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

Diver-Down Flag

State law requires that scuba divers and snorkelers display a diver-down flag to mark the diving area. Vessel operators must not operate within 50 feet of a displayed diver-down flag and must reduce speed to idle speed when within 200 feet of the flag. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity. The "diver-down" flags are:

	Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag (at least 20 x 24 inches when flown from a vessel) with a white diagonal stripe is used to mark the diving area and also must be displayed on vessels on state waters.
	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 state or federally controlled waters. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.

Scuba divers or snorkelers should not place a flag where it will obstruct traffic or create a hazard to navigation on a river, inlet, or navigation channel. Divers and snorkelers must stay within 50 feet of their diver-down flag. After dusk, the flag must be illuminated so that it can be seen at a distance of 300 feet or more. Any vessel used in the diving operation must display from its mast both a divers flag and an Alfa flag visible from all directions. After dusk, these flags must be illuminated so that they can be seen at a distance of 300 feet or more.

Marine Permits

Permits from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) are required for tournaments, regattas, races, parades, and exhibitions that may restrict waterway navigation or require additional patrol by wildlife officers. The free permit may be requested by applying to TWRA at least 30 days before the event.

TWRA Access Areas

Additional restrictions apply in TWRA Access Areas.

• Disorderly conduct and use of intoxicants or other behavior-modifying substances are prohibited.
• The use of firearms is prohibited except during regular hunting season. Target shooting is prohibited at all times.
• Swimming from or near boat ramps or in a way that interferes with the launching or removal of vessels is prohibited.