PADI OPEN WATER DIVER CERTIFICATION
EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
SOLUTIONS
● What are the consequences of breaking the most important rule in
scuba diving? Answer: Lung over expansion
severe injuries, death
● What is a reverse block? Answer: pain and discomfort caused by
expanding air trapped inside an air space during ascent
● What should you do if you feel discomfort during ascent due to air
expansion in the ears, sinuses, stomach, intestines, or teeth? Answer:
slow or stop ascent
descend a metre/few feet and give the trapped air time to work its way
out
● How does increasing depth affect how long your air supply lasts?
Answer: the deeper you descend, the denser the air becomes.
It takes 4X the effort to breathe twice as fast
,● What's the most efficient way to breathe dense air underwater?
Answer: take deep, slow breaths
● Why does a diver need a mask? Answer: creates an air space, so your
eyes can focus
● As you go deeper, you consume air from your scuba cylinder _____
Answer: faster
● Why does the mask need to enclose your nose? Answer: to equalize
during your descent to prevent mask squeeze
● What 6 features should you look for in a mask? Answer: 1) tempered
glass
2) comfortable skirt with a good seal
3) nose or finger pockets
4) low profile
5) Adjustable strap that can be locked in place
6) wide field of vision
● When buying a mask, what are the 2 most important features?
Answer: fit and comfort
, ● How do you prepare a new mask for use? Answer: use a soft cloth
with a low abrasion cleaner to remove the protective chemical
adjust the strap
● What 3 general maintenance procedures apply to mask care? Answer:
1) rinse thoroughly with fresh H2o
2) keep out of direct sunlight
3) store in a cool, dry place
● Why does a diver need a snorkel? Answer: 1) lets you rest or swim
with your face in the water, without wasting cylinder air
2) makes it easier to breathe when the surface is rough
3) makes it easier to swim back, when you are running low on air
● What 3 features does an easy-breathing snorkel have? Answer: 1)
large diameter (bore)
2) Not excessively long
3) Designed with smooth, rounded bends
● How do you prepare a snorkel for use? Answer: 1) attach it to the left
of your mask
2) Adjust snorkel keeper, so the top of the snorkel sits at the crown of
your head with the mouthpiece in place
3) remains in your mouth with a relaxed jaw
EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
SOLUTIONS
● What are the consequences of breaking the most important rule in
scuba diving? Answer: Lung over expansion
severe injuries, death
● What is a reverse block? Answer: pain and discomfort caused by
expanding air trapped inside an air space during ascent
● What should you do if you feel discomfort during ascent due to air
expansion in the ears, sinuses, stomach, intestines, or teeth? Answer:
slow or stop ascent
descend a metre/few feet and give the trapped air time to work its way
out
● How does increasing depth affect how long your air supply lasts?
Answer: the deeper you descend, the denser the air becomes.
It takes 4X the effort to breathe twice as fast
,● What's the most efficient way to breathe dense air underwater?
Answer: take deep, slow breaths
● Why does a diver need a mask? Answer: creates an air space, so your
eyes can focus
● As you go deeper, you consume air from your scuba cylinder _____
Answer: faster
● Why does the mask need to enclose your nose? Answer: to equalize
during your descent to prevent mask squeeze
● What 6 features should you look for in a mask? Answer: 1) tempered
glass
2) comfortable skirt with a good seal
3) nose or finger pockets
4) low profile
5) Adjustable strap that can be locked in place
6) wide field of vision
● When buying a mask, what are the 2 most important features?
Answer: fit and comfort
, ● How do you prepare a new mask for use? Answer: use a soft cloth
with a low abrasion cleaner to remove the protective chemical
adjust the strap
● What 3 general maintenance procedures apply to mask care? Answer:
1) rinse thoroughly with fresh H2o
2) keep out of direct sunlight
3) store in a cool, dry place
● Why does a diver need a snorkel? Answer: 1) lets you rest or swim
with your face in the water, without wasting cylinder air
2) makes it easier to breathe when the surface is rough
3) makes it easier to swim back, when you are running low on air
● What 3 features does an easy-breathing snorkel have? Answer: 1)
large diameter (bore)
2) Not excessively long
3) Designed with smooth, rounded bends
● How do you prepare a snorkel for use? Answer: 1) attach it to the left
of your mask
2) Adjust snorkel keeper, so the top of the snorkel sits at the crown of
your head with the mouthpiece in place
3) remains in your mouth with a relaxed jaw
