7 DM Course KR Answer Keys

Divemaster Course Knowledge Review

Answer Keys

Divemater Course Knowledge Review Answer Keys

© PADI 2009

Published by PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DIVING INSTRUCTORS

30151 Tomas

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 USA

Printed in U.S.A.

Divemaster Manual Knowledge ReviewChapter 1

Answer Keys

1. What three broad characteristics may divers expect in a PADI Divemaster?

1. Professionalism2. Role model behavior3. Ability to assist/supervise during training and dive activities

2. List five criteria that define “professionalism” as it applies to the PADI Divemaster.

1. Expert skills and knowledge of dive theory, dive management and leading dives

2. Good judgment that reflects training and experience3. Dress and act like a professional4. Good interpersonal skills5. Exemplary rescue skills

3. Explain what is meant by a role model.

Someone other divers base their behavior on because they respect the person and what the person stands for.

4. Describe a PADI Divemaster who is a good role model.

(Description should include:)• Highskilllevel-demonstrationquality• Commitmenttoresponsibledivepractices• Equipmentwellmaintainedandup-to-date• Physicallyfitorgoodfitnessfordiving• AgreeswiththePADItrainingphilosophy

5. Describe the characteristics and attributes of a poor role model divemaster.

(Description should include:)• Hypocrisyandlackofconviction.• Disregardforpersonalfitness.• Uncaringorunempatheticofdiversandtheirskilllevels.• Contradictsordisagreeswithaninstructorinfrontofstudents.• Failstoperformasa"teamplayer"

6. Explain how role model behavior can affect other divers both positively and negatively.

Good role model behavior reinforces responsible diving habits and prac-tices.Poorrolemodelbehaviormaycausediverstoquestionwhetherresponsible dive habits and practices are really necessary.

7. Explain how role model behavior can affect your ability to function as a divemaster.

Good role model behavior makes it easier to encourage other divers to dive responsibly and accept your suggestions. Poor role model behavior maycausediverstoquestionyou,makingthemlesslikelytoconsideryour suggestions.

8. Explain how good role model behavior benefits student divers when you assist with training.

Good role model behavior earns students' respect, making it easier for you to guide and direct them for the instructor during training.

9. List five benefits and five responsibilities of being a PADI Divemaster.

Benefits:1. ReceiveprofessionalpublicationssuchasTheUnderseaJournal2. CanpurchasematerialsfromyourPADIOfficeatspecialdivemasterrate3. Access to professional liability insurance and legal defense team4. Ability to earn income as an assistant 5. Gain important experience toward becoming an instructor6. Regular update mailings7. Accesstoeducationalconsultantsfortrainingquestions

Responsibilities:1. FollowPADIStandards2. Keep up with changes in standards3. Renew membership annually4. Keep address current5. RepresentPADIfavorably


Answer Keys1. Six characteristics of responsible diver behavior are:

1. Staying within personal limits2. Divingproperlyequipped3. Caringforequipment4. Managing air conservatively5. Usingcomputer/tablesconservatively6. Staying aware of the environment

2. List four ways to encourage responsible diver behavior.

1. Followresponsibledivingpracticesyourself2. Remind divers of responsible behaviors by applying them on the dive3. Make responsible behavior easy4. Reward responsible behaviors

3. Describe the aspects of diving that do and do not fall within the divemaster’s respon-sibility, and the aspects of dive planning and diving for which each diver must retain responsibility.

Each diver maintains responsibility for planning their own dives and fol-lowing their plan. Divers must be responsible for their own actions.

APADIDivemasternormallyoffersageneralorientationandbroaddiveplan that individual divers use to plan their own dives. The divemaster encourages responsible diving, provides logistical support, prepares for reasonably foreseeable emergencies, but does not plan the dives of indi-vidual divers.

4. Describe how to assess general dive conditions, and how you can expect conditions to affect diving.

Based on weather, tides, current and visibility, you determine appropri-atedivetechniquesorifconditionsareacceptablefordiving.Thisalsodepends on the skill level and experience of the divers.

