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

Diver Down Flag

Diver Down Flag: State law requires that scuba divers or snorkelers display the “diver down” flag to mark the diving area. Vessel operators must not operate within 100 feet of a displayed “diver down” flag. Divers must surface within 50 feet of the flag. The “diver down” flags are:

• A rectangular red flag, at least 12 inches x 12 inches with a white diagonal stripe at least 3 inches in width, if on state waters.
• A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) if on federally controlled or international waters.

Scuba divers and snorkelers should not place a flag in an area already occupied by other boaters or where diving operation will impede the normal flow of waterway traffic. Divers should also follow all of the water safety rules themselves.

Illustration	Types of Flags
	Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe attached to a vessel, float or buoy.
	Alfa Flag: A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag), at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) high and visible from all directions, flown from a vessel.

Marine Permits

Permits are required for some waterway events and activities. All tournaments, regattas, races, parades, and exhibitions involving more than 100 vessels must be authorized by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). An application must be filed with KDFWR at least 15 days prior to the event.

Local Regulations

Many waterways in Kentucky have special regulations such as horsepower or speed restrictions. See Boat, Motor and Lake Usage Regulations for a list of many of these local regulations.