dive master

25/4/2015 Divemaster

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PADI Divemaster Manual Knowledge Reviews Knowledge Reviews Section 1 – The Role & Characteristics of the PADI Divemaster

1. What three broad characteristics may divers expect in a PADI Divemaster?a. Professionalismb. Role model behaviourc. Ability to assist / supervise dive training and activities

2. List five criteria that define “professionalism” as it applies to the PADI Divemaster.a. Expert skills / knowledgeb. Good judgementc. Correct dress & behaviourd. Good interpersonal skillse. Exemplary rescue skills

3. Explain what is meant by role model.a. It is someone that people look up to and try to emulate.

4. Describe a PADI Divemaster who is a good role model.a. Someone who is knowledgeable and responsible. They should be well equipped, generally fit,pleasant and responsible. They should inspire other divers and understand the ‘business’ of divingwhile maintaining PADI standards.

5. Describe the characteristics and attributes of a poor role model Divemaster.a. Hypocritical, lazy & unfit. Rude or dispassionate to other divers. Disparaging about PADI andunhelpful to new divers. Poor support for the instructor.

6. Explain how role model behaviour can affect other divers both positively and negatively.a. Positively: Reinforces good practice and gains credibility – this makes it easier to get other divers tolisten to you.

b. Negatively: Makes people question you, your ability and the diving practices you advocate.7. Explain how role model behaviour can affect your ability to function as a Divemaster.

a. It can make it easier as people will trust and accept you. It can also make it much harder as poorrole model behaviour can result in questioning of methods, knowledge and you.

8. Explain how good role model behaviour benefits student divers when you assist withtraining.

a. It shows consistency between the DM & the instructor which helps reinforce that it is good /standard practice. It makes divers pay more attention and accept it better! Also encourages trust.

9. List five benefits and five responsibilities of being a PADI Divemaster.a. Benefits

i. Publications inc. The Undersea Journal ii. Special rate for purchasing PADI materials iii. Insurance & legal team iv. Regular mailings v. Earn income / job placements / support & advice

b. Responsibilities i. Follow PADI standards ii. Keep up with changes / developments iii. Renew membership iv. Keep PADI up to date with address v. Represent PADI favourably Section 2 – Supervising General Diving Activities for Certified Divers

1. Six characteristics of responsible diver behaviour are:a. Staying within personal limitsb. Diving properly equippedc. Caring for equipment



d. Managing air conservativelye. Using computer / tables conservativelyf. Staying aware of the environment

2. List four ways to encourage responsible diver behaviour:a. Be a good role modelb. During briefing put responsible behaviour in contextc. Make it easier eg. Float hanging @ safety stopd. Reward responsible behaviour & skills, perhaps by compliments

3. Describe the aspects of diving that do and do not fall within the divemaster’sresponsibility, and the aspects of dive planning and diving that each diver must retainresponsibility for.

a. Divemaster i. Evaluating dive conditions ii. Preparing for emergencies iii. Orienting divers to the site

b. Divers i. Planning dives themselves within their limits ii. Following their individual dive plans

4. Describe how to assess general dive conditions, and how you can expect conditions toaffect diving.

a. Weather: Winds can cause waves, surf, surge, currents. The water movement can also reducevisibility as can rain runoff. Temperature can have effects pre / post and during dive.

b. Tides & currents: Affects visibility, temperature and choice of technique.c. Visibility: See comments above plus plankton blooms or silty bottoms. Also the time of dive caneffect the daylight penetration.

d. Experience of both diving and the particular site.5. The four aspects of supervision in managing dives are:

a. Preparationb. Communicationc. Recognitiond. Vantage point

6. List and describe the advantages and disadvantages of inwater v out of water supervision,and the advantages and disadvantages of supervision vantage points inwater versus outof water.

a. Supervision i. In water:

1. Advantages – You are close to divers so you can respond quickly, can reducesome problems by spotting them before they occur. Can also guide to specificpoints of interest.

