It's the Law: On the Water

Diving Activities

Diver-Down Flag

Persons participating in scuba diving, skin diving, snorkeling, or underwater spearfishing must display a diver-down flag unless they are within 150 feet of shore.

• A diver must stay within 50 feet of the flag on federal waters. Except in the case of an emergency, a diver may not surface more than 50 feet from the flag on any waters. It is unlawful to display a diver-down flag when not diving.
• Vessels not engaged in diving operations must stay at least 100 feet away from any displayed diver-down flag.
• Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

Divers Flag A rectangular red flag, at least 12 x 15 inches with a three-inch white diagonal stripe, mounted on a float or buoy to be clearly visible	Alfa Flag A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag), usually flown from a vessel and used on federally controlled waters

Diving Around Wisconsin’s Historic Shipwrecks

The Wisconsin Historical Society has published information about many historic shipwreck sites in Wisconsin waters, some of which are marked by seasonal mooring buoys. Damaging or removing material from a wreck site not only diminishes the enjoyment for future visitors but also is a crime that can result in fines, imprisonment, and the loss of a diver’s gear, boat, trailer, and vehicle.

Boat Battery

It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel equipped with a storage battery unless the battery is secured against shifting. The battery must be equipped with nonconductive terminal shields to prevent accidental shorting. Both the positive and negative terminals must be covered. A covered battery box with a strap is best.