PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

Why might a diver use the eRDPML during dive planning?

1. To select appropriate dive gear

2. To manage risk and adjust for multilevel diving

3. To practice visual navigation skills underwater

4. To record water temperature throughout the dive

The correct answer is: To manage risk and adjust for multilevel diving

The eRDPML, or electronic Recreational Dive Planner Multi-Level, is primarily utilized during dive planning to help divers manage risk and effectively plan for multilevel dives. This tool allows divers to analyze and calculate their nitrogen exposure and ascertain appropriate no-decompression limits relevant to different depths throughout their dive. By doing so, divers can make more informed decisions regarding dive profiles, allowing for adjustments based on varying depths and times spent at those depths. Multilevel diving is a common practice where divers explore various depths within a single dive. Since differences in depth affect nitrogen absorption rates and thus dive safety, the eRDPML helps in calculating the safest ascent rates and ensuring that divers remain within safe limits. This is crucial for avoiding decompression sickness, and the planner’s ability to adapt calculations in real time is a significant advantage for managing these risks. In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that are not the primary functions of the eRDPML. Selecting appropriate dive gear pertains more to pre-dive preparation rather than dive planning per se. Visual navigation skills underwater reference a different area of diving skill unrelated to the calculations the eRDPML aids with. Finally, recording water temperature during a dive relates to environmental awareness rather than the risk management capabilities crucial