It's the Law: On the Water

Diver-Down Flag

State law requires that scuba divers or snorkelers display a diver-down flag whenever they are in the water.

• Boaters must make reasonable efforts to stay 300 feet away from diver-down flags in open water; 100 feet in rivers, inlets, and navigation channels.
• Boaters approaching diver-down flags closer than 300 feet in open water and 100 feet in rivers, inlets, and navigation channels must proceed no faster than is necessary to maintain headway and steerageway (idle speed).
• Scuba divers or snorkelers should not place the flag where it will obstruct traffic or create a hazard to navigation on a river, inlet, or navigation channel. In open waters, divers/snorkelers must make reasonable efforts to stay within 300 feet of their diver-down flag; in rivers, inlets, and navigation channels, 100 feet. The diver-down flag must be removed when scuba divers or snorkelers are not in the water.

Diver-Down Flag: A square or rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe and with wire or other stiffener to hold it fully open. Flags used on a vessel must be at least 20 x 24 inches. Those towed on buoys must be at least 12 x 12 inches.