PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

When planning dives in a current, what aspect of the current should be assessed?

1. Temperature

2. Depth

3. Direction and strength

4. Salinity

The correct answer is: Direction and strength

When planning dives in a current, assessing the direction and strength of the current is crucial for ensuring safety and optimizing the dive experience. Understanding how the current flows allows divers to plan their entry and exit points effectively, as well as their dive route. The direction of the current is particularly important for determining how it will affect a diver's ability to navigate underwater. Knowing whether the current is flowing with or against the intended path allows divers to manage their energy and time more effectively. The strength of the current informs divers about potential challenges they may face, such as holding onto a mooring line or swimming against a stronger current, which could affect their air consumption and overall safety. While assessing temperature, depth, and salinity can be important for other aspects of a dive, they do not directly impact the dive plan in a current as significantly as understanding the current's direction and strength does. Therefore, focusing on these aspects is essential for safe and enjoyable diving in currents.