sun and wave surge patterns to determine direction?
- Bottom topography
- Sand ripple patterns
- Sun angle and surge direction (Correct answer)
- Thermocline depth
Correct answer: Sun angle and surge direction
Sun angle and wave surge direction are reliable natural references, as surge typically moves parallel to shore and the sun travels predictably across the sky.
Question 6: What does a diver use kick cycles to estimate during underwater navigation?
- Remaining air supply
- Depth changes
- Distance traveled (Correct answer)
- Current speed
Correct answer: Distance traveled
Counting kick cycles allows divers to estimate distance traveled by correlating a known number of kicks with a measured distance.
PADI Underwater Navigation and Buoyancy Control 1
Which instrument is the primary tool used for underwater navigation without natural references?