New diver. Can I dive anywhere?

[Bob DBF]

It is also problematic if you are required to fly a dive flag and boats required to keep (100 feet?) away from it. I don't know what NJ law is

NJ law

13:82-3.17 Diving and swimming (a) General provisions with respect to diving and swimming are as follows:
1. Underwater diving with or without an underwater apparatus is permitted in all navigable waters in New Jersey unless otherwise prohibited in this section;
2. Any person while diving shall mark his or her position with a buoyed flag: i. Such flag shall be displayed so that it is visible all around the horizon from a buoy, float, boat or other floating object; and ii. Such flag shall be a minimum of 14 inches by 16 inches, shall be rigid to enhance visibility and shall be a red background with a white diagonal stripe running from one corner to the other; 42 N.J.R. 636(a) 4
3. No person shall operate a vessel within 50 feet of the buoyed flag;
4. No person shall display a flag at times other than when diving is in progress;
5. No person shall swim or dive in a narrow, confined or improved channel or in a marked fairway, under a bridge, or impede, obstruct or interfere with passage of watercraft therein; and...

It goes on about restrictions to particular inlets.

Although it is not here, as I was looking around, the NJ boaters course says that divers have to come up within 25' of their flag, except in an emergency.


Bob