5. The four aspects of supervision in managing dives are:

1. Preparation2. Communication3. Recognition4. Vantage point

6. List and describe the advantages and disadvantages of in-water versus out of water supervision, and the advantages and disadvantages of supervision vantage points in-water versus out of water.

SupervisionIn-water:• Advantages:Putsyouclosetothedivers.Allowsyoutowatchforprob-

lems such as exceeding maximum depth or navigation errors.• Disadvantages:Canonlywatchonegroup.Somediversdon’tliketodive

in a group.SupervisionOutofwater:• Advantages:Easiertosupervisemultipleteams.Closetoemergency

equipment.Moreflexibilityforbuddyteams.• Disadvantages:Unabletopointoutinterestingfeatures.Notimmedi-

ately on hand to help solve problems.

Vantagepoint-In-water:• Advantages:Easiertoseeaproblembeforeithappens.• Disadvantages:Canonlybeinfrontorbehindleadingorescorting,

Makes it hard to know when there is a problem. Vantagepoint-Outofwater:• Advantages:Allowsyoutochooselocationwithvisibilityoftheentire

dive site. • Disadvantages:Sometimesthesitewiththebestvisibilityisnotthe

easiest to respond from.7. List eight types of equipment that can assist in supervising certified divers.

1. Dive roster2. Binoculars3. Dive site maps4. Emergency oxygen5. Firstaidkit

6. Rescue float7. Marine Radio/cellular phone8. Tool Kit 9. Dive flag/float10. Spare gear

8. The primary purpose of diver accounting procedures is:

To make sure every diver returns to the boat or shore after the dive.

9. Describe the characteristics of predive stress, and explain how you help divers deal with it.

Predive stress comes from both physical stressors like heat exhaustion, fatigue and dehydration, or psychological stressors like physical stress, peer pressure, dive concerns and personal problems unrelated to the dive.

There are three approaches to stress relief: 1) remove the stressor, 2) change the perception of the stressor to nonthreatening, or 3) change the perception of the diver's ability to cope with the stress.

10. List the ten points/steps usually included in a dive briefing.

1. Dive site name2. Site descriptions3. Your role4. Entryandexittechniques5. Dive procedures6. Emergency procedures7. Signal review8. Roster/buddy check9. Environmental interaction suggestions10. Predive safety check

11. Describe the general steps to solving a novel problem (one you've never encountered before).

• Identifytheproblemprecisely• Inventoryyourresources.• Createseveralpossiblesolutions• Choosethebestsolution.• Assessandrevise.

12. Explain when dive situations call for you to apply your judgment, and how you de-velop good judgment as a divemaster.

You apply judgment when evaluating acceptable dive conditions, choosing divetechniquestorecommendandpickingsupervisionvantagepoints.

Judgmentcomesfromexperienceandworkingwithmoreexperiencedprofessionals.

13. The two likely roles of a PADI Divemaster in the event of an accident are as:

Scenemanagerorasassistanttosomeonemorequalified.

14. Explain how to gain more knowledge and experience with specialized diving activi-ties.

Completetheappropriatespecialtycourses.


Answer Keys1. Compare and contrast the primary role of a PADI Divemaster to that of a PADI In-

structor in an instructional setting.

ThePADIDivemasterdealswiththelogistics,supervisingstudentdiversand other duties as well as the social and adventurous aspects of div-ing.

The instructor concentrates on teaching and attending to individual student diver needs.

2. List seven functions a divemaster may fulfill as an instructional assistant.

1. Prediveequipmentdistribution2. Supervising students not working with instructor3. Logistics4. Conductingtourforexperienceportionofdives5. Providing student diver performance information to instructor6. Checkingdiversinandoutofthewater7. Helpingdiversonanindividualbasis

3. What is the primary characteristic that makes a PADI Divemaster an ideal instruction-al assistant?

Anticipating and providing what the instructor and student divers need.4. Describe the relationship between the instructor and you, a PADI Divemaster candi-

date.

