Prepare for the SDI Open Water Diver Exam. Dive into multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations to gear up for the certification. Start your underwater adventure today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the best time to dive according to diving practices?

  1. During high tide

  2. During slack tide

  3. During low tide

  4. During nighttime

The correct answer is: During slack tide

The best time to dive, as indicated by diving practices, is during slack tide. Slack tide refers to the period when the tidal current is at its weakest, occurring just before or just after the change of the tide. During this time, water movement is minimal, providing better visibility and a more stable environment for divers. This reduced current helps ensure that divers can move more easily in the water without being pushed by strong tidal flows, enhancing safety and comfort. Choosing to dive at other times, such as during high or low tide, can lead to stronger currents or fluctuating water levels, making it more challenging and potentially hazardous for divers. Nighttime diving has its own considerations, such as decreased visibility and the need for proper lighting, which makes slack tide the more favorable option when seeking optimal conditions for underwater exploration.