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

Diver Down Flag

State law requires that scuba divers or snorkelers display the “diver down” flag to mark the diving area. Divers must stay within a 50-yard radius of the flag. Vessel operators must not operate within 50 yards of a displayed “diver down” flag. The “diver down” flags are:

DIvers Flag

Alfa Flag

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

Skier Down Flag

State law requires that operators of a motorboat (other than a PWC) on the waters of the Mississippi River, the Missouri River, and on Missouri lakes between the hours of 11:00 AM and sunset must clearly display a red or orange flag, at least 12 inches by 12 inches in size, whenever a person enters the water before or after being towed on water-skis or other similar devices. The flag should not be displayed while the vessel is underway towing the person(s) on water-skis or other similar devices. PWCs and moored or anchored motorboats are exempt from displaying the skier down flag. Vessel operators must not operate within 50 yards of a displayed “skier down” flag.

Use of Fireworks

State law prohibits the igniting or discharge of fireworks by persons on board vessels, except in the case where a display permit has been issued. Also, persons may not throw or place any ignited fireworks into a vessel or near any other person. This prohibition does not include the proper use of pyrotechnic visual distress signals.

Marine Events

A permit to hold a race, regatta, tournament, parade, or exhibition on Missouri’s navigable waters must be obtained from the Missouri State Water Patrol by submitting an application at least 15 days prior to the event. If the event will limit or obstruct the use of a public waterway, the application must be submitted 60 days in advance. Applications can be obtained online at the Missouri State Water Patrol website. Permits for events to be held on waters under federal control must be obtained from the U.S. Coast Guard by applying at least 30 days prior to the event.