Mentor/protegerelationship–instructorisacoach,guide,confidantand advisor.

5. Four reasons for having your own copy of the PADI Instructor Manual are:

1. Lists all the standards and procedures2. Makes it easier to anticipate and meet instructor needs3. Includesstandardsforprogramsdivemasterscanofferindependently4. Benefitsyoutostartbecomingfamiliarwithit.5. Training Bulletins keep you current on changes.

6. Describe your role as a PADI Divemaster in relation to student divers in training.

ThePADIDivemasterisarolemodelandanintermediarybetweenstu-dent divers and the instructor supervising both training and nontraining related activities.

7. With respect to PADI programs, what is a certified assistant and what can a certified assistant do?

AcertifiedassistantisarenewedPADIInstructor,AssistantInstructorandDivemasterwhocanperformspecificfunctionsasateachingassis-tant.

Certifiedassistantscan:• IndependentlyguidestudentdiversonOpenWaterDives2,3,4andthe

optional Skin Dive. • AccompanyOpenWaterDiver/ScubaDiverstudentsundertheindirect

supervision of an instructor.• ConductsubsequentDiscoverScubaDivingdivesafterparticipants

completethefirstdivewithaninstructor.• Accompanystudentsduringtrainingdivesincontinuingeducation

courses.• Generallysupervisediversintrainingandnontrainingactivities.

8. Explain how positioning affects your ability to assist with student diver control, and two common examples of position for the skill practice in the Open Water diver course.

Good positioning allows you to see the entire group and the instructor andrespondquicklytoaproblem.

•Oppositeinstructor,hoveringbehindstudentswhoareinasemicirclewith the instructor in front of them.

•Studentsformalinewiththedivemasteratoneendofthelineandthe instructor at the other.

9. List five examples of logistical functions you can perform to assist with training dives at the surface and five underwater.

Onthesurface:1. Coordinatestudentdivers2. Enforce safety or facility rules3. Handleequipment4. Assist with student diver preparation5. Escort student divers6. HandlepaperworkUnderwater1. Lead/follow2. Escort3. Air checks4. Standby supervisor5. Navigation

10. Describe how you would model mask removal, replacement and clearing in a demon-stration quality manner.

Slowpace,criticalattributesemphasized,sequenceemphasized,witheach step clearly seen, mastered and automatic.

11. List and describe the three steps to take to help a student diver master dive skills.

1. Haveastudentattempttheskilltolookformissingorimproperlyper-formed critical attributes.

2. Redemonstrate the skill. 3. Assure early success.

12. Where do you find skill performance requirements student divers must master for PADI courses.

InthePADIInstructorManual.


Answer Keys1. Explain why the PADI Divemaster course emphasizes dive theory training.

Itdevelopsproblemsolvingabilities,givesthecandidatetheoreticalknowledge to apply during practical sessions and prepares the candi-date for instructor level training.

2. Explain why you would want a dive reference library.

Itgivesyouaplacetolookupinformationandawaytokeepupwithnewand changing information.

3. List what you already have in your current dive reference library (to a maximum of 12 items). List four works or types of works you would like to add and explain why.

(Answers vary but may include:)Magazines PADIManualsEncyclopedia of Recreational DivingDivingKnowledgeWorkbookDive travel guides and maps

4. Explain how specialty diver training benefits you with respect to learning dive theory.

Specialty courses go into more theoretical detail than other learning sources and give you a change to apply the knowledge.

5. List the theory subjects you study as part of the PADI Divemaster course and explain how you demonstrate mastery of them.

Divephysics,divephysiology,equipmentanddecompressiontheory You demonstrate mastery by completing an exam in each study area

and earning a score of 75 percent or better.6. Explain how you will keep you dive theory knowledge current after you complete this

course. Be as specific as possible.

