Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Other Equipment and Regulations
Diver-Down Flags
Scuba divers or snorkelers must display a diver-down flag that
marks their diving area. Vessels must remain at least 150 feet
away from the flag unless the vessel is engaged in the rescue of
a person in that area. Two types of flags are used to indicate
diving activity.
| Illustration |
Types of Flags |
 |
Diver Down Flag:
- A rectangular red flag no less than 20 x 24 inches with
a 4-inch white diagonal stripe is used if on Oklahoma state waters.
|
 |
Alfa Flag:
- A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag)
is used if on state, federally-controlled, or international waters.
This flag indicates that a 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.
Inner Tubes, Floating Chairs, or Similar Devices
These items must not be more than 50 feet from shore when being
used by a swimmer. You should avoid swimming and playing in areas
of high boating traffic such as boat ramps and marinas.
Races, Regattas, and Tournaments
If an event is planned on Oklahoma state waters, you must contact,
in advance of the event, the agency which has jurisdiction over the
waters— the United States Army Corps of Engineers,
the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Information, or the Grand River
Dam Authority. If an event is being held on federally controlled
waters, you must apply for a permit from the U.S. Coast Guard at
least 30 days prior to the event.
Local Regulations
Many Oklahoma waterways may have specific equipment and operational
requirements in addition to those covered in this chapter. For
example, the Grand River Dam Authority places additional lake rules
and regulations on those boating on the Grand Lake of the Cherokees,
Lake Hudson, and W. R. Holway Reservoir. Find out what the local
regulations are before you go boating.
|
