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First Class Diver - Theory Examination

One of the most important qualities of a First Class Diver is that they have an up to date view and an understanding of diving knowledge and principles. It is this quality which is being examined in the First Class Diver module “DIVING KNOWLEDGE". For most of us, it requires a bit of hard work to achieve the right level of knowledge. Once there, however, it is much easier to keep up to date and to keep abreast of new developments. As potential First Class Divers, you will have already passed the Advanced Diver exam and so studying is not new and you will already have a broad base of theory knowledge to work from. The next step to the First Class Diver level is to consolidate, update and understand the knowledge you already have, to broaden into some new areas and follow the latest developments in our sport. The Theory Preparation Notes discusses the ways in which you can achieve these objectives.
 
 
Format of “Diving Knowledge"
 
The First Class Theory Exam comprises a one hour theory paper with thirty short answer questions. Only a few words are required to answer these questions although some questions may require some working out (e.g. decompression questions) and some may require diagrams. They cover a wide range of topics and are designed to check your breadth of knowledge.
The questions are organised into 5 broad areas:
  • Medical
  • Decompression
  • Dive Planning and Techniques
  • Equipment
  • Seamanship and Weather
 
The exam will be marked out of 60 (2 marks per question). The requirements for passing will be 40/60 (66%) for a PASS; 48/60 for a MERIT. Marks lower than 40/60 will result in a fail in this module.
 
Overall Aims of Preparation for “Diving Knowledge"
 
Broadly, our overall aims for studying theory at the First Class Diver level will be to be familiar with the contents of the BSAC diving manuals, to be researching from other diving related books and to be keeping up to date with diving current affairs. This might sound a daunting task but remember we are already Advanced Divers so we should already be well on our way! In many regions, First Class Diver Regional Co-coordinators or Coaching teams run preparation courses. The Reading List will aslo serve as a guide to sources of relevant information as part of your preparation.
 
Using practice exam questions
 
Past First Class Diver theory exam papers can be used to give you an understanding of the breath and depth of knowledge required.
The best way of using the past papers is to work through three stages:
  1. Choose a subject to study (e.g. medical) and complete all of your reading for that subject.
  2. Work through the past papers for that subject without reference to books.
  3. Check your answers against those supplied where they are available below or conduct further research where there are no standard answers. This will give you a feeling for your level of knowledge and understanding. If you don’t achieve very good marks then more studying is probably required. Repeat this process for each of the subject areas.
Try and leave at least one paper with answers so that once you feel confident in your knowledge level you can attempt a timed exam and then compare your level of success.
 
Booking the Exam
 
Once you are confident in your level of Theory knowledge you should book a Theory Exam.
The Exam is offered twice a year only, typically on the first Saturday of March and October, and the examination takes place in different locations depending on demand and local facilities so early booking will help with planning. You should make sure that you have already Registered for the FCD programme and then you can Book the Theory Exam online.
 
ITEM Description DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE
(Click to retrieve)
Theory Exam
Theory Preparation Notes Detailed Guidance on preparing for the Theory Examination Preparing for the Theory Examination
Theory Exam Advice Some Guidance on preparing for the Theory Examination from recent successful students Advice for the Theory Examination
Book a Theory Exam An online registration form to book a place on a Theory Examination
- Registration completion required		 Theory Exam Application Form
Past Exam Papers
Sample Exam Paper Sample Exam paper Sample Exam Paper
Model Answers Sample model answers Sample Model Answers
Exam Paper March 2003 March 2003 Exam paper March 2003 Paper
Exam Paper March 2004 March 2004 Exam paper March 2004 Paper
Model Answers March 2004 Model answers to the March 2004 paper March 2004 Model Answers
Exam Paper October 2004 October 2004 Exam paper October 2004 Paper
Exam Paper March 2005 March 2005 Exam paper March 2005 Paper
Exam Paper October 2005 October 2005 Exam paper October 2005 Paper
Exam Paper March 2006 March 2006 Exam paper March 2006 Paper
Exam Paper October 2006
October 2006 Exam paper
Exam Paper March 2007
March 2007 Exam paper
 Exam Paper October 2007
 October 2007 Exam paper
 Exam Paper March 2008
 March 2008 Exam paper
 
Additional Material
Suggested
Reading List		 Indications for suitable reading in preparation for elements of the Exam Reading List
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Page last modified: 17th Apr 2008 - 12:42:53