Subscribe to and read dive magazines, reread and review the Encyclope-diaofRecreationalDivingandotherdivingrelatedmaterials.Continueyourdivingeducation,attendseminarsanddiving-relatedmeetings.


Answer Keys1. Describe what a compartment is, and what are meant by halftime and M-value.

Compartmentsaretheoreticaltissuemodelsthataccountfordifferingtissue absorption rates.

Halftimeistherateacompartmentabsorbsnitrogen.It'sthetimeittakes for the compartment to go from beginning pressure to halfway to saturation.

M-valueisthemaximumtissuepressureallowedinthecompartment.2. Explain why you need to know your approximate altitude when diving.

There is reduced atmospheric pressure at altitude. This could make the tissuepressuregradienttoohigh,increasingtheriskofDCS.

3. Describe the relationship between the Haldanean model and the human body, and explain to what extent you can rely on the model.

There is no direct relationship between the model and the body. Testing supportsthemodelbutthereisalwayssomeriskofDCS.

4. In metres/feet of pressure, how much nitrogen would the 5, 10, 20 and 60 minute half-time compartments each have after 60 minutes at 18 metres/60 feet?

5-minute=18metres/60feet10-minute=18metres/60feet20-minute=16metres/52.5feet60-minute=9metres/30feet

5. Compare the basis of the US Navy tables repetitive diving procedures with the RDP’s. Explain a) what compartment controls each, b) why each is appropriate for that table and c) the practical difference on repetitive diving between them.

a) TheUSNavysurfaceintervalcredittableiscontrolledbya120minutecompartment. The RDP surface interval credit table is controlled by a 60 minute compartment.

b) TheUSNavytablewasdesignedfordecompressiondiving—requiringlonger/slower compartments to control repetitive dives. The RDP is for nodecompressiondiving—allowingtheuseoffastercompartmentstocontrol repetitive dives.

c) TheUSNavytableaccountsfortheworstcasescenario–arepetitivedive after a decompression dive – which is why repetitive dive times need to be more conservative. The RDP can allow shorter surface intervals and longer repetitive dives because all dives are planned as no decompres-sion dives.

6. Explain why you can’t use pressure groups from the RDP on the US Navy Tables or any other tables.

The tables are based on different models which means that pressure groupdesignationsdonotindicateequivalentamountsofabsorbednitrogen.

7. Explain how modern dive computers apply decompression models to provide more no decompression time than a table.

Dive computers write custom tables to precise depths which eliminates un-necessary rounding.

8. State the three broad computer groupings and list their M-value and surface interval credit characteristics compared the RDP and each other.

SpencerLimits,EEwashout—M-valuessimilartoRDP.Shortersurfacein-tervals can permit repetitive dives beyond what has been shown to work reliably.

SpencerLimits,60minutewashout—M-valuessameasRDP.Surfacein-tervals are similar to RDP.

BuhlmannLimits,EEWashout—lowerM-valuesthanRDP.Repetitivedivessimilar to RDP though some deep dives with short surface intervals may still permit repetitive dives beyond what has been shown to work reliably.

9. Explain why the general recommendations for diving with tables apply equally to dive computers, and list three recommendations specific to computer diving.

Mostgeneralrecommendationsapplyequallybecausetheycomefromwhat has been found to work in actual diving situations.

Computerspecificrecommendations: •Eachdiverhasacomputer. •Followmanufacturerrecommendations. •Endthediveonthemostconservativecomputer.


Answer Keys1. Explain where to find standards and related information on PADI Divemaster-con-

ducted programs, and how you identify standards you must adhere to from other sup-porting material.

PADIInstructorManual:GeneralStandardsandProceduressection,SkinDiverCourseInstructorGuide,andExperienceProgramsGuide.

Standards appear in bold face type.2. Identify where you find the maximum ratios of a PADI Divemaster to participants for

PADI Divemaster-conducted programs.

General Standards and Procedures section, and the instructor guide and the Key Standards Box for each program.

