Wreck & Cave Diving Fundamentals 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 Wreck & Cave Diving Fundamentals flashcards as text
When selecting a penetration reel for wreck diving, what characteristic is most important?
Answer: The line must be strong enough to pull against and be non-stretch
A non-stretch, strong line (typically braided nylon or polyester) allows divers to confidently follow it under tension in zero visibility.
Which fin technique is recommended inside a wreck or cave to minimize silt disturbance?
Answer: Frog kick or modified frog kick
The frog kick keeps fin tips angled upward and away from the bottom, minimizing silt disturbance in overhead environments.
A diver notices a 'cookie' (small plastic marker) attached to the guideline during a cave dive. What does this indicate?
Answer: The starting point of that team's line laid that day
A personal marker (cookie) identifies a specific team's tie-in point on a shared guideline, preventing navigation confusion.
What environmental hazard is especially common inside older steel shipwrecks and can injure divers who brush against interior surfaces?
Answer: Sharp corroded metal, broken glass, and deteriorating materials
Corroded metal, collapsed materials, and broken glass inside aging wrecks create significant laceration and entanglement hazards.
In the context of cave diving gas planning, what is the 'rule of halves' used for?
Answer: Planning dives with only a single tank
The rule of halves applies when diving solo or when conditions make the rule of thirds insufficient; turn back at half tank.
Which type of wreck is generally considered safer for introductory penetration training and why?
Answer: Wrecks with large, open interior spaces and multiple natural light sources
Wrecks with large open spaces and natural light penetration allow students to see exits and feel less disoriented, reducing risk during initial training.
What should a cave or wreck diver do if their primary light fails during penetration?
Answer: Signal the buddy and both immediately exit using buddy's light
A primary light failure is a dive-ending event; both divers should immediately exit the overhead environment using the remaining light.