SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam

What commonly causes the majority of marine life injuries?

1. Human negligence

2. Animal defense response and mistaken identity

3. Environmental changes

4. Fishing practices

The correct answer is: Animal defense response and mistaken identity

The majority of marine life injuries are often attributed to animal defense responses and mistaken identity. Many marine creatures possess strong instincts to protect themselves when they feel threatened. For instance, a fish or a stingray may react aggressively if it perceives a diver as a potential predator, leading to defensive behavior that can result in injuries. Similarly, mistaken identity can occur when a diver interacts with a marine animal in a way that it misinterprets as a threat or provocation. For instance, bright colors and movements may attract curious species, which could then result in an unintentional encounter that the animal interprets as a challenge or danger. Given the natural instinct for self-preservation, many creatures will react defensively in these situations, which can often lead to injuries for divers attempting to observe or interact with them. This highlights the importance of understanding marine behavior and maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife while diving, to minimize such incidents. While human negligence, environmental changes, and fishing practices can also lead to injuries and alter marine life behavior, the immediate cause of most encounters resulting in injury during recreational diving tends to stem from the natural defensive responses of the animals involved.