Scuba Diving Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. In places where the red flag with a diagonal white stripe is used, what does it generally indicate?
Swimming is prohibited because of dangerous surf
A vessel is transporting compressed-gas cylinders
A marked channel is open only to dive boats
Divers are in the water nearby; other boaters should keep clear and follow local speed and distance rules
2. While underwater, your buddy makes a clear slashing motion across the throat. Which signal have they given?
Out of breathing gas
Turn the dive and swim back
Something is wrong, but gas supply is normal
Move to a shallower planned depth
3. A leader holds two index fingers side by side to reinforce a team instruction. What does this commonly mean?
Two minutes remain at this depth
Use the second regulator
Buddy up or stay together
Split into two separate groups
4. Your buddy gives a clear thumbs-up gesture underwater. How should you normally interpret it?
Everything is fine
Ascend or go upward
Descend toward the bottom
Share breathing gas
5. From the boat, you see a surfaced diver deliberately waving an arm rather than holding a steady OK signal. What should this be treated as?
A request to move the boat closer for convenience
Confirmation that the planned ascent went well
A distress or assistance signal
An instruction for other divers to descend
6. Mid-dive, your buddy crosses or rubs their arms as though trying to warm them. What condition are they most likely communicating?
They are caught in a current
They are cold
They are out of breathing gas
They want you to cross in front
7. At the surface, a diver forms a large circle by touching or nearly touching an arm over the head. What does this usually communicate to distant support personnel?
The diver is OK
The diver needs immediate assistance
The diver has located the anchor line
The diver wants another cylinder
8. During a controlled descent check, the dive leader points a thumb downward. What direction is being communicated?
Return toward the boat
Descend or go downward
Hold the current depth
Move closer to your buddy
9. A diver first gives the sign that something is wrong and then points directly to an ear. What specific issue are they identifying?
A problem with the mask strap
A need to change swimming direction
Difficulty reading the pressure gauge
An ear or equalization problem
10. A diver repeatedly moves a flat hand across the throat in a cutting motion. What are they communicating?
There is a current ahead
My mask is leaking
I want to end the safety stop
I am out of breathing gas
11. A diver points two fingers toward their own eyes and then points at your pressure gauge. What are they asking you to do?
Clear water from your mask
Look at or check your pressure gauge
Watch their swimming direction
Switch to an alternate air source
12. A vessel is displaying the blue-and-white International Code Flag Alpha while supporting divers. What warning does it convey?
The vessel is carrying medical supplies for shore use
The vessel has priority because it is preparing to anchor
The vessel has a diver down and has restricted ability to maneuver; keep well clear at slow speed
The vessel is inviting nearby divers to approach its stern
13. Your buddy holds one hand flat and rocks it from side to side. What is the most common meaning?
Turn around and retrace the route
Remain completely still
I am cold
Something is wrong or not OK
14. Your buddy places a closed fist against the chest, using the convention covered in the dive briefing. What does this commonly indicate?
Low on breathing gas
Chest discomfort
Unable to equalize
Need help with buoyancy
15. A dive leader faces the group and holds up an open palm like a traffic officer. What instruction is most likely?
Stop and hold position
Check your pressure gauge
Begin the ascent
Gather in a tighter circle
16. A diver forms a circle with the thumb and index finger, leaving the other fingers extended. What does this commonly mean underwater?
Begin ascending immediately
I am low on breathing gas
I am OK, or: Are you OK?
Stay at this depth