PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

When transitioning from sea level to altitude diving, what key principle should be followed?

1. Increase dive time

2. Use deeper dive tables

3. Consider elevated body nitrogen levels

4. Return to sea level before diving

The correct answer is: Consider elevated body nitrogen levels

When transitioning from sea level to altitude diving, the key principle is to consider elevated body nitrogen levels. At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is higher, and as you ascend to higher altitudes, the pressure decreases. This reduction in pressure affects how nitrogen behaves in your body. During a dive, nitrogen is absorbed into your body tissues; when you transition to altitude after diving, this nitrogen may not be eliminated as efficiently due to the lower atmospheric pressure. Thus, it becomes crucial to account for any residual nitrogen in your body before engaging in altitude activities, as this could lead to an increased risk of decompression sickness. Proper dive planning and adjustments in your diving practices become necessary to ensure that you allow enough time for your body to release the nitrogen prior to any high-altitude activities. Other options do not present suitable practices for a safe transition to altitude diving. Increasing dive time without considering nitrogen levels could lead to the accumulation of excessive nitrogen in the body. Using deeper dive tables also doesn't apply, as these are designed for deeper depths rather than altitude adjustments. Returning to sea level before diving is impractical if you are planning to dive at altitude; proper planning allows you to dive safely at higher altitudes instead.