3. Explain where to find performance requirements for programs and why its usually a good idea to state the requirements for participants.

PerformancerequirementsareinboldfacetypeineachInstructorGuide. Statingrequirementsallowsstudentstoknowwhatyouexpectthemto

accomplish.4. Identify where you find a listing of material required and recommended for PADI Di-

vemaster-conducted programs.

InstructorGuideforeachprogram.5. List the six general administrative requirements that apply to all PADI programs:

1. Participants must complete a Medical Statement at the beginning of each course

2. Questionsoffitnessaretheresponsibilityofaphysician3. ParticipantsmustcompleteaPADISafeDivingPracticesStatementof

Understanding4. Participants must complete a Liability Release and Assumption of Risk

Agreement5. Retain records for a minimum of seven years.6. Fileanincidentreportforanydiveincident.

6. Explain the annual renewal requirement for a PADI Divemaster.

Sign an annual membership agreement and return with annual dues to yourPADIOffice.

7. Explain the professional liability insurance requirements for a PADI Divemaster.

Insuranceisnotrequired(inmostareas)buthighlyrecommendedwhenactingasacertifiedassistant.Insuranceisrequired(inmostareas)whenconductingdivemaster-conductedprograms.

8. Identify the intended audience and basic philosophy for each of the following PADI programs:

SkinDiverCourse—Trainingprogramforthoseinterestedindivingbutnotnecessarily in scuba. May appeal to those interested in physical condi-tioning.

DiscoverLocalDiving—Formaldivingorientationforcertifieddiverstoanew location or new diving environment.

DiscoverSnorkeling—Casualexperienceforswimmingandlookingunderwa-ter. May appeal to people who want to experience the underwater world but aren't interested in scuba. Emphasis is on having fun.

ScubaReview—Awayforcertifieddiverswhohavebeeninactivetorefreshskills.

9. List one marketing idea for each of the following programs. (You're encouraged to list original ideas not discussed in the text.)

SkinDiverCourse—Markettoschools,healthclubs,childrenofscubadiv-ers, youth groups, etc.

DiscoverLocalDiving—Markettodiversvisitinganunfamiliardivesite,toinactive divers in conjunction with Scuba Review, etc.

DiscoverSnorkeling—Markettohealthclubs,casualgatheringsatdivesites, travel agencies, people involved with other water sports, etc

ScubaReview—Marketinresortareas,todiverswhoviewtheirinactivityas an obstacle, etc.


Answer Keys1. Define risk management, duty of care and negligence.

Riskmanagement—theprocessofreducingrisksyoufacewhileactingasa divemaster which involves increasing safety for divers and for you in your capacity as a divemaster.

DutyofCare—yourresponsibilitytoactasareasonablyprudentdivemas-ter would act under same or similar circumstances to maintain safety.

Negligence—failuretomeetthedutyofcareexpected

2. Explain why it is recommended that you carry professional liability insurance, even when it’s not required and you plan to function exclusively as an assistant working under a PADI Instructor.

Becauseyoucanbesuedevenifyoudidnothingwrong.Insurancehelpscoverlegalcostsanddamages.Instructorsliabilityinsurancedoesnotcover assistants.

3. Describe the most important step you can take to manage legal risk.

Adhere to conservative diving practices and use good judgment.4. Explain how adhering to standards helps you reduce legal risk and the role of good

judgment in reducing legal risk.

Standards help you demonstrate that you followed the stipulated duty of care.

Good judgment shows that you made reasonable and prudent decisions and acted conservatively.

5. Explain the role of paperwork in reducing legal risk, and describe the steps to follow with any PADI program.

Paperwork establishes your conduct as a reasonably prudent divemaster who followed standards.

Paperwork helps you be organized, aids meeting standards, delivering good customer service and maintaining professionalism.