2. Disadvantages – You can only watch one group and therefore need everyone tostay together.

ii. Out of water:1. Advantages – Can supervise multiple groups, you are closer to the emergency

equipment (eg. radio). Also offers the group more flexibility.2. Disadvantages – You are not immediately at hand therefore you can’t advise

and lead.b. Vantage points

i. In water: Can be on hand easily but may not be able to see much. ii. Out of water: Elevated view means that you can see more but it may take longer to

respond.7. List eight types of equipment that can assist in supervising certified divers.

a. Clipboard and dive roster.b. Binocularsc. Mapsd. First aid kite. Spare equipment



f. Tool kitg. Radio / mobile phoneh. Dive float

8. The primary purpose of diver accounting procedures is…a. …to make sure that every diver returns from the dive.

9. Describe the characteristics of predive stress, and explain how you help divers deal with it.a. Can be either…

i. Physical: excessive sweating, nausea, heavy breathing, vomiting, racing pulse etc. ii. Psychological: behaviour changes and perceptual narrowing.

b. Removing the stressor can stop physical stress. Where as psychological stress can be stoppedeither this way or by helping the diver change perceptions about the stressor ie. By explaining thedive better, offering choices or more information.

9. List the ten points / steps usually included in a dive briefing.a. Dive site nameb. Site descriptionc. DM’s roled. Entry & exit techniquese. Dive proceduresf. Emergency proceduresg. Signal reviewh. Roster / buddy checki. Environmental interaction suggestionsj. Predive safety check (BWRAF)

10. Describe the general steps to solving a problem you’ve never encountered before.a. Identify the problem preciselyb. Inventory your resourcesc. Create several possible solutionsd. Choose the beste. Assess & revise

11. Explain when dive situations call for you to apply your judgement, and how you developgood judgement as a Divemaster.

a. Good judgement is developed through experience. Diving with seasoned professionals can speed updeveloping good judgement through mentoring. The DM course also develops this. Continuing divingeducation also helps to develop knowledge and experience. However, you should remember toalways err on the side of caution when unsure.

12. The two likely roles of a PADI Divemaster in the event of an accident are as…a. …as scene manager or as an assistant to someone more qualified.

13. Explain how to gain more knowledge and experience with specialised diving activities.a. Perform the dives to gain experience / knowledgeb. Learn the specialityc. Talk to instructord. Read notes / manuals

Section 3 – Assisting with Student Divers in Training

1. Compare and contrast the primary role of a PADI Divemaster to that of a PADI Instructorin an instructional setting.

a. DMs primary role is to handle logistics and to assist with student supervision where as the instructoris focused on teaching and individual diver learning.

2. List the seven functions a Divemaster may fulfil as an instructional assistant.a. Supervising equipment distribution / collection & difficulties.b. Supervising student divers.c. Logistics.d. Guiding.e. Providing instructor with additional performance information on students.



f. Checking divers in and out.g. Helping divers with individual diving learning difficulties.

3. What is the primary characteristic that makes a PADI Divemaster an ideal instructionalassistant?

a. Anticipating and providing what the instructor needs to meet student diver needs (also goodknowledge of theory, good skills, personable…)

4. Describe the relationship between the instructor and you, a PADI Divemaster candidate.a. Mentoring relationship – which means the instructor is a coach, guide, confident and advisor.

5. Four reasons for having your own copy of the PADI Instructor Manual are:a. List standards which makes it easier to anticipate instructor needs.b. Contains DM instructed program details.c. You need to be fluent with it to become an instructor.d. Keeps you current with regular updates.

6. Describe your role as a PADI Divemaster in relation to student divers in training.a. Behave as a role model.b. Listen to concerns and problems as a DM is less intimidating than an instructor to talk to.c. Keep training enjoyable.d. Be flexible to dive industry changes.

7. With respect to PADI programs, what is a “certified assistant” and what can a certifiedassistant do?

a. A certified assistant can be a DM, AI or an Instructor.b. They can do the following…

i. Lead discover scuba diving (2:1) ii. Escort Advanced Open Water students. iii. Allow the instructor to add four divers diving confined water training in the Open Water

course.8. Explain how positioning affects your ability to assist with student diver control, and givetwo common examples of position for the skill practice in the Open Water Diver course.

a. Positioning affects the ability to see divers and instructor and to recognise & respond to problems.b. 2 main ways of positioning:

9. List five examples of logistical functions you can perform to assist with divers in trainingat the surface and underwater?

