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

Diver-Down Flags

Federal law requires that scuba divers or snorkelers on federally controlled waters display the Alfa diver-down flag to mark the diving area. Vessels should stay as far away from a diver-down flag as is reasonable and prudent for the circumstances. The suggested safe distance from a flag is 100 yards. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

• A rectangular red flag, at least 15 x 15 inches, with a white diagonal stripe, if on Mississippi state waters.
• 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.

	Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag, at least 15 x 15 inches, with a white diagonal stripe if on 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.

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.

Marine Radio

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires some vessels equipped with VHF radios to have a Ship Station License.

• As of 1996, most recreational vessels no longer need a FCC license if operating domestically. “Domestically” means not traveling to foreign ports or transmitting to foreign stations, including Mexico.
• Recreational vessels still required to carry a FCC Ship Station License are power-driven vessels over 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length and any vessel on an international voyage.

For FCC Information

• Call the FCC for a recorded message at 1-888-225-5322
• On the Internet, go to the FCC website at http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine

Local Regulations

Some waterways in Mississippi may have special regulations such as size and horsepower restrictions. Check with the governing body of the county or municipality where the waterway is located before you go boating.