Display of diver’s flag required; operation of vessel within 100 feet of flag prohibited; operation of vessel within 200 feet of flag limited; exception for emergencies.
1. A person shall display a diver’s flag when diving or swimming below the water’s surface with the aid of a breathing device. The diver’s flag must be:
(a) At least 12 inches in height by 12 inches in width with a red background and a white diagonal stripe that is one-fifth the width of the flag;
(b) Attached to a float, buoy or boat which is visible to approaching vessels and which, between sunset and sunrise, has a light attached; and
(c) Prominently displayed within 100 feet of the location of the diver or swimmer.
2. A person shall not display a diver’s flag on the waters of this state unless he is diving or swimming below the water’s surface with the aid of a breathing device, in the vicinity of the diver’s flag.
3. Except in the case of an emergency, a person shall not operate a vessel other than the diver’s support vessel within 100 feet of a diver’s flag.
4. Except in the case of an emergency, a person who operates a vessel at a distance of more than 100 feet but less than 200 feet of a diver’s flag shall operate that vessel at a speed that leaves a flat wake, but in no case may the vessel be operated at a speed greater than 5 nautical miles per hour.
Last modified: February 25, 2006