SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam

What should you do to manage buoyancy effectively?

1. Add air in small puffs only

2. Keep a steady hand on the BC inflator

3. Ignore any changes in depth

4. Hold your breath to sink

The correct answer is: Keep a steady hand on the BC inflator

To manage buoyancy effectively while scuba diving, maintaining a steady hand on the BC (Buoyancy Control) inflator is essential. This technique allows you to make precise and gradual adjustments to your buoyancy as needed, helping you to achieve neutral buoyancy and maintain control during your dive. Having a steady hand on the inflator means you can add or release small amounts of air from your buoyancy control device in response to changing environmental conditions, such as variations in depth or water density while ascending or descending. This approach enables a more controlled and smooth movement through the water, which is crucial for safety and comfort. Balancing your buoyancy actively with careful use of the inflator helps prevent sudden rises or descents, which can lead to potential accidents or discomfort. Therefore, this consistent technique is vital in mastering buoyancy control underwater.