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

Diver-Down Flag

Scuba divers or snorkelers must display a diver-down flag that marks their diving area. Vessels should remain at least 100 feet away from the flag. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

• A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe if on Louisiana state waters.
• A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) if on federally controlled or international waters.

Illustrations	Types of Flags
	Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe if on Louisiana 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.

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.

Emergency Ignition Safety Switch

An emergency ignition safety switch that is fully functional, in operable condition, and attached with a lanyard to the operator’s person, clothing, or PFD is required on any motorboat less than 26 feet long that:

• Is powered by an outboard motor in excess of 10 horsepower and …
• Is steered by a hand tiller or steering arm attached to the motor and …
• Has or is designed to have a safety switch.

Marine Events

In order to hold a race, regatta, or tournament, you must notify the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries prior to the event. If the event is being held on federally controlled waters, you must apply for a permit from the U.S. Coast Guard at least 30 days prior to the event.

Local Regulations

Some waterways in Louisiana have special regulations such as horsepower restrictions or speed limits. Be sure to check for special restrictions on a waterway before you go boating.

VHF Radio

Some vessels equipped with VHF radios are required to have a Ship Station License by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

• As of 1996, most recreational vessels no longer need an FCC license if operating domestically. “Domestically” means not traveling to foreign ports or transmitting to foreign stations, including Canada.
• Recreational vessels still required to carry an FCC Ship Station License are powerboats over 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length and any vessel on an international voyage.