Padi Final Exam B Answers: A Retired Teacher's Take

As a retired teacher, I have had the opportunity to review the PADI Open Water final exam questions with my girlfriend. While reviewing these questions, I couldn't help but notice that some of them seem poorly worded or have incorrect answers.

In this article, I'll share my take on three specific questions that left me scratching my head. The first question deals with the preferred procedure for a buddy pair when ascending from a dive. According to my teaching experience, the proper procedure is an octo-share with your buddy, followed by a controlled ascent and even a safety stop if gas allows. Depth, proximity, attentiveness of buddy, visibility, boat traffic, and other factors should all be considered in this decision-making process.

My take on this question is that it's too simplistic to provide a single 'correct' answer. It really depends on the specific situation. Unfortunately, I think this question is a bad one.

The second question asks about the effects of bottom composition on visibility during a dive. While it's true that some materials can stir up sediment and affect visibility, I've always taught my students to use a full palm down horizontal motion with all fingers extended as the signal for an underwater hazard or 'unsportsmanlike conduct.' It seems that things may have changed, as this is no longer considered the preferred signal.

The third question deals with the proper procedure when running out of air during a dive. In my opinion, rushing an ascent can cause more problems than it solves. Unless your buddy is also low on gas, there's no emergency to address. My choice, which was deemed incorrect, would be to use your buddy's air and ascend normally.

Unfortunately, the correct answer seems to refer to an emergency procedure, which I believe was presented as a 'controlled emergency ascent.' The third question asks about the proper procedure when faced with a current during a dive. In my opinion, the correct answer should be 'current,' not visibility.

Finally, the second question asks about ground terrain affecting a factor of a dive. While it's true that bottom composition can affect current direction or block it altogether, I don't see how this affects visibility unless sediment is stirred up.

Overall, I think there are 3 or 4 poorly worded questions in the PADI Open Water final exam, and some answers are simply incorrect. As a retired teacher, my goal was to provide a more nuanced take on these questions based on my teaching experience.

Padi final exam b answers