10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
These 10 free OWD questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Open Water Diver (OWD) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
At 16 m, Leah's dive computer shows 7 minutes of no-stop time and her buddy's shows 13 minutes. Both computers are working correctly, and both divers have ample breathing gas. They want to stay at this depth for another 9 minutes before ascending. How should they revise that plan?
Correct answer: C - Shorten the stay and ascend together within the shorter no-stop limit.
A diver ascends from 15 m to the surface in seawater at sea level. Consider three equal 5 m segments of that ascent. If no gas were vented, which segment would produce the greatest percentage increase in the volume of air in the BCD? Assume constant temperature and freely expanding gas.
Correct answer: B - From 5 m to the surface.
A single-cylinder scuba set has a primary second stage and a yellow alternate second stage connected to the same first stage. A new diver calls the yellow regulator an independent reserve. Which limitation have they overlooked?
Correct answer: D - Both regulators draw from the same cylinder.
Underwater, a buddy closes their hand and points the thumb upward. There is still plenty of gas and the planned dive time has not elapsed. How should the other diver interpret the signal?
Correct answer: A - Begin a controlled ascent together, even though gas remains.
During a predive breathing check, the submersible pressure gauge reads 205 bar at rest, falls sharply with each inhalation, then returns to 205 bar. The same pattern occurs with the alternate second stage. What does this pattern suggest?
Correct answer: A - Restricted gas delivery, such as a partly opened cylinder valve.
A little water enters a diver's ordinary, non-purge mask when they smile. They remain comfortable, breathe normally through the regulator, and hold their depth. The appropriate response to this minor flood is to:
Correct answer: D - Press the top seal, look slightly up, and exhale through the nose.
After a dive, a diver reviews video showing a steady hover but a feet-down posture that brings the fin tips against coral. Breathing was relaxed and the BCD functioned normally. Before the next dive, which adjustment should they test to address the cause?
Correct answer: C - Redistribute the existing ballast to improve horizontal trim.
A buddy pair swims a straight outbound leg on a magnetic heading of 245 degrees. In still water, what compass heading reverses that leg toward their starting point?
Correct answer: A - 065 degrees.
Ear equalization was easy on the descent, but a diver develops ear pressure while ascending from 10 m. The discomfort eases after a small descent with the buddy. Breathing gas is adequate, and there is no vertigo or hearing loss. Which explanation and response fit these findings?
Correct answer: B - Expanding middle-ear gas is trapped; pause and gently swallow or move the jaw.
An 11-year-old PADI Junior Open Water Diver wants to join a family dive. The child is willing, medically fit, and comfortable in the site's conditions. The parent is a certified adult diver but not a PADI Professional. Which statement correctly applies PADI's age-specific restrictions?
Correct answer: D - A 10 m dive with the certified parent is permitted.
The OWD exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
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