a. Surface i. Enforce safety / facility rules ii. Equipment handling iii. Assist with student diver preparation iv. Coordinate student diver flow v. Assisting with paperwork

b. Underwater i. Lead / follow ii. Escort iii. Air checks iv. Standby supervisor v. Navigation10. Describe how you would model mask removal, replacement and clearing in a

demonstration quality manner.a. Critical attributes emphasized



b. Sequence emphasizedc. Fluidly performed

i. Check students are watching ii. Communicate which skill you are about to perform. iii. Break seal & flood mask iv. Remove mask v. Hold on to it! vi. Show bubble stream – don’t hold breath! vii. Replace mask viii. Check seal ix. Place fingers on mask x. Breathe put through nose while tilting head back to clear mask xi. Show ‘ok’ sign11. List and describe the three steps to take to help a student diver master a dive skill.

a. Have the student diver demonstrate to look for problems with critical attributesb. Redemonstrate the skillc. Assure early success

12. Where do you find skill performance requirements student divers must master for PADIcourse?

a. In the PADI Instructor manual Section 4 – Dive Theory Introduction

1. Explain why the PADI Divemaster course emphasizes dive theory training.a. To develop problem solving abilitiesb. Gives theory to apply during practical sessionsc. Prepares for instructor level training

2. Explain why you would want a dive reference library.a. Somewhere to look up informationb. Enables you to keep track of changing theoryc. Increase expertise by broadening knowledge outside coursesd. Enables refreshing knowledge

3. List what you already have in your current dive reference library (to a maximum of 12items). List four works or types of works you would like to add and explain why.

a. Already have… i. Open Water Manual ii. Advanced Manual iii. Rescue Manual iv. DM Manual v. Encyclopaedia of Recreational Diving 2nd Edition vi. EAN Diver Manual vii. Guide to diving sites in Sharm elSheikh, Egypt viii. Sport Diver magazine ix. Dive Guide UK x. Diving Knowledge Workbook

b. Would like to add… i. Instructor’s Manual – for reference and to help with furture training & learning ii. Equipment Servicing Manual – to help develop the ability to service, repair and

troubleshoot my own equipment iii. Fish guide – to enable better identification of species during dives iv. Wreck book – to learn more about the history of certain wrecks

4. Explain how speciality diver training benefits you with respect to learning dive theory.a. Goes into more detailsb. Better chance to try out specific theory not possible in normal dives ie. Colour changes at depth

5. List the theory subjects you study as part of the PADI Divemaster course and explain howyou demonstrate mastery of them.

a. Dive physicsb. Physiology



c. Equipmentd. Decompression theorye. Mastery of these is shown by passing the exams (getting above 75%) & demonstrating knowledgeduring practical application

6. Explain how you will keep your dive theory knowledge current after you complete thiscourse. Be as specific as possible.

a. Take the next course – AI then Instructorb. Keep reading up on divingc. Refresh knowledge regularly

Section 5 – Decompression Theory and the RDP

1. Describe what a compartment is, and what are meant by halftime and Mvalue.a. A compartment is a theoretical tissue constructed based upon a theoretical mathematical modelto simplify the fact that the body doesn’t absorb or release nitrogen on a singular timescale.

b. A halftime is the rate at which it absorbs and releases nitrogen. It is the time in minutes for acompartment to go halfway from its beginning tissue pressure to equilibrium (saturation) at a newdepth.

c. The Mvalue is the maximum tissue pressure allowed in the compartment when the diversurfaces, so as to prevent exceeding the maximum acceptable gradient.

2. Explain why you need to know your approximate altitude when diving.a. Because at altitudes higher than 300m / 100ft, the reduced atmospheric pressure upon surfacingcould make the pressure gradient to high, raising the risk of DCS.

3. Describe the relationship between the Haldanean model and the human body, and explainto what extent you can rely on the model.

a. There is no direct relationship between the Haldanean model and the human body. There is muchsupport from test and field data to back up the relationship but it can only be relied upon where thisdata is shown to work.

