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

Diver Down Flag

Motorboat operators must not operate within 200 feet of a displayed “diver down” flag. If a vessel must approach this warning flag, it must do so at a “no wake speed.” The “diver down” flags are:

• A rectangular red flag attached to a vessel, float, or buoy with a white diagonal stripe if on state waters.
• 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 federally-controlled waters. This flag indicates that a vessel is involved in a diving activity.

Marine Events

Written permission from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is necessary to conduct a boating race, regatta or other marine event on Montana’s waters. Letters of application must be sent at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event.

Local Regulations

Waterways in Montana may have special regulations such as horsepower or speed restrictions. Check with local authorities before going out.