Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Other Equipment

Diver-Down Flags

Federal law requires that scuba divers or snorkelers on federally controlled waters display the Alfa diver-down flag to mark their diving area. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

• 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 whenever these vessels are restricted in their ability to maneuver by the diving operation. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.
• A rectangular red flag, at least 15 x 15 inches, with a white diagonal stripe is used to indicate the presence of a submerged diver in the area. Display of this flag is not required by Oregon law and does not in itself restrict the use of the water; however, boaters should always use caution and slow to “slow, no wake speed” (maximum 5 mph) when operating within 200 feet of a displayed flag.

Scuba divers and snorkelers should not place a flag in an area already occupied by other boaters or in a waterway less than 300 feet wide. Divers also should follow all of the water safety rules themselves.

Illustration	Types of Flags
	Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag, at least 15 x 15 inches, with a white diagonal stripe
	Alfa Flag: A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag)
	Skier-Down Flag: A bright red or brilliant orange flag, at least 12 x 12 inches in size

Skier-Down Flag

Oregon law requires that vessels towing person(s) on water skis or other similar devices carry and use a red or orange skier-down flag whenever the towed person(s) is in the water.

Range Markers

To help boaters navigate within channels, range markers have been erected in many Oregon rivers and bays. These consist of widely separated, brightly painted pairs of markers. They are mounted on skeleton towers or on pilings and may be in the water or on shore. Consult the appropriate navigation chart for locations of range markers. Steering a course that keeps the two range markers lined up vertically while operating in a channel marked by buoys will keep the vessel within the navigable channel.

Range markers come in pairs, one taller than the other. The pair will line up vertically if you are steering through the center of the channel.

VHF Radio

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires some vessels equipped with VHF radios to have a Ship Station License.

• As of 1996, most recreational vessels no longer need a FCC license if operating domestically. “Domestically” means not traveling to foreign ports or transmitting to foreign stations, including Canada.
• Recreational vessels that are still required to carry a FCC Ship Station License include power-driven vessels over 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length and any vessel on an international voyage. For FCC information, call 1-888-225-5322 or go to http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ on the Internet.