PADI OPEN WATER ACTUAL
EXAM PAPER 2026 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ 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 PAPER 2026 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ 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
