PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

What should a diver do if they feel an equipment failure underwater?

1. Ignore it and continue diving

2. Signal their buddy and ascend together

3. Attempt repairs immediately

4. Return to the surface alone

The correct answer is: Signal their buddy and ascend together

When a diver experiences an equipment failure underwater, signaling their buddy and ascending together is the most appropriate response. This approach promotes safety and teamwork, which are essential elements of diving. By alerting their dive buddy, both divers can assess the situation collectively, and the buddy can provide assistance if needed. Ascending together ensures that both divers maintain communication and can monitor one another as they ascend, which is critical for preventing additional issues, such as decompression sickness. It allows for coordinated actions and ensures that the diver in distress is not left alone to manage a potentially hazardous situation. While attempts to repair equipment underwater may seem logical, they can lead to worsening the situation or increasing the risk of an accident, particularly if the repairs are complicated or the diver is not fully equipped to handle the issue. Ascending alone poses significant dangers, including the risk of decompression sickness and losing contact with the buddy. Ignoring the equipment failure is irresponsible and compromises safety. This response emphasizes the importance of buddy awareness and cooperation in dive safety practices, reflecting the training and protocols shared among divers.