PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

How can divers extend their breathhold time effectively?

1. Breath through the mouth

2. Inhale quickly and exhale slowly

3. Breathe from the diaphragm and relax

4. Perform underwater exercises

The correct answer is: Breathe from the diaphragm and relax

The ability to extend breath-hold time is significantly enhanced by utilizing diaphragmatic breathing and maintaining a relaxed state. Breathing from the diaphragm involves engaging the larger muscles of the abdomen, allowing for deeper inhalations that maximize lung capacity and oxygen intake. This method of breathing also promotes a calm state, which is crucial for efficient oxygen utilization during a breath-hold. When divers relax while using diaphragmatic breathing, they lower their metabolic rate, which decreases the amount of oxygen consumed. This allows them to conserve oxygen for a longer duration while underwater. Overall, integrating these techniques enables divers to manage their breath-hold more effectively and safely. In contrast, options like breathing quickly or mouth breathing can lead to inefficient oxygen exchange and increased carbon dioxide buildup, potentially shortening breath-hold time. Engaging in underwater exercises can also increase oxygen demand and fatigue, which would be counterproductive when trying to extend the duration of a breath-hold.