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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. Professionalism
b. Role model behaviour
c. 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 / knowledge
b. Good judgement
c. Correct dress & behaviour
d. Good interpersonal skills
e. 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 diving
while 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 and
unhelpful 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 to
listen 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 poor
role model behaviour can result in questioning of methods, knowledge and you.
8. Explain how good role model behaviour benefits student divers when you assist with
training.
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 limits
b. Diving properly equipped
c. Caring for equipment

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d. Managing air conservatively

e. Using computer / tables conservatively
f. Staying aware of the environment
2. List four ways to encourage responsible diver behaviour:
a. Be a good role model
b. During briefing put responsible behaviour in context
c. Make it easier eg. Float hanging @ safety stop
d. Reward responsible behaviour & skills, perhaps by compliments
3. Describe the aspects of diving that do and do not fall within the divemaster’s
responsibility, and the aspects of dive planning and diving that each diver must retain
responsibility 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 to
affect diving.
a. Weather: Winds can cause waves, surf, surge, currents. The water movement can also reduce
visibility 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 can
effect the daylight penetration.
d. Experience of both diving and the particular site.
5. The four aspects of supervision in managing dives are:
a. Preparation
b. Communication
c. Recognition
d. 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 out
of water.
a. Supervision
i. In water:
1. Advantages – You are close to divers so you can respond quickly, can reduce
some problems by spotting them before they occur. Can also guide to specific
points of interest.
2. Disadvantages – You can only watch one group and therefore need everyone to
stay 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. Binoculars
c. Maps
d. First aid kit
e. Spare equipment

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f. Tool kit
g. Radio / mobile phone
h. 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 stopped
either this way or by helping the diver change perceptions about the stressor ie. By explaining the
dive better, offering choices or more information.
9. List the ten points / steps usually included in a dive briefing.
a. Dive site name
b. Site description
c. DM’s role
d. Entry & exit techniques
e. Dive procedures
f. Emergency procedures
g. Signal review
h. Roster / buddy check
i. Environmental interaction suggestions
j. Predive safety check (BWRAF)
10. Describe the general steps to solving a problem you’ve never encountered before.
a. Identify the problem precisely
b. Inventory your resources
c. Create several possible solutions
d. Choose the best
e. Assess & revise
11. Explain when dive situations call for you to apply your judgement, and how you develop
good judgement as a Divemaster.
a. Good judgement is developed through experience. Diving with seasoned professionals can speed up
developing good judgement through mentoring. The DM course also develops this. Continuing diving
education also helps to develop knowledge and experience. However, you should remember to
always 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 / knowledge
b. Learn the speciality
c. Talk to instructor
d. 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 Instructor
in an instructional setting.
a. DMs primary role is to handle logistics and to assist with student supervision where as the instructor
is 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.

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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 instructional
assistant?
a. Anticipating and providing what the instructor needs to meet student diver needs (also good
knowledge 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 certified
assistant 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 give
two 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 training
at the surface and underwater?
a. Surface
i. Enforce safety / facility rules
ii. Equipment handling
iii. Assist with student diver preparation
iv. Co-ordinate student diver flow
v. Assisting with paperwork
b. Underwater
i. Lead / follow
ii. Escort
iii. Air checks
iv. Standby supervisor
v. Navigation
10. Describe how you would model mask removal, replacement and clearing in a
demonstration quality manner.
a. Critical attributes emphasized

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b. Sequence emphasized
c. 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’ sign
11. 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 attributes
b. Re-demonstrate the skill
c. Assure early success
12. Where do you find skill performance requirements student divers must master for PADI
course?
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 abilities
b. Gives theory to apply during practical sessions
c. Prepares for instructor level training
2. Explain why you would want a dive reference library.
a. Somewhere to look up information
b. Enables you to keep track of changing theory
c. Increase expertise by broadening knowledge outside courses
d. Enables refreshing knowledge
3. List what you already have in your current dive reference library (to a maximum of 12
items). 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 el-Sheikh, 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 details
b. 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 how
you demonstrate mastery of them.
a. Dive physics
b. Physiology

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c. Equipment
d. Decompression theory
e. Mastery of these is shown by passing the exams (getting above 75%) & demonstrating knowledge
during practical application
6. Explain how you will keep your dive theory knowledge current after you complete this
course. Be as specific as possible.
a. Take the next course – AI then Instructor
b. Keep reading up on diving
c. Refresh knowledge regularly

