PADI Confined & Open Water Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a confined water session, a student panics and bolts for the surface. What is the FIRST thing an instructor should do?
- Signal the student to stop and ascend slowly (Correct answer)
- Grab the student immediately to physically stop them
- Let them surface and address the issue topside
- End the session and notify the dive center
Correct answer: Signal the student to stop and ascend slowly
The instructor should signal the student to stop and ascend slowly, as a panicked uncontrolled ascent risks decompression illness.
Question 2: Which skill requires a student to demonstrate neutral buoyancy by hovering motionless in open water?
- Peak performance buoyancy hover (Correct answer)
- Fin pivot
- Weight check at the surface
- CESA (Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent)
Correct answer: Peak performance buoyancy hover
The peak performance buoyancy hover requires the diver to remain motionless mid-water for at least 30 seconds without touching the bottom.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the fin pivot exercise performed in confined water?
- To teach divers to kick more efficiently
- To practice buoyancy control by inflating and deflating the BCD in small increments (Correct answer)
- To demonstrate correct fin selection for open water
- To build leg strength for longer dives
Correct answer: To practice buoyancy control by inflating and deflating the BCD in small increments
The fin pivot teaches buoyancy control by having the student pivot on their fins using small BCD adjustments rather than breath control alone.
Question 4: A student's mask floods completely during an open water dive. They clear it successfully but become disoriented. What should the buddy or instructor do?
- Signal okay and continue the dive
- Establish eye contact, signal to ascend together, and end the dive if the student is still distressed (Correct answer)
- Have the student repeat the mask clearing until comfortable
- Immediately begin a rescue ascent
Correct answer: Establish eye contact, signal to ascend together, and end the dive if the student is still distressed
After a stressful event, it is safest to establish communication, assess the student's emotional state, and abort the dive if distress continues.
Question 5: When practicing the alternate air source ascent in confined water, how should the out-of-air diver signal the request?
- Wave one arm overhead
- Draw a thumb across the throat in a cutting motion (Correct answer)
- Point upward and kick to the surface
- Tap the buddy on the shoulder twice
Correct answer: Draw a thumb across the throat in a cutting motion
The universal out-of-air signal is a thumb drawn across the throat, indicating the diver has no air and needs the alternate source.
Question 6: During open water training dive 2, students are expected to demonstrate navigation using a compass. What is a key technique for swimming a straight compass course?
- Hold the compass at arm's length and watch the needle constantly
- Set the lubber line on the desired heading and keep the needle aligned with the index marks while swimming (Correct answer)
- Follow the bubbles of the diver ahead
- Rely on the natural bottom slope for direction
Correct answer: Set the lubber line on the desired heading and keep the needle aligned with the index marks while swimming
Accurate compass navigation requires aligning the needle with index marks and keeping the lubber line pointed in the direction of travel.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the PADI standard for maximum depth during confined water training dives?
- Confined water must simulate open water conditions at any depth
- Confined water should be shallow enough that divers can stand and their heads remain above water (Correct answer)
- Confined water dives must not exceed 5 meters/15 feet
- Confined water depth depends only on the student's certification level
Correct answer: Confined water should be shallow enough that divers can stand and their heads remain above water
PADI defines confined water as a body of water with pool-like conditions where students can stand with heads above water, ensuring safety during skill practice.
PADI Confined & Open Water Skills 2
During a confined water session, a student panics and bolts for the surface.
What is the FIRST thing an instructor should do?