SCUBA Basics
What does "SCUBA" stand for?
Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
This common SoCal fish is known for its bright orange color and is California's state marine fish.
Garibaldi
This piece of gear provides a diver with air underwater
Regulator
What should divers do slowly to avoid "the bends" on their ascent?
Assend
This phenomenon occurs when nitrogen builds up in a diver’s bloodstream and causes light-headedness at depth.
Nitrogen Narcosis
What is the first color to be lost at depth?
Red
This invertebrate has orange, red, and white marbling. Its name also sounds like it could be pickled.
California Sea Cucumber
Name the suit that divers wear to stay warm in cooler waters
Wet/Dry suit
What is the term for planning to have at least one other person on each dive for safety?
Having a Buddy or the Buddy system
What are the two main gases in air?
Nitrogen and Oxygen
What is the name for a diver's initial certification level?
Open Water Certification
This large ray species is often spotted in Southern California and has a distinctive diamond-shaped black body.
Bat Ray
This device allows divers to read their depth and bottom time to avoid decompression sickness, along with saving stats such as dive time and maximum depth
Dive Computer
If a diver needs to equalize pressure in their ears, what should they do?
Equalize (Pinch their nose and blow- many people have different ways of doing this)
A diver's heart rate and breathing rate will often do this due to the cooling effect of water, helping conserve oxygen
Slow down
What is the maximum recommended assent rate?
1 ft per second or 60 feet a minute (PADI standard max)
A favorite among divers, this small, vibrantly colored nudibranch with orange and purple hues is often seen in SoCal waters.
Spanish Shawl
This piece of gear helps a diver propel through the water with ease.
Fins... or a scooter i guess
What gas builds up in the bloodstream at deeper depths and can cause narcosis?
Nitorgen
Breathing compressed air underwater can increase the absorption of this gas, which can lead to decompression sickness if not managed.
Nitrogen
This is the maximum depth limit for recreational divers without additional training
130 feet or 40 meters
This is fish known for having the ability to swap genders and having prominent buck teeth.
Sheephead
This kind of light helps divers see during night dives or in dark environments
Torch/ Dive light
This piece of safety gear can inflate to show a diver is on the surface quickly in an emergency.
A SMB, or Surface Marker Buoy
This term refers to the expansion of air in a diver’s lungs as they ascend, which can cause lung injury if they hold their breath.
Air Embolism / Lung Over expansion