PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

What essential equipment is used when supervising a drift dive?

1. Surface signal devices

2. Extra weight belts

3. GPS units

4. Camera equipment

The correct answer is: Surface signal devices

When supervising a drift dive, surface signal devices are essential because they enhance safety and communication between the divers and the surface support team. These devices, which can include safety sausages or other floatation markers, allow divers to signal their presence to boat operators and other surface personnel more effectively. In the dynamic environment of a drift dive, where currents can carry divers away from the boat, having a visual marker can be crucial for locating divers quickly and keeping them safe. The other equipment mentioned, such as extra weight belts, GPS units, or camera equipment, may have their own uses, but they do not directly address the immediate safety and communication needs that arise during a drift dive. Extra weight belts are generally more about neutral buoyancy than supervision, GPS units are useful for navigation but do not aid in the immediate visibility of divers from the surface, and while camera equipment can enrich personal experience during a dive, it does not contribute to the safety measures necessary for supervising a drift dive.