SkipperJohn
Contributor
As a boat captain that, until recently, has not been involved in diving I have seen more than my share of abuses from so-called dive boats in my area. I can't count the number of times I have seen dive boat underway/making-way with the dive flag flying high. That flag is a message for ALL vessels that your engine must NOT be running. Including the vessel who is flying the flag!
Another incident that comes to mind I was fishing a wreck when a boat pulled up. It is not uncommon to have a few boats fishing a single wreck. This wreck was a barge and it was fairly large. While the captain was setting his hook I offered to throw him a line so we could form a triangle and stabilize both our positions. He declined then proceeded to set his anchor that it crossed my line then raised a dive flag. Around 20 minutes later (with the fishing totally dead from the diver activity) I needed to leave and could not under maritime law. I needed to start my engines. I called the coastguard...
Dive flag responsibility is for all parties. The flag should be large and visible. It should be supported so that it is distinguishable even in calm winds. If a vessel violates any laws regarding this it should be reported immediately to the coastguard. Be sure to note the vessel color, type, size as well as numbers. The CG wants the physical attributes because makes it easier for them to spot & identify the offending vessel.
Another incident that comes to mind I was fishing a wreck when a boat pulled up. It is not uncommon to have a few boats fishing a single wreck. This wreck was a barge and it was fairly large. While the captain was setting his hook I offered to throw him a line so we could form a triangle and stabilize both our positions. He declined then proceeded to set his anchor that it crossed my line then raised a dive flag. Around 20 minutes later (with the fishing totally dead from the diver activity) I needed to leave and could not under maritime law. I needed to start my engines. I called the coastguard...
Dive flag responsibility is for all parties. The flag should be large and visible. It should be supported so that it is distinguishable even in calm winds. If a vessel violates any laws regarding this it should be reported immediately to the coastguard. Be sure to note the vessel color, type, size as well as numbers. The CG wants the physical attributes because makes it easier for them to spot & identify the offending vessel.