4. In metres / feet of pressure, how much nitrogen would the 5, 10, 20 and 60 minutehalftime compartments each have after 60 minutes at 18 metres / 60 feet?

a. 5 = 12 halftimes = equilibrium (as > or = 6 halftimes is equilibrium)b. 10 = 6 halftimes = equilibrium (as > or = 6 halftimes is equilibrium)c. 20 = 3 halftimes = 87.5% = 2¼m / 7½ftd. 60 = 1 halftime = 50% = 9m / 30ft

5. Compare the basis of the US Navy tables’ repetitive diving procedures with the RDP’s.Explain a) what compartment controls each, b) why each is appropriate for that table andc) the practical difference on repetitive diving between them.

a. USN – 120, RDP – 60b. Appropriate due to the introduction of more compartments for RDP also the depths are shorter.

Comes from different dive behaviour.c. RDP allows for more long, shallow multiple dives without being overly restrictive.

6. Explain why you can’t use Pressure Groups from the RDP on the US Navy tables or anyother tables.

a. Because they are based on two separate models.7. Explain how modern dive computers apply decompression models to provide more nodecompression time than a table.

a. Computers write a custom dive table that eliminates any unnecessary rounding.8. State the three broad computer groupings and list their Mvalue and surface intervalcredit characteristics compared to the RDP and each other.

a. Spencer 60 minute washout – RDP like NCDL, 60mins surface interval creditb. Spencer – RDP like NCDL, compartment washout at underwater ratec. Buhlmann limits, EE washout – shorter than RDP limits, compartments washout at underwater rate.

9. Explain why the general recommendations for diving with table apply equally to divecomputers, and list three recommendations specific to computer diving.

a. Table diving & computer diving follow the same recommendations because they are all based on



the same modelb. Do not share computersc. Follow all manufacturers recommendationsd. End a dive based on the most conservative computer

Section 6 – Divemaster Conducted Programs

1. Explain where to find standards and related information on PADI Divemaster conductedprograms, and how you identify standards you must adhere to from other supportingmaterial.

a. The information is in the Instructor’s Manual within three sections: i. General standards and procedures ii. Within the specific instructor guide iii. Standards listed within sections in bold type

2. Identify where you find the maximum ratios of PADI Divemaster to participants for PADIDivemaster conducted programs.

a. They are listed in the Instructor Manual under ‘General standards & Procedures’ and within coursestandards for each program. Also in the key standards box in the Instructor guide.

3. Explain where you find performance requirements for a program and why it’s usually agood idea to state the requirements for participants.

a. Helps the student divers to learn because they understand what they expected to accomplish4. Identify where you find a listing of material required and recommended for PADIDivemaster conducted programs.

a. In the Instructor guide for each program5. List the six general administrative requirements that apply to all PADI programs.

a. Medical statementb. Final say as to who can be accepted onto your programc. PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices Statement of Understandingd. PADI Liability release & Express Assumption of riske. Maintain records for at least 7yrsf. File incident reports if witness / involved

6. Explain the annual renewal requirements for a PADI Divemaster.a. Sign the annual membership requirement and return it with the annual dues

7. Explain the professional liability insurance requirements for a PADI Divemaster.a. It depends upon where you workb. Not required when supervising general diving activities and assisting but it is required if running DM

conducted programs8. Identify the intended audience and basic philosophy for each of the following PADIprograms.

a. Skin Diver Course i. For those interested in diving but not necessarily scuba. Promote to adults to get their

children involved.b. Discover Local Diving

i. Formal orientation for an area and the open water part of a scuba review.c. Discover Snorkelling

i. Casual experience swimming and looking at the underwater world. It appeals to peoplewho consider scuba too complicated or intimidating.

d. Scuba Review i. For divers who have not dived recently.

9. List one marketing idea for each of the following programs.a. Skin Diver Course

i. At swimming pools or gyms as part of a conditioning program.b. Discover Local Diving

i. At hotels to get divers who hadn’t planned to dive that holiday to reconsider.c. Discover Snorkelling

i. At local hotels to encourage partners of divers to come on the daily boat trips & get



involved.d. Scuba Review

i. At club nights to encourage members to keep their skills and knowledge fresh. Section 7 – Risk Management

1. Define risk management, duty of care and negligence.a. Risk management is the process of reducing risksb. Duty of care is using best efforts to avoid reasonably foreseeable accidents within the scope of your

dutiesc. Negligence is the failure to meet the duty of care

2. Explain why it is recommended that you carry professional liability insurance, even whenit’s not required and you plan to function exclusively as an assistant working under a PADIInstructor.

a. To cover legal fees & damagesb. You are not always covered by the other instructors or dive centre’s insurancec. Also other’s insurance wont cover your equipment

3. Describe the most important step you can take to mange legal risk.a. To prevent accidents by adhering to conservative diving practises and using good judgement whenassisting or supervising.

