What do dive flags mean?

Description. A dive flag indicates that scuba divers are nearby. In some areas, flying a dive flag while scuba diving is required by law, but in general it's a good idea for safety reasons. Dive boats fly a flag to let other vessels know that divers are below.

What does a divers down symbol mean?

This warning device may be a divers-down flag, buoy, or other similar warning device. These devices are designed for, and used by, divers and dive vessels as a way to notify nearby boaters that divers are in the water in the immediate area. The device must be displayed prominently when in use.

What is an Alpha dive flag?

Description. The Alpha Dive Flag is a must have for any spearo to ensure your safety in the water. The flag is intended to be attached to a flag pole on your float, and gives additional visibility to the float and consequently your location in the water.

What does a dive flag do?

A diver down flag, or scuba flag, is a flag used on the water to indicate that there is a diver below. Two styles of flag are in use. Internationally, the code flag alfa/alpha, which is white and blue, is used to signal that the vessel has a diver down and other vessels should keep well clear at slow speed.

What color is a divers flag?

Divers Flag: A red flag with a white diagonal stripe indicates that people are scuba diving or snorkeling underwater in the vicinity of the flag.

Dive flag use and safety

What are the 2 types of dive flags?

Locally recognized – There are two recognized dive flags – a red flag with a white diagonal stripe, and the blue-and-white pennant tail Alpha flag. Know which flag to fly in your local area.

What are the 2 types of diver down flags?

There are two types of diver down flags used both nationally and internationally: the diver down flag and the alpha flag. The most commonly used of the two is the diver down flag, which is a red flag with a white diagonal stripe.

What does the blue and white dive flag mean?

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, is required and must be displayed on vessels whenever these vessels are restricted in their ability to maneuver by the diving operation.

What do you do when you see a diver down flag?

Vessels should stay as far away from a diver-down flag as is reasonable and prudent for the circumstances. The suggested safe distance is 100 yards.

What is blue and white flag boating?

If a diving operation takes place from aboard a pleasure craft, Code flag Alpha or flag A (white and blue) from the International Code of signals which means “I have a diver in the water, keep well clear and at low speed” must be displayed.

What is a Bravo flag?

Phonetic Pronunciation: BRAH-voh. Navy & International Meaning: I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous cargo. International Code of Signal Flags have double stitched seams, finished nylon rope distance lines and ash toggles.

What is a Charlie flag?

The code flag C "Charlie" means 'YES (confirmation). ' International Marine Signal Flags are international signals used by ships at sea. They can be used to spellout short messages, or more commonly, used individually.

What color flag indicates a vessel is engaged in diving operations?

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.

What is the dive flag called?

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 boats on federally controlled waters. This flag indicates that the boat is involved in a diving activity.

When you see a divers down symbol you must?

The divers-down warning device must contain a divers-down symbol. The symbol is a red rectangle or square with a white diagonal stripe. If the symbol is a rectangle, the length may not be less than the height or more than 25% longer than the height.

Who invented the dive flag?

In short, the flag was originally invented in the 1950's by a Denzel James Dockery from Michigan, who wanted a flag to keep boats at a safe distance from dive boats. He used a combination of the Navy's red 'Bravo flag' that was used to connote danger, and sewed a horizontal white stripe across it.

What are the 3 Rs of boating?

Practice the three Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Many marinas provide facilities for recycling oil, aluminum, glass, and antifreeze. Use these services whenever possible. Carry reusable items, such as plates, silverware, cups, and glasses, on board to reduce waste.

How far do you stay away from a diver down flag?

Maintain a distance of at least 300 feet (90m) from diver down flags and buoys in open water and at least 100 feet (30m) in inlets or navigation channels. To prevent injuries and death by propeller and vessel strikes, divers and boaters must be proactively aware of one another.

How do you display a dive flag?

Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag (at least 20 x 24 inches when flown from a vessel) with a white diagonal stripe is used to mark the diving area. This flag also must be displayed on vessels on state waters.

What does a black flag mean on a boat?

BLACK FLAG: This flag is all black. It means that any boat on the course side of the start line within a minute prior to the start is disqualified. Y: Diagonal red and yellow stripes. This flag means that all competitors are required to wear personal buoyancy.

What does a red flag mean when boating?

Down. The red flag with white diagonal stripe, while not international, is commonly used to indicate a diver in the water. Many states now require this flag. It is usually exhibited on a float to mark the diver's approximate location whereas the "A" flag should be used on the vessel.

What does a yellow flag on a boat mean?

Medical Definition of quarantine flag

: a yellow flag hoisted by all ships to request pratique on entering a harbor, by a ship to show that it has contagious or infectious disease aboard, or by a ship that has been quarantined. — called also yellow flag, yellow jack.

Is water 400 times denser than air?

1: Water is 400 times denser than air. 2: Water is 800 times denser than air. 3: Sound travels about four times faster underwater.

Which of the following accurately describes the divers down flag?

It is red with a white stripe running across it diagonally. It is used in the water to indicate scuba diving, and snorkeling activity close by. However, the other diver down flag to know is the blue and white Alpha Flag. This is internationally used to indicate that a boat or vessel has divers in the water.

How do I know I am properly weighted for diving?

If the water level sits at eye level while holding that normal breath of air in your lungs, then descend when you exhale. This means you are correctly weighted!