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

Diver-Down Flags

Persons scuba diving, skin diving, or snorkeling must display a diver-down flag to mark their diving area. If a diver-down flag is spotted while boating, be careful and do not approach out of curiosity. Maintain a distance of at least 100 feet between the flag and your vessel when boating on inland waters. In bays and open waters, stay at least 300 feet away.

Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

• A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe is attached to a vessel, float, or buoy.
• A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) is flown from a vessel on federally controlled or international waters that is restricted in its ability to maneuver. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.

	Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag at least 12 x 12 inches in size with a white diagonal stripe
	Alfa Flag: A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag)

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.

Trailers

Maryland law requires that all trailers be equipped with two safety chains that are strong enough to control the trailer if the hitch or coupling breaks.

Marine Events

Permits for regattas, motorboat, or other boat races; marine parades; tournaments; or exhibitions to be held on state waters must apply for authorization from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 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 going boating. See Enforcement for regulations for some specific Maryland waters.