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

Diver-Down Flags

Persons scuba diving, skin diving, or snorkeling in Nevada waters must display a diver-down flag to mark their diving area. Vessels not engaged in diving operations must remain at least 100 feet from the diver-down flag, except in the case of an emergency. Vessels not engaged in diving operations must reduce speed to “no wake speed” if within a distance of 100 to 200 feet of the diver-down flag, except in the case of an emergency. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

• A rectangular red flag, at least 12 x 12 inches in size, with a white diagonal stripe (at least 1/5 the width of the flag). The flag may be attached to a vessel, float, or buoy and must be illuminated if used between sunset and sunrise.
• A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag). This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.

Skier-Down Flag

Nevada law states that vessels towing person(s) on water skis or other similar devices must carry and use an international orange 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.

Vessels towing person(s) on water skis or similar devices must display an international orange skier-down flag whenever the towed person(s) is in the water.

Marine Events

You must file an application with the Nevada Department of Wildlife at least 30 days in advance in order to hold a race, regatta, parade, tournament, or exhibition involving vessels on Nevada waters. Permits for events held on waters under USCG jurisdiction are granted through the U.S. Coast Guard by applying at least 135 days in advance.

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.