Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Other Equipment and Regulations

Diver-Down Flags

Illustration	Types of Flags
	Divers Flag: A red flag at least 21 inches square with a white diagonal stripe that extends from the top of the hoist to the bottom of the flag is used if on Kansas state waters.
	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 a vessel is involved in a diving activity. It may be displayed in addition to the divers flag but does not replace the divers flag.

Skier-Down Flag

Kansas law requires that vessels towing person(s) on water skis or other similar devices carry and use a bright orange or red skier-down flag, at least 12 x 12 inches in size, whenever the towed person(s) is in the water preparing to be towed or waiting to be picked up by the towing vessel.

Capacity Plates

All vessels built after November 1, 1972, and that are less than 20 feet in length and designed to carry two or more people, must have a permanently affixed capacity plate. It is illegal to remove, alter, or deface the capacity plate.

Marine Events

Apply to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for a permit in advance of regattas, motorboat or other boat races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions to be held on state-controlled waters. A permit from the U.S. Coast Guard is required for an event on federally controlled waters.

Local Regulations

Local waterways may have specific equipment and operational restrictions in addition to those covered in this chapter. Be sure to check for local regulations before you go boating.