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.
The “diver down” flags are:
- 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.
- 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 a vessel is involved in a
diving activity.
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Divers Flag: A rectangular
red flag at least 12 x 12 inches in size with a white diagonal
stripe |
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Alfa Flag: A blue and
white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) |
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 over 65.6 feet (20 meters)
in length and any vessel on an international voyage.
For FCC Information
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.
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