PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

Which devices are essential for signaling while diving?

1. Only inflatable signal tubes

2. Flares and surface markers only

3. Inflatable signal tubes and strobes

4. Whistles, airhorns, and signal tubes

The correct answer is: Whistles, airhorns, and signal tubes

The essential devices for signaling while diving include methods of communication that can alert others to your presence, location, and status. Whistles, airhorns, and signal tubes are all effective tools for underwater signaling. Whistles can be used both above and below the water, producing loud sounds that can travel quite far, while airhorns can provide an even louder signal at the surface. Signal tubes, especially inflatable ones, are highly visible and can be deployed to indicate your presence to boats or other divers, particularly in open water situations. The combination of these devices covers a range of scenarios – from being submerged and needing a means of attracting attention, to being at the surface where visibility and sound can play critical roles in safety. Each of these tools serves a unique purpose, enhancing safety by ensuring that divers can communicate their location or need for assistance effectively. Other choices lack the comprehensive range of signaling devices needed for optimal safety during dives. For instance, inflatable signal tubes alone do not encompass other necessary signaling methods that can be crucial in different situations, thereby limiting effective communication.