Survive the Dive

Final Exam

Question

Dive Flags

Which of the following is recognised as a dive flag in New Zealand? Choose one answer only.

Question

Vessel Speed

Which of the following statements about boat speed is correct? Select all that apply.

Vessels must reduce speed to below 5-knots within 50 metres of the dive flag.

Vessels must reduce speed to below 5-knots within 200 metres of the dive flag.

Vessels must reduce speed to below 5-knots within 50 metres of another vessel or person in the water.

Vessels and skippers are always required to keep a proper lookout, including for divers and swimmers in the water.

None of the above.

Question

In-water signalling devices & floats

What are the benefits of in-water signalling devices? Select all correct answers.

A signalling device can help vessels see you and take evasive action, even at times when you do not have a dive vessel in support.

A signalling device can help your support vessel or other rescue vessel locate you in an emergency.

Some signalling devices can provide additional floatation support for divers and spearfishers in distress.

Shore-based divers and spearfishers, and those within 200-metres of land, are still at risk of injury by vessels.

Answers B and D only.

Question

The Buddy System

Your dive buddy is important in which of the following scenarios? Select all correct answers.

Checking dive equipment prior to a dive.

Carrying overloaded scallop catch-bags.

Providing underwater assistance such as auxiliary air in an emergency.

Providing surfacing and floatation support during a medical emergency.

Helping scope a wider area for crayfish.

Question

The Buddy System cont.

What should you do if you lose contact with your dive buddy? Choose one answer only.

Continue diving as they have probably returned to the boat.

Search for no more than 1 minute, then slowly make your way to the surface. Wait on the surface to reunite.

Search until you must surface due to air, then slowly make your way to the surface. Wait on the surface to reunite.

Return to the vessel if your have your daily bag limit of seafood.

None of the above.

Question

Safe Surfacing Procedures

Which of the following best describes dives requiring a safe rate of ascent, with safety stops? Choose only one answer.

Only dives below 30-metres for more than 20-minutes.

Only dives below 20-metres for more than 25-minutes.

All dives using compressed air including SCUBA, recirculated air or air pumped from the surface via a hose.

Only dives below 10-meters for more than 30-minutes.

None of the above.

Question

Safe Surfacing Procedures cont.

Which of the following best describes dives requiring a safe rate of ascent, with safety stops? Select all that apply.

Safe surfacing procedures apply to and are recommended for all dives.

Safe Surfacing procedures do not apply to dives shallower than 10-metres.

A dive computer is a useful tool for managing safe surfacing rates and procedures.

A Safety Stop at 5-metres is mandatory for dives deeper than 18-metres or those approaching the no-decompression limit.

None of the above.

Question

Shallow-water blackout

Which of the following is correct regarding breath-hold shallow-water blackout? Choose only one answer.

Always dive with a buddy and maintain eye-contact with them as they are ascending.

Hyperventilation prevents shallow-water blackout.

If you have never suffered shallow-water blackout you are probably immune to its risks.

Training yourself to the extent of your breath-holding limits is the best way to prevent shallow-water blackout.

All of the above.

Question

Equipment Cleaning

How often should you conduct a thorough freshwater rinse of all your dive equipment? Choose only one answer.

At the conclusion of every day of diving, regardless of the number of dives.

Once per week is sufficient if you are a regular diver.

Once per month is sufficient if you are a regular diver.

Never, modern diving equipment does not require freshwater cleaning.

None of the above.

Question

Equipment Servicing

How often should you have dive equipment professionally serviced? Select all that apply.

No more frequently than once per year is recommended.

At least once per year and before a dive trip if coming off a break from diving.

At least once per year and as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

At least once per year and any time you suspect reduced performance from your dive equipment.

None of the above.

Question

SCUBA tank inspections

How do you know when your SCUBA tank is due for inspection? Choose only one answer.

SCUBA tanks never need inspecting.

Only SCUBA tanks more than 5-years old need inspecting.

Check for the newest date stamped on the tank or on an attached plastic tag.

It is best just to rely on the tank filling station to check inspection dates.

Answers B and C.

Question

Diver training

Which of following is the best answer regarding diver qualifications in New Zealand? Select all that apply.

The minimum age for diving qualifications in New Zealand is 10.

It is safe for unqualified divers to go SCUBA diving, if they stay within 10-metres of a qualified diver.

Online training is available for the theory components of beginner courses, with the practical training in person.

None of the above.

All of the above.

Question

Dive refresher courses

Which of following best covers the topics included in a dive refresher course? Select all that apply.

Updated safe diving practices relating to safe surfacing procedures.

Updated guides to using modern diving equipment such as dive computers and signalling devices.

A general refreshment of diver in-water skills if returning from a diving hiatus.

Improved techniques for utilising social media as a diver.

None of the above.

Question

Diver fitness

The question of dive fitness is covered by three primary considerations. Choose all below that are correct.

A heart’s capacity to support the elevated blood output required by diving decreases with age.

Some common medications such as beta blockers or anti-arrhythmia treatments can increase cardiac risk while diving.

On descent, the heart rate slows to conserve oxygen and the lungs compress. Older divers should be cautious with dive depths.

Cardio fitness concerns only apply to older divers.

All of the above.

Question

Medical checks

Which of the following is correct regarding diver medical checks? Choose only one answer.

Divers over the age of 40 do not need a medical if their BMI (body mass index) is between 18.5 and 24.9

An annual medical check is only recommended if you have been ill within the last 3-months.

An annual medical check is recommended for divers over the age of 40 and for those on specific medications.

An annual medical check is only recommended for divers on specific prescription medicines.

Answers A and B only.

Question

Alcohol and recreational drugs

Which of the following statement is correct regarding alcohol and recreational drugs, and diving? Select all that apply.

Diving with a hangover is ok if your last drink was more than 8-hours ago.

Divers should avoid alcohol prior to 12-hours of diving. Recreational drugs should be avoided without exception.

Alcohol and drugs significantly worsen the risks of diving, including decompression sickness & nitrogen narcosis.

Alcohol can reduce a diver’s body heat and speed-up the onset of hypothermia.

None of the above.

Question

Vessel seaworthiness

Which of the following minimum steps should be included in a simple pre-trip safety checklist? Select all that apply.

The correct function of all bilge pumps.

Sufficient fuel on-board for the planned duration of the trip.

The correct operation of the vessel’s steering and gear selection system.

Sufficient ice on-board for the expected catch.

A working anchor system.

Question

Minimum dive vessel safety equipment

Additionally to a dive vessel’s seaworthiness, all craft should include which of the following safety items as a minimum? Choose all that apply.

Lifejackets in good condition and in appropriate sizes for all passengers.

A blue & white (Alpha) dive flag.

Two alternate forms of communication, one of which should be a VHF radio, in tested working order.

A quality first aid kit (including space blankets) in a waterproof bag.

Reserve drinking water for all passengers.

Question

Weather suitable for diving

From a safety perspective, which of the following weather factors should divers review before a dive trip? Choose all that apply.

The forecasted average wind speeds and maximum gusts for the expected duration of the trip.

The expected swell height and direction for the duration of the trip and at the planned dive location.

Weather is not a safety concern for divers.

Tide times and heights during the trip, especially if high currents are a risk at the dive location.

None of the above.

Question

Pre and post-trip communications

Which of the following should be included in your trip report? Choose all that apply.

The number of passengers on board.

The names and postal addresses of all passengers.

The name and/or VHF call-sign of the vessel.

The general trip plan, destination and estimated time of return.

None of the above.

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