6. List the dos and don’ts to follow, with regard to legal risk management, in the event of a dive accident.

1. Do handle the emergency.2. Doinformthevictim’sfamily—showcompassionandcaring.3. Docooperatewithauthorities—giveonlythefacts.4. Do not assign, admit or speculate on causes or blame.5. Docollectthevictim’sequipmenttoturnovertoauthorities.6. DocallyourPADIOfficetoreporttheincident.

7. Explain how the Quality Assurance process helps you reduce legal risk.

Createsdocumentationthatyou,asaPADImember,followedstandards.Theprocessalsodocumentsthatanystandards-relatedproblemsareaddressed and corrected.

8. Describe the basics of the Quality Assurance process.

• Indicationofproblemoracomplaint.• PADIseeksadditionalinformation.• PADIcontactsmembertogetmember’sside.• Ifamemberverifiesproblem,PADIdeterminescorrectiveaction.• Whenstatementscan’tbereconciled,thePADIQualityManagement

Committeereviewstheinformationanddeterminestheappropriateac-tion.

9. List five suggestions to help you manage risks to your health and safety as a divemas-ter.

1. Stayphysicallyfit2. Makethedeepestdivefirstandstaywellwithinlimits3. Stay hydrated.4. Whenillorinjured,moderateyouractivities. 5. Pay attention to your mental health.


Answer Keys1. List the “three Es” of diving and explain why each is necessary for someone to be a

diver.

Education—todivesafely,diversneedinstruction.Equipment—withoutequipment,thereisnodiving.Experience—diversneedopportunitiestodive.Withoutareasontodive,

educationandequipmenthavenopurpose.

2. Where does the dive consumer find the three Es of diving.

AtPADIDiveCentersandResorts.

3. Explain the role of leadership level divers with respect to equipment counseling and why it is important.

Diverswillcometothedivemasterforadviceaboutequipmentbecausedivingisatechnicalactivityanddiversrelyonthedivemaster’sexperi-ence.Diveoperatorsdependonequipmentsalesforbusiness.

4. List four attributes of a positive sales process.

1. Give the best recommendation.2. Listen to the divers who come in and ask for advice.3. Don'tmakeassumptionsaboutprice,butrecommendtheequipment

that best addresses the customer's need. 4. Give all the advice you would like to get.


Answer Keys1. List six reasons why you should consider continuing your training through the PADI

Open Water Scuba Instructor level.

1. Instructorsaremoreversatileemployees.2. The majority of boat divemasters are instructors.3. The instructor level is the most common path into other areas of the

dive industry.4. Instructorshavemoreopportunitiestoworkonapart-timebasis.5. Instructortraininghascredibilitybeyonddiving.6. ThereismoredemandforPADIInstructorsthananyotherdiveprofes-

sional rating. 2. Explain how it benefits you to complete the PADI Assistant Instructor course before

taking the PADI Instructor Development Course.

BeinganAssistantInstructorgivesyoumoretimetoassimilateandapply information as well as allows more time to log dives. Assistant InstructorsmaybeexcusedfromcertainIDCCurriculumcomponents,thusreducingtheIDCload.AssistantInstructorsmaycompletePADISpecialtyInstructorcoursespriortoanIDC.

3. Explain how diver level specialty training can help your career as a PADI Divemaster.

ItgivesyoubroaderandmorefrequentdivingopportunitiesandhelpsyougainexperienceforSpecialtyInstructorratings.

4. List six skills, outside of diver training, that can make you more valuable in the dive industry.

1. Boat handling/captain's license2. Retail sales training3. Sales management training 4. Manufacturer'sequipmentrepairtechnician5. Compressorordieselenginemechanic6. Writing,wordprocessing,layoutandphotography

5. Explain how emerging technologies can affect your career, and what you should do in response.

Technological changes can make what you know obsolete. Stay tuned to the dive media, attend trade shows, keep up with changes in computer technologyandbusinesstrendsinotherfieldsthataffectvirtuallyeveryindustry.

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7 DM Course KR Answer Keys