Diver-Down Flags

Scuba divers or snorkelers must display a diver-down flag that marks the diving area. Vessels must remain at least 100 feet away from the person in the water.

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.

Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag, at least 15 inches by 15 inches, with a white diagonal stripe is required 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. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.