The diver down flag is a red flag with a white diagonal stripe. It tells boaters and other watercraft that scuba divers or snorkelers are in the water nearby.
Why Is The Diver Down Flag Important?
The flag serves as a warning to boaters to slow down, keep a safe distance, and watch carefully for people in the water. Divers can be difficult to see from the surface, making the flag an important safety signal.
Where Is The Diver Down Flag Used?
The diver down flag is commonly displayed from a boat, float, or buoy near divers. When displayed from a vessel, it should be positioned where it is clearly visible to approaching boats.
In the United States, the specific requirements for displaying and operating near a diver-down flag can vary by state, so boaters should follow local boating regulations.
Diver Down Flag vs. Alpha Flag
The red-and-white diver down flag is widely used in the United States to indicate that divers are in the water.
The International Code of Signals Alpha flag is blue and white. It is used by vessels engaged in diving operations and communicates a more specific maritime message: “I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.”
A Must-Know Flag For Boaters
Understanding the diver down flag is important for anyone who spends time on the water. Recognizing the flag can help boaters avoid dangerous encounters with divers and contribute to safer boating.
For boaters, divers, and dive operators, a durable, highly visible diver down flag is an important piece of boating safety equipment.