salub2007
Contributor
Diver-Down Flags
Persons scuba diving, skin diving, or snorkeling in Rhode Island waters where vessels are used must display a diver-down flag to mark their diving area. Vessels propelled by engines must remain at least 50 feet away from a diver-down flag, unless doing so would prevent safe navigation. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.
Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe (¼ the width of the flag) is used if on Rhode Island waters. If the flag is displayed on the water, it must be at least 12 x 12 inches. If the flag is flown from a vessel, it must be at least 18 x 18 inches.
Alfa Flag: A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag), at least 3.3 feet (one meter) high and visible from all directions, must be displayed on vessels on federally controlled waters. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.
Scuba divers and snorkelers should not place a flag in an area already occupied by other boaters or where their diving operation will impede the normal flow of waterway traffic. Divers also should follow all of the water safety rules themselves.
Persons scuba diving, skin diving, or snorkeling in Rhode Island waters where vessels are used must display a diver-down flag to mark their diving area. Vessels propelled by engines must remain at least 50 feet away from a diver-down flag, unless doing so would prevent safe navigation. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.
Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe (¼ the width of the flag) is used if on Rhode Island waters. If the flag is displayed on the water, it must be at least 12 x 12 inches. If the flag is flown from a vessel, it must be at least 18 x 18 inches.
Alfa Flag: A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag), at least 3.3 feet (one meter) high and visible from all directions, must be displayed on vessels on federally controlled waters. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.
Scuba divers and snorkelers should not place a flag in an area already occupied by other boaters or where their diving operation will impede the normal flow of waterway traffic. Divers also should follow all of the water safety rules themselves.
