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

Diver-Down Flags

Persons who are scuba diving, snorkeling, or spearfishing should display a diver-down flag that marks their diving area. Vessels should slow down to “no wake speed” when they see a diver-down flag and stay well clear of the flag. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

• A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe is used 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 the vessel is involved in a diving activity.

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.

Marine Events

A permit to hold a race, regatta, tournament, parade, or exhibition on North Dakota waters must be obtained prior to the event. An application for the event must be submitted, in writing, to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at least 10 days before the date of the event.

Local Regulations

Many waterways may have speed or engine restrictions in addition to other restrictions covered in this chapter. Be sure to check for local regulations before you go boating.