Snorkelling Skills and ATMMS Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of question and answer flashcards covering snorkelling skills, safety procedures, buddy responsibilities, and equipment management based on the lecture transcript.

What are the primary responsibilities of a buddy during the pre-dive gear check?

Check that gear is not perished, is securely fitted, correctly positioned and adjusted, and verify appropriate buoyancy.

For what four specific purposes are hand signals used in snorkelling?

To give directions, point out hazards, signal different marine species, and ask for help.

What factors determine the choice of entry and exit techniques in a marine environment?

Environmental conditions (waves, swell, etc.), ease of access (stairs, sand, etc.), and personal ability.

When is a slide entry (or seated entry) typically used?

From a water level platform when the depth or submerged objects are unknown, often due to turbid water.

What is the recommended minimum water depth for performing a giant stride entry?

Approximately $2\,m$ deep.

How should the diver position their body during a backward roll entry?

Seated on the edge of the vessel with knees to chest, maintaining a ball shape while rolling backwards to clear the boat.

Why must a snorkeler walk backwards during a beach entry?

Because they are wearing fins and need to continuously check for hazards such as waves and rocks.

How many points of contact should be maintained when climbing a ladder to exit the water?

3 points of contact.

What is the benefit of keeping arms by the side while swimming underwater?

It streamlines the body and makes leg movements more efficient.

In the practical assessment, what is the minimum depth required when maintaining a submersed position?

No less than $1\,m$.

Which finning technique is described as powerful and efficient, involves kicking from the hip, and avoids a 'bicycle kick'?

Flutter kick.

Describe the leg movements involved in the frog kick technique.

Legs start straight and together, knees bend, feet come up and apart then rotate outwards until meeting back together with straight legs.

What causes a snorkelling mask to fog up?

Warm, moist air inside the mask meets the cooler lens, causing water vapor to condense into tiny droplets.

Why is it preferred to use a shirt or wetsuit instead of fingers to rub defogging agents onto the lens?

Fingers have natural oils that increase surface tension, which can interfere with the defogging agent.

What are the steps for clearing a flooded mask while underwater?

Tilt head forward and push the top of the mask against the head, blow air gently out of the nose, pull the bottom of the mask away with a thumb, then tilt the head back and exhale through the nose.

How does the blast method for snorkel clearing work?

When the snorkel is above the water, the diver blows air forcefully through the mouthpiece to expel water through the end and purge valve.

Explain the displacement method for clearing a snorkel.

Used in deeper water, the diver surfaces slowly at an angle facing up and blows a small amount of air; the air expands during ascent to push water out.

How is gravity utilized during a duck dive to provide downward momentum?

By bringing the legs up above the diver into the air, gravity pulls the weight of the legs down to provide momentum.

What safety protocol should be followed when ascending from a duck dive?

Look up with one arm above the head and turn in a slow circular motion.

Name the four variations of a tired buddy tow mentioned in the notes.

Tired buddy on their back (survival stroke), cylinder valve tow, underarm tow, and fin push tow.

How is a self-release for a leg cramp performed?

Lean back, bring the leg forward, grab the tip of the fin with both hands and pull it gently toward the head while pointing toes toward the head, then massage the calf.

Which specific hand release must always be used on a weight belt?

Right hand release.