Watch for the Diver Down Flag While Boating
Divers Depend on Boaters Being Alert and Watching for a Warning Flag
Feb 8, 2009
A rotating propeller passing over a person in the water can inflict horrific, life threatening injuries in an instant. Responsible skippers of a boat being used as a diving platform need to display the proper lights and signals to warn others of the presence of a diver in the water.
Safe Boat Operations Near Divers in the Water
Boat skippers have the ultimate responsibility for the operation of their vessels at all times. While underway, the Coast Guard requires that at least one person onboard is posted as a lookout. Watch for vessels displaying a diving flag that warns of the presence of divers in the water. Slow down while approaching a boat with divers in the water and pass at least 300 feet away from the vessel. Remember tides or currents can carry a diver far from their original starting point and they could surface nearby.
A recent accident in Palm Beach County, Florida highlights how serious this problem can be for divers. A moving boat struck a group diving near St. Lucie Inlet. One diver lost both of his legs and was fortunate to survive the accident. The divers were displaying a dive flag and using proper safety equipment. Area divers are urging the Governor of Florida to institute a “Dive Flag Awareness Day” in the state.
Navigation Rule 27 (e) – Vessel Not Under Command Engaged in Diving Activities
The use of dive warning flags grew out of the navigation rules (navrules) published by the Coast Guard. The rule of interest is Navigation Rule 27 that concerns vessels not under command. On larger vessels, a series of lights and shapes must be displayed while a diver is in the water. These visual signals are often too large to display on smaller recreational vessels, so the navrules provide for alternative signals for day and night diving operations:
Rule 27(e) Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to exhibit all lights and shapes prescribed in paragraph (d) of this Rule, the following shall be exhibited:
- Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;
- a rigid replica of the International Code flag "A" not less than 1 meter in height. Measures shall be taken to ensure its all-round visibility.
The red and white diving flag commonly seen on many boats isn’t the flag prescribed under the navigation rules, only the international alpha flag should be used in coastal waters. The red and white flag is prescribed for use in many state waters.
A dive flag represents an inexpensive and effective dive safety tool. Be sure to carry one onboard. More importantly, remain alert for the presence of divers in the water and give them a wide berth while underway.
 |
 |
