SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam

What type of alternate-air-source second stage is the most widely used?

1. Integrated BCD inflator

2. Conventional alternate-air-source

3. Octopus style

4. Manual inflator

The correct answer is: Conventional alternate-air-source

The most widely used type of alternate-air-source second stage is the conventional alternate-air-source. This design has been a staple in scuba diving due to its simplicity and reliability. A conventional alternate-air-source is typically a separate, easily accessible second stage that divers can share in an emergency situation. It is distinct from the primary second stage, often designated with a colored hose or marking to easily identify it in a time of need. The popularity of this configuration lies in its practicality; divers appreciate having a dedicated second stage for use as an alternate air source that can be immediately reached if the primary regulator fails. Its design does not rely on additional inflation mechanisms or integrated systems, which can complicate the equipment and maintenance routines. While options like the integrated BCD inflator and manual inflator serve specific functions related to buoyancy control and inflation, they do not serve as primary alternate-air sources in the same context as a conventional system. The octopus style, while also a type of alternate-air source, is often categorized under the broader term "conventional" since octopus regulators are typically direct copies of the primary second stage. Therefore, when evaluating alternate-air sources, the conventional alternate-air-source approach remains the most widely accepted and used among divers for emergency air sharing