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

Diver-Down Flags

Persons scuba diving, skin diving, or snorkeling must display a red and white divers flag at or near the point of submergence that is capable of being identified from at least 100 yards. Divers or snorkelers must stay within 100 feet of their flag. Vessels not engaged in diving operations must stay at least 100 feet away from a displayed diver-down flag. Two types of flags indicate diving activity.

• A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe must be attached to a vessel, float, or buoy if on Colorado state waters.
• 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. On state waters this flag may be displayed in addition to the divers flag but does not replace the divers flag.

Skier-Down Flag

Colorado law requires that vessels towing person(s) on water skis or similar devices carry and use an orange or red skier-down flag, at least 12 x 12 inches in size, whenever the towed person(s) or associated equipment is down in the water.

Vessels towing person(s) on water skis or similar devices must display an orange or red skier-down flag whenever the towed person(s) or associated equipment is down in the water.

Marine Events

Permits for regattas, motorboat or other boat races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions to be held on state-controlled waters must apply for authorization from Colorado State Parks in advance of the event. If the event is being held on federally controlled waters, a permit from the U.S. Coast Guard is required.

Local Regulations

Local waterways may have specific equipment and operational restrictions in addition to those covered in this chapter. Be sure to check for local regulations before you go boating.