It's the Law: Required Equipment

Diver-Down Flags

• Federal and state law requires that scuba divers and snorkelers display a diver-down flag to mark the diving area. Alabama law requires that vessel operators stay at least 100 feet away from a displayed flag.
• Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

Divers Flag A rectangular red flag, at least 12 x 12 inches, with a white diagonal stripe is used to indicate the presence of a submerged diver in the area. Alabama law requires that divers prominently display this flag and stay within a 50-foot radius of the flag.	Alfa Flag A blue and white flag, at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) high and visible from all directions, must be displayed on vessels on federally controlled waters whenever these vessels are restricted in their ability to maneuver by the diving operation.