PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

What does the adjusted no decompression limit (ANDL) help divers determine?

1. The maximum depth of the next dive

2. The duration of a safe ascent

3. The time allowed for repetitive diving

4. The volume of air consumed during a dive

The correct answer is: The time allowed for repetitive diving

The adjusted no decompression limit (ANDL) is crucial for divers when determining the allowable time for repetitive dives without exceeding safe limits. The ANDL takes into account factors such as previous dive profiles, surface intervals, and residual nitrogen in the body from past dives. This helps in calculating how long a diver can safely remain at a specific depth before there’s a risk of decompression sickness. Understanding the ANDL is vital for planning multiple dives within a day, ensuring that divers can maximize their underwater experience while minimizing the risk associated with nitrogen buildup. This is especially relevant when divers are considering closely spaced repeated dives at the same depth or varying depths. In contrast, the other options do not relate directly to what the ANDL determines. While factors like maximum depth or ascent duration are essential considerations in diving, they are not specifically dictated by the ANDL. Similarly, while knowing air consumption is important for dive planning, it does not directly tie into the concept of adjusted no decompression limits.