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

Diver-Down Flag

Indiana law requires that scuba divers or snorkelers display a diver-down flag to mark the diving area. The diver must stay within 100 feet of the flag. Vessels must stay at least 150 feet away from the flag unless directly involved in supporting the diver. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

	Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag, at least 12 x 12 inches in size, with a white diagonal stripe is used to indicate the presence of a submerged diver in the area. Indiana law requires that divers display this flag prominently and stay within 100 feet of the flag.
	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 federal waters whenever these vessels are restricted in their ability to maneuver by the diving operation. 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.

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 that are still required to carry an FCC Ship Station License are powerboats more than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length and any vessel on an international voyage.

For FCC Information

• Call the FCC for a recorded message at 1-800-322-1117
• On the Internet, go to the FCC website at http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/

Marine Events

Major organized boating activities to be conducted on public waters require a permit. If you plan to host an event that involves 15 or more watercraft as participants or an event that will draw 50 or more boats as spectators, you will need this permit. Also, if you conduct an event on public waters that will disrupt normal boat traffic, you will need to apply.