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

Diver-Down Flags

Persons scuba diving, skin diving, or snorkeling in Rhode Island waters where vessels are used must display a diver-down flag to mark their diving area. Vessels propelled by engines must remain at least 50 feet away from a diver-down flag, unless doing so would prevent safe navigation. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

	Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe (¼ the width of the flag) is used if on Rhode Island waters. If the flag is displayed on the water, it must be at least 12 x 12 inches. If the flag is flown from a vessel, it must be at least 18 x 18 inches.
	Alfa Flag: 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.

Local Regulations

Local waterways may have specific equipment and operational restrictions in addition to those covered in this chapter. Be sure to check for local regulations before you go boating.

Marine Events

You must apply for a permit at least 15 days in advance in order to hold a race, regatta, parade, or tournament involving vessels propelled by engines on Rhode Island waters. Permits for events held on federally controlled waters are granted through the U.S. Coast Guard by applying at least 30 days in advance.

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 an 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 an FCC Ship Station License include power-driven vessels over 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length and any vessel on an international voyage.