PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

By what factor does water dissipate body heat compared to air?

1. 5 times faster

2. 10 times faster

3. 15 times faster

4. 20 times faster

The correct answer is: 20 times faster

Water dissipates body heat significantly faster than air due to its higher thermal conductivity. In general, water conducts heat away from the body approximately 20 times faster than air. This property plays a crucial role in how divers manage exposure to cold water during dives. It emphasizes the importance of wearing appropriate exposure protection, such as wetsuits or drysuits, to maintain body temperature. The high heat dissipation rate in water is critical to understand for dive safety and comfort, as unprotected exposure can lead to hypothermia more quickly than in air. This factor is fundamental when planning dive durations and depths, taking into consideration the water temperature and the diver’s thermal protection. Divers need to plan accordingly to minimize the risks associated with rapid heat loss in aquatic environments.