Underwater Navigation and Buoyancy Control Flashcards

A diver notices they must kick constantly to maintain depth. This is most likely caused by what?

Answer: Under-weighting causing the diver to be positively buoyant

If a diver is under-weighted, they will be positively buoyant and must kick downward to maintain depth, wasting energy and air.

What is a 'fin pivot' exercise designed to teach divers?

Answer: How to control buoyancy through breath alone while resting on fin tips

The fin pivot exercise teaches divers to control their buoyancy using only lung volume by resting on fin tips and rising and falling with each breath.

When navigating an underwater triangle course, a diver turns how many degrees at each corner?

Answer: 120 degrees

A triangular course requires three turns of 120 degrees each (using either the right or left turn method) to form a closed equilateral triangle.

Which piece of equipment helps a diver mark their position at the surface after an underwater navigation dive?

Answer: Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)

A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) is deployed at the end of a dive to signal the diver's surface position to the boat and other watercraft.

What natural underwater feature can divers use to navigate parallel to shore?

Answer: Depth changes along a reef or slope

Following depth contours along a reef slope or underwater wall allows divers to swim parallel to shore without a compass.

What is the recommended buoyancy state during a 3-minute safety stop at 15 feet (5 meters)?

Answer: Neutral buoyancy to hover effortlessly

Neutral buoyancy at the safety stop depth allows the diver to hover effortlessly, making the stop more effective and conserving energy.