PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

Breathing in scuba tends to make you rise when you inhale. What does this relate to?

1. Pressure changes

2. Buoyancy control

3. Body position

4. Weight adjustments

The correct answer is: Buoyancy control

When you inhale while scuba diving, the volume of air in your lungs increases, which in turn decreases your overall density. As a result, you become more buoyant and tend to rise in the water column. This phenomenon is directly related to the principle of buoyancy control, which is crucial for divers to manage their ascent and descent effectively. Buoyancy control is vital for maintaining a safe and comfortable diving experience. A diver must learn how to adjust their buoyancy through various means, such as adding or releasing air from a buoyancy control device (BCD), controlling breathing, and being aware of how body positioning affects buoyancy. Inhalation increases buoyancy, while exhalation decreases it, allowing divers to fine-tune their depth and stability in the water. Understanding this principle helps divers avoid rapid ascents and uncontrolled movements, contributing to safer diving practices and enhancing the overall experience while exploring underwater environments.