PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

One major concern when supervising a night dive is:

1. Equipment familiarity

2. Light failure and disorientation

3. Having enough dive buddies

4. Water temperature

The correct answer is: Light failure and disorientation

In the context of supervising a night dive, the primary concern revolves around light failure and disorientation. Night diving introduces unique challenges since visibility is significantly reduced compared to daytime dives. Divers rely on their lights for navigation, communication, and to spot other divers. If a diver's light fails, it can create a situation of panic and confusion, leading to disorientation in the dark water. This situation could cause divers to lose their sense of direction, making it crucial for a supervisor to ensure that all divers have reliable lighting equipment and are trained on what to do in case of light failure. In addition to the risk of light failure, the darkness can complicate spatial awareness, increasing the risk of divers becoming separated from each other or from the dive leader. As such, understanding how to mitigate these risks is essential for the safety of the dive group. The other concerns listed, such as equipment familiarity, the number of dive buddies, and water temperature, while important, do not address the immediate and critical issue of visibility and orientation under night dive conditions. Thus, the focus on light failure and disorientation underscores the fundamental aspects of safety and effective supervision during a night dive.