What is an Alpha dive flag?

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. In North America it is conventionally red with a white stripe from the upper left corner to the lower right corner.

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. Staff or pole – If on a float, your flag needs to be high enough on a staff so vessels can see it above waves or chop.

How far should you stay from an alpha flag?

Vessels must remain at least 50 feet away from the flag. If they have to approach the diving area, operators must have permission from the person who placed the flag or the boat displaying the flag. Outside of 50 feet, vessel operators must operate at “idle speed” out to a distance of 150 feet.

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 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.

"Diver Down" and "Alpha" Dive Flag Laws Explained

What about the divers flag look like?

Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe must be displayed from a float during diving operations if on state waters.

How far can I dive from a dive flag?

Stay within 300 feet (90 meters) of the diver down flag or buoy in open water and 100 feet (30 meters) when diving in rivers, inlets or navigation channels. Aim to surface within 150 feet (45 meters) of the dive flag.

How long after 2 dives can I fly?

Waiting the correct amount of time before flying will reduce the nitrogen in your blood. As a general rule it is recommended to wait 24 hours before flying after doing any type of diving. This rule covers all types of dives and adds extra time as a safeguard for peace of mind.

How much weight should I add to scuba dive?

Scuba Weighting Made Easy

Women should add 4 to 5 pounds of weight (about 2 kg) if they are diving in saltwater or subtract 4 to 5 pounds (about 2 kg) if diving in freshwater. Men should add 6 to 7 pounds (about 3 kg) if diving in saltwater or subtract 6 to7 pounds (about 3 kg) if diving in freshwater.

Which flag should a boat engaged in diving operations fly?

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.

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 does a blue and white flag on a boat mean?

A blue-and-white International Code Flag A (or Alpha flag) must be displayed on boats involved in a diving activity.

What color is a dive 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.

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 no deco dive?

No-decompression dives

A "no-decompression", or "no-stop" dive is a dive that needs no decompression stops during the ascent according to the chosen algorithm or tables, and relies on a controlled ascent rate for the elimination of excess inert gases.

How deep can you dive without decompression?

How deep can you dive without decompression? Practically speaking, you can make no stop dives to 130 feet. While you can, in theory, go deeper than that and stay within no stop limits, the no stop times are so short that "well within" limits is essentially impossible.

How many dives can you do in a day?

How Many Scuba Dives Can You Do In A Day? Technically there is no specified limit on the number of times that you can dive in one day. The number of times that you can safely scuba dive in one day is dependent on how much nitrogen your body will take in. Nitrogen is harmful to divers.

How long should I stay within my dive flag?

Local laws regulate how close you have to stay to your flag, and how far boaters and skiers must stay away. For areas where no laws stipulate these distances, the rule of thumb is for you to stay within 15 metres/50 feet of your flag and for boats to stay at least 30 to 60 metres/100 to 200 feet away.

Do you need a dive flag for snorkeling in Florida?

Florida law requires divers and snorkelers to display a “diver down” flag when in the water to caution nearby boaters. The flag is a red square with a diagonal white strip extending across from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Wire or stiffener is used to keep the flag extended.

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.

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.

Where do you mount a dive flag on a boat?

Many boaters fly their flag off of a staff or pole on the boat itself in a prominent position—ideally at the vessel's highest point. According to DAN, the flag should be at least 20 inches by 24 inches. Another option is to place your dive flag on a float or buoy in the water.