You can also attach a small weight to the bottom on the line to keep it taut and easier to move along while you swim. In this article, we will dive into the specifics of the Dive Flag: its importance and how it elevates the safety of diving expeditions. Whether you’re an experienced diver or merely fascinated by the world beneath the water, comprehending the utility and significance of dive flags is crucial to your underwater experience. This is the diver down flag that is common in the US for telling boaters where divers are approximately located. Once you reach calmer water beyond the surf line, either prepare to descend, or continue surface swimming and towing the dive float until you reach your descent point. A rigid flag must be used and is important that it remains fully unfurled and is still visible in calm & non-windy conditions.

When operating a vessel in areas known for frequent dive activities, if you spot a dive flag the minimum recommended circumferential distance you should maintain from it is 250-300 feet (60-90 meters). Stay Visible, Stay SafeHowever, they take out their little flags and send each other messages. On a boat, everybody understands the meaning of nautical flags from a distance and without a word.

Any person engaged in diving must be attached to a buoy by a length of rope, the buoy having attached to it a dive flag, or a rigid replica of that flag, with dimensions of not less than 300 mm by 200 mm. Divers' personal flags are not required if: There is no regulation saying how far a boat must stay away, OR how close a diver must stay near the flag/buoy/boat. The Safe Boating Guide issued by Transport Canada recommends boat operators keep clear 100m (328') from a diving flag/buoy Most people are not aware that there are laws governing where you can and cannot place your dive flag. In general, you should stay within 100 feet of your dive flag, unless there are laws that say differently. This will help to ensure that other boats and swimmers know that there is a diver in the area, and will help to keep everyone safe. When You See A Divers Flag You Must? Diver Below Flag: In Victoria, any vessel with divers operating from it must always display signals by day or night to inform other vessel users. The daytime diver below signal is the international Code Flag 'A', at least 750 mm long and 600 mm wide for vessels less than 10 metres in length. For vessels longer than 10 metres, the dive flag must be at least 1 metre long and wide. It should be placed to ensure all-round visibility. A few extra weights can be stored inside zippered compartments of some of the inner tube type of float. A float compartment could even hold a snorkel or extra mask. Dive SafelyThis flag is exactly what the law requires it to be; a 20” by 24” flag with a stiffening pole. With this flag, the stiffening pole is both removable and collapsible for when you need to fold it and store it away once you’re done with your diving. The pole folds into 3 sections for ease of storage. When in need of using the flag, you prop it up then insert it into the flag’s velcro pouch and you’re good to go. Use a reel and unspool the line as you descend, keeping it taut. If the line is loose this may get wrapped up and tangled. If your dive involves drifting away more than 50 meters from your dive boat or in inlets or channels with frequent passage of boats, towing the flag along with you is a good safety measure. There are two types of diver down flags: the red and yellow. The red flag is used when divers are in the water and may be submerged, while the yellow is used when divers are on the surface and may be floating. What Type Of Flag Should You Use? The red and white colors are highly visible from afar and will thus keep you safe. With this setup, you can attach this flag anywhere you like be it on a boat, the beach or just about any other convenient place.

There will be some boaters who are simply cruising and having a good time, and if you don’t have a dive flag visible, they have no reason be to on alert or adjust their duties to keep you safe. When using the red and white diver down flag on a float or a buoy, you should stay within 50 feet (15 meters) from your dive flag. If you are venturing further than this distance, you will need to tow your dive flag. Here are some tips for towing a dive flag while scuba diving. It’s important to always bring a dive flag when you dive into making sure you’re seen by other vessels. SourceA dive flag must be mounted on a flagpole or a buoy to be highly visible to other boaters. The flag should be elevated at least one meter (3 feet) above the highest part of the vessel or buoy. Furthermore, keeping the flag upright and unfurled is essential to easily recognize it from a distance. The alpha or alfa flag is the most used diver down flag and is the standard signal around the world. It signifies the words “I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.” It is also the international maritime signal flag. If you see this flag waving above the water, keep your distance and wait for further instructions from whoever put up the diver down pole before you proceed with whatever task you were working on. What are the two types of diver down flags?

In Victoria, the Harbour Master's Directions for port water of the Port of Melbourne, 2.13.3 Recreational diving activity, stipulates: The SeaGator Dive Flag is a flag and nothing more. However, that would be a major understatement of its quality in terms of the features and attention to detail given to this flag. In our review, we all agreed that it’s the one flag all divers ought have in their toolbox.A diver down flag, or scuba flag, is a flag used to indicate that there is someone below the surface in the water. To make flags, there are two types. In the international context, the code flag alpha/alpha is white and blue, indicating that the vessel has a diver, and other vessels should keep clear as they slow down. Do You Need A Dive Flag For Snorkeling In Florida Chances are high that you won’t have an issue with this simple yet very durable diver down flag. 2. Dixie Divers Beuchat Guardian Board Float for Free Diving or Hookah with Legal Dive Flag Freediving Scuba Diving The New Wave Swim Buoy, besides the classical functions of a swimming safety float (providing visibility in open water and a safe place to rest if needed) also works as a dry bag so keeps your personal items safe from water. When not in use, rinse the buy with freshwater, dry it fully and deflate it so you can store it in your snorkeling bag or sport accessory box. Four D-rings surround the buoy for attaching line, as well as four durable handles for holding onto while you take a break. The bottom of the float has 12 drainage holes incorporated to allow any pooled water to drain out.