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Equipment Knowledge & Maintenance Flashcards

7 cards from real PADI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Equipment Knowledge & Maintenance flashcards as text

  1. What is the purpose of the bypass valve on a drysuit exhaust (dump) valve?

    Answer: It allows manual venting of gas from the suit when the automatic dump cannot keep up with ascent rate

    The bypass (manual dump) allows a diver to vent gas manually if they are ascending faster than the auto-dump can release, preventing an uncontrolled ascent.

  2. How often should scuba regulator O-rings typically be replaced during routine servicing?

    Answer: At every annual service or whenever they show signs of damage, flat-spotting, or extrusion

    Best practice is to replace O-rings at every annual service interval since they degrade with age and use, even if no active leak is yet visible.

  3. A scuba tank hydrostatic test date stamp of '2/22' means the tank:

    Answer: Was hydrostatically tested in February 2022 and is due for retest in February 2027

    In the US, steel and aluminum cylinders require hydrostatic retest every five years, so a 2/22 stamp means the next test is due February 2027.

  4. What is the role of the exhaust tee (mushroom valve) in a scuba second stage?

    Answer: It allows exhaled gas to exit while preventing water from entering the second stage during inhalation

    The exhaust tee's mushroom (flapper) valve opens outward when the diver exhales and seals shut on inhalation to prevent water ingestion.

  5. Why should nitrox-compatible equipment be specifically designated and protected from hydrocarbon contamination?

    Answer: Hydrocarbons in the presence of high-concentration oxygen create a risk of fire or explosion inside the equipment

    Hydrocarbons are fuel, and in equipment exposed to oxygen-enriched mixtures above 40%, even trace amounts create a serious ignition hazard.

  6. What problem does a 'venturi switch' or 'pre-dive/dive' lever on a second stage regulator solve?

    Answer: It adjusts internal airflow dynamics to prevent free-flow on the surface while optimizing breathing resistance underwater

    The venturi switch changes the angle of incoming gas flow to reduce the likelihood of free-flow in air on the surface while maintaining easy breathing underwater.

  7. What is the correct action if a BCD inflator button sticks in the inflate position underwater?

    Answer: Disconnect the inflator hose from the first stage and vent gas orally or via the dump valve to control buoyancy

    Disconnecting the LP inflator hose stops gas from entering the BCD, allowing the diver to control buoyancy by venting manually while completing a safe ascent.