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

Diver-Down Flags

Persons scuba diving, skin diving, or snorkeling from a vessel must display an “Alfa” flag to mark their diving area. Between sunset and sunrise, the flag should be lighted. Vessels not engaged in diving operations should remain at least 200 feet away from a displayed flag. Some county ordinances may have specific restrictions. Two types of diver-down flags are available.

• A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag), at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) high and visible from all directions, is required and must be displayed on vessels whenever these vessels are restricted in their ability to maneuver by the diving operation. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.
• A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe may be used to indicate the presence of a submerged diver in the area, but it does not meet the state and federal requirements for display.

Illustrations	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.

Skier-Down Flag

Washington law requires that vessels towing person(s) on water skis or similar devices carry and use a bright red or brilliant orange “skier-down” flag, at least 12 x 12 inches in size and mounted on a pole at least 24 inches long, whenever the towed person(s) is preparing to ski or has fallen into the water. Remote-operated personal watercraft (PWCs designed to be operated by a towed person) must have a “skier-down” flag attached to the PWC.

Vessels towing person(s) on water skis or other devices must display a red or orange “skierdown” flag whenever the towed person(s) has fallen into the water or is preparing to ski.

Illustration	Flag
	Skier-Down Flag: A bright red or brilliant orange flag, at least 12 x 12 inches in size and mounted on a pole at least 24 inches long.

Local Regulations

Many Washington waterways have specific equipment and operational restrictions in addition to those covered in this chapter. Be sure to check with the sheriff’s office or police department for local regulations before you go out.