4. Explain how adhering to standards helps you to reduce legal risk, and the role of goodjudgement in reducing legal risk.

a. PADI standards are defended by PADI not you! All these standards are in place because they aresafe.

b. Good judgement allows you to be more conservative than the standards by using your experience.5. Explain the role of proper paperwork in reducing legal risk, and describe the steps to followwith any PADI program.

a. Establishes conduct as a reasonably prudent DM who followed standards and it documents the risksthat the student divers accept for themselves.

i. Fill in the liability release and express assumption of risk and the medical statement ii. Keep paperwork for at least 7yrs

6. List the do’s and don’ts to follow, with regard to legal risk management, in the event of adive accident.

a. Handle the emergency with compassionb. Inform the victim’s familyc. Cooperate with the authorities, give them factsd. Don’t speculate on blamee. Collect equipment and give to authoritiesf. Call PADI and report the incident

7. Explain how the Quality Management, Recognition and Assurance process helps youreduce legal risk.

a. It documents that PADI follows up and enforces standards which gives DMs credibility and helpsthem defend themselves

8. Describe the basics of the Quality Assurance process.a. Identifies a deviation from standardsb. Provides a chance to correct the situation before an accident occurs and documents it.c. In an event of an accident it prevents allegations of violations prior to correction being a basis forsuggesting these caused the accident.

9. List five suggestions you can take to help you manage risks to your health and safety as aDivemaster.

a. Stay physically fitb. Plan dives progressively shallower, avoid getting near NDCL and do safety stopsc. Stay hydratedd. Moderate activities when ill / injurede. Pay attention to mental health



Section 8 – The Business of Diving

1. List the “three Es” of diving and explain why each is necessary for someone to be a diver.a. Education – need to dive safelyb. Equipment – can’t dive without itc. Entertainment / Experience – needs to be a reason to dived. PLUS: Environment – somewhere to dive!

2. Where does the customer find the three Es of the diving in one convenient place?a. In the dive resort

3. Explain the role of leadership level divers with respect to the equipment counselling, andwhy it is important.

a. Diving is technical so much relates to the equipment. It is therefore important because yourexperience can guide customers in what would suit their needs plus it can help get much neededfunds for the dive operation via sales!

4. List four attributes of a positive sales process.a. Be open and honestb. Listenc. Recommend best option (regardless of price)d. Put yourself in their shoes

Section 9 – Your Diving Career

1. List six reasons why you should consider continuing your training through the PADI OpenWater Instructor level.

a. Instructors are more versatile employeesb. The majority of boat DMs are instructorsc. The instructor level is the most common path into other areas of the dive industryd. Instructorship opens more opportunities if diving is a vocation not a full time careere. PADI instructor training has credibility beyond divingf. Demand

2. Explain how it benefits you to complete the PADI Assistant Instructor course before takingthe PADI Instructor Development Course.

a. Draws on the IDC work and can lessen the course loadb. Helps get dives up to the minimum needed for the IDCc. Can do speciality instructor coursesd. Added responsibility adds to experience

3. Explain how diver lever speciality training ca help your career as a PADI Divemaster/a. Broader and more frequent experienceb. Additional skillsc. Helps close experience gaps

4. List six skills, outside of diver training, that can make you more valuable in the diveindustry.

a. Boat handler / Captain’s licenceb. Retail sales trainingc. Sales management trainingd. Manufacturer’s equipment repair techniciane. Compressor / diesel engine mechanicf. Writing / word processing / DTP / Photography

5. Explain how emerging technologies can affect your career, and what you should do inresponse.

a. Could change it massively, you need to keep abreast of changes and stay up to date MJonesMay02

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