Section 5 – Decompression Theory and the RDP

1. Describe what a compartment is, and what are meant by halftime and M-value.
a. A compartment is a theoretical tissue constructed based upon a theoretical mathematical model
to 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 a
compartment to go halfway from its beginning tissue pressure to equilibrium (saturation) at a new
depth.
c. The M-value is the maximum tissue pressure allowed in the compartment when the diver
surfaces, 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 surfacing
could make the pressure gradient to high, raising the risk of DCS.
3. Describe the relationship between the Haldanean model and the human body, and explain
to what extent you can rely on the model.
a. There is no direct relationship between the Haldanean model and the human body. There is much
support from test and field data to back up the relationship but it can only be relied upon where this
data is shown to work.
4. In metres / feet of pressure, how much nitrogen would the 5, 10, 20 and 60 minute
halftime 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 / 7½ft
d. 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 and
c) the practical difference on repetitive diving between them.
a. USN – 120, RDP – 60
b. 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 any
other tables.
a. Because they are based on two separate models.
7. Explain how modern dive computers apply decompression models to provide more no-
decompression 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 M-value and surface interval
credit characteristics compared to the RDP and each other.
a. Spencer 60 minute washout – RDP like NCDL, 60mins surface interval credit
b. Spencer – RDP like NCDL, compartment washout at underwater rate
c. 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 dive
computers, and list three recommendations specific to computer diving.
a. Table diving & computer diving follow the same recommendations because they are all based on

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the same model

b. Do not share computers
c. Follow all manufacturers recommendations
d. 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 conducted
programs, and how you identify standards you must adhere to from other supporting
material.
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 PADI
Divemaster conducted programs.
a. They are listed in the Instructor Manual under ‘General standards & Procedures’ and within course
standards 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 a
good idea to state the requirements for participants.
a. Helps the student divers to learn because they understand what they expected to accomplish
4. Identify where you find a listing of material required and recommended for PADI
Divemaster conducted programs.
a. In the Instructor guide for each program
5. List the six general administrative requirements that apply to all PADI programs.
a. Medical statement
b. Final say as to who can be accepted onto your program
c. PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices Statement of Understanding
d. PADI Liability release & Express Assumption of risk
e. Maintain records for at least 7yrs
f. 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 work
b. Not required when supervising general diving activities and assisting but it is required if running DM
conducted programs
8. Identify the intended audience and basic philosophy for each of the following PADI
programs.
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 people
who 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

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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 risks
b. Duty of care is using best efforts to avoid reasonably foreseeable accidents within the scope of your
duties
c. Negligence is the failure to meet the duty of care
2. Explain why it is recommended that you carry professional liability insurance, even when
it’s not required and you plan to function exclusively as an assistant working under a PADI
Instructor.
a. To cover legal fees & damages
b. You are not always covered by the other instructors or dive centre’s insurance
c. 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 when
assisting or supervising.
4. Explain how adhering to standards helps you to reduce legal risk, and the role of good
judgement in reducing legal risk.
a. PADI standards are defended by PADI not you! All these standards are in place because they are
safe.
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 follow
with any PADI program.
a. Establishes conduct as a reasonably prudent DM who followed standards and it documents the risks
that 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 a
dive accident.
a. Handle the emergency with compassion
b. Inform the victim’s family
c. Co-operate with the authorities, give them facts
d. Don’t speculate on blame
e. Collect equipment and give to authorities
f. Call PADI and report the incident
7. Explain how the Quality Management, Recognition and Assurance process helps you
reduce legal risk.
a. It documents that PADI follows up and enforces standards which gives DMs credibility and helps
them defend themselves
8. Describe the basics of the Quality Assurance process.
a. Identifies a deviation from standards
b. 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 for
suggesting these caused the accident.
9. List five suggestions you can take to help you manage risks to your health and safety as a
Divemaster.
a. Stay physically fit
b. Plan dives progressively shallower, avoid getting near NDCL and do safety stops
c. Stay hydrated
d. Moderate activities when ill / injured
e. Pay attention to mental health

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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 safely
b. Equipment – can’t dive without it
c. Entertainment / Experience – needs to be a reason to dive
d. 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, and
why it is important.
a. Diving is technical so much relates to the equipment. It is therefore important because your
experience can guide customers in what would suit their needs plus it can help get much needed
funds for the dive operation via sales!
4. List four attributes of a positive sales process.
a. Be open and honest
b. Listen
c. 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 Open
Water Instructor level.
a. Instructors are more versatile employees
b. The majority of boat DMs are instructors
c. The instructor level is the most common path into other areas of the dive industry
d. Instructorship opens more opportunities if diving is a vocation not a full time career
e. PADI instructor training has credibility beyond diving
f. Demand
2. Explain how it benefits you to complete the PADI Assistant Instructor course before taking
the PADI Instructor Development Course.
a. Draws on the IDC work and can lessen the course load
b. Helps get dives up to the minimum needed for the IDC
c. Can do speciality instructor courses
d. 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 experience
b. Additional skills
c. Helps close experience gaps
4. List six skills, outside of diver training, that can make you more valuable in the dive
industry.
a. Boat handler / Captain’s licence
b. Retail sales training
c. Sales management training
d. Manufacturer’s equipment repair technician
e. Compressor / diesel engine mechanic
f. Writing / word processing / DTP / Photography
5. Explain how emerging technologies can affect your career, and what you should do in
response.
a. Could change it massively, you need to keep abreast of changes and stay up to date

MJones May-02

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