Diver-Down Flags

Scuba divers, skin divers, and snorkelers must display a red-and-white divers flag at or near the point of submergence. Scuba divers must place their flag on a buoy. It is unlawful to display a diver-down flag if diving or spearfishing is not in progress. Boaters should maintain a safe distance between the flag and their 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.

Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

Divers Flag: A red flag at least 21 inches square with a white diagonal stripe that extends from the top of the hoist to the bottom of the flag is used if on Kansas 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.