It's the Law: On the Water

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.
• A red divers flag must meet these requirements.
  • If the flag is displayed on the water, it must be at least 12 inches x 12 inches.
  • If the flag is flown from a vessel, it must be at least 18 inches x 18 inches.
  • The flag must be in place only while diving operations are in progress.
  • If diving between sunset and sunrise, the flag must be illuminated.
• Diving areas must be chosen in a location that will not impede the normal flow of waterway traffic.

Illustrations	Types of Flags
	Divers Flag A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe (1/4 the width of the flag) is required on state waters by Rhode Island law.
	Alfa Flag A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) is required on federally controlled and international waters.