Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Other Equipment

Diver-Down Flags

Scuba divers or snorkelers must display a diver-down flag that marks the diving area as required by the Texas Water Safety Act. Vessels must remain at least 50 feet away from the flag. If they have to approach the diving area, vessel operators must have permission from the person who placed the flag or the vessel displaying the flag. Outside of 50 feet, vessel operators must operate at headway speed out to a distance of 150 feet away from the flag. Patrol or rescue craft are exempt from such requirements. 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 is required on 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.

Illustration	Types of Flags
	Divers Flag A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe attached to a vessel, float or buoy.
	Alfa Flag A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag), at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) high and visible from all directions, flown from a vessel.

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.

Trailers

Texas has the following requirements for trailers.

• Trailers must be registered with your county tax assessor just like your automobile.
• If the gross weight of the vessel and trailer exceeds 4,500 pounds, the trailer must be equipped with brakes.
• Trailers must have proper lighting, including turn signals and tail and brake lights. All trailer lights must be maintained in an operable condition.
• All towing vehicles must be connected to the trailer by a set of safety chains or a cable of sufficient strength to maintain connection under all conditions.

VHF Radio

Some vessels that are equipped with VHF radios are required to have a Ship Station License issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

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

Permits and Regulations

Marine Events: Although no state permit is needed to hold a race or regatta on Texas waters, always notify the controlling lake authority. Events held on federally controlled waters are granted a permit through the U.S. Coast Guard by applying at least 30 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.