PADI Search & Recovery Diving 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which PADI search pattern uses a fixed pivot point on the bottom and has a surface tender extend the line to sweep progressively larger arcs?
- Jackstay search
- U-pattern search
- Circular/arc search (Correct answer)
- Expanding square search
Correct answer: Circular/arc search
The circular/arc search uses a line attached to a fixed pivot point, allowing the diver to sweep arcs of increasing radius as the tender pays out line.
Question 2: What is the primary advantage of a jackstay search pattern compared to other search methods?
- It requires only a single diver and no surface support
- It provides systematic, complete coverage of a defined area (Correct answer)
- It is the fastest search method available
- It works best in strong current conditions
Correct answer: It provides systematic, complete coverage of a defined area
The jackstay pattern uses parallel reference lines to ensure every part of the search area is covered systematically, minimizing gaps.
Question 3: When planning a search and recovery dive, what should be established FIRST before entering the water?
- The type of lift bag and rigging needed
- A clear picture of what is lost, its approximate size, and last known location (Correct answer)
- Buddy team and diver role assignments
- Whether decompression stops will be required
Correct answer: A clear picture of what is lost, its approximate size, and last known location
Gathering information about what was lost, its characteristics, and last known position allows the team to select the most appropriate search pattern and equipment.
Question 4: What is the MOST important safety rule when using a lift bag for underwater recovery?
- Always use the largest lift bag available
- Never exceed the lift bag's rated lifting capacity (Correct answer)
- Fill the lift bag completely before releasing it from the bottom
- Keep the lift bag attached to the diver at all times during ascent
Correct answer: Never exceed the lift bag's rated lifting capacity
Exceeding a lift bag's rated capacity can cause an uncontrolled rapid ascent, endangering divers and potentially losing the recovered object.
Question 5: Which knot is most recommended in PADI Search and Recovery for creating a secure, non-slipping loop to attach lines to recovered objects?
- Reef knot
- Bowline (Correct answer)
- Clove hitch
- Half hitch
Correct answer: Bowline
The bowline creates a fixed, secure loop that does not slip under load and can still be untied after stress, making it ideal for rigging in S&R.
Question 6: What tool is MOST effective for marking the exact location of a found object before surfacing to retrieve recovery equipment?
- Surface marker buoy (SMB) deployed at depth (Correct answer)
- An underwater dive light left pointing upward
- A written note on an underwater slate
- A weighted rope dropped from the surface boat
Correct answer: Surface marker buoy (SMB) deployed at depth
Deploying an SMB at depth allows the team to see the object's exact location from the surface and return to it precisely on subsequent dives.
Question 7: When using a circular search pattern and the diver reaches the limit of underwater visibility, what is the correct procedure?
- Surface immediately and relocate the pivot point
- Signal the surface tender to extend the line and continue sweeping (Correct answer)
- Switch to an expanding square pattern at the same depth
- Terminate the search until visibility improves
Correct answer: Signal the surface tender to extend the line and continue sweeping
The surface tender pays out the line in measured increments so the diver can sweep progressively larger arcs without losing the pivot reference.
PADI Search & Recovery Diving 1
Which PADI search pattern uses a fixed pivot point on the bottom and has a surface tender extend the line to sweep progressively larger arcs?