diving is solely for recreation and the person is not equipped with any breathing apparatus designed to facilitate diving. Diver-down flags hold a crucial role in safeguarding dive operations. Boat captains are responsible for displaying a diver down flag conspicuously. Ensuring that other vessels can easily spot the flag and be aware of divers in the water. Multiple D-rings are attached all around the float, enabling you to attach lines or gear to the float. A long length of orange nylon line is also included. Key Features

This flag, bearing a blue and white color pattern with a distinguishing diagonal white stripe, is an international symbol denoting the presence of divers beneath the water’s surface. When flown alone, this “A” flag or international code flag sends a clear message to nearby watercraft. That there is active diving in the vicinity, and a safe distance should be maintained. Scuba divers must adhere to some rules when using a diver down flag. According to the Diver’s Alert Network ( DAN) divers must stay within 300 feet (90 meters) of the flag in open water, or 100 feet (30 meters) when diving in rivers, inlets or navigation channels. Divers should also aim to ascend within 150 feet (45 meters) of the diver down flag. Scuba diving is a safe activity but it does have some risks. One of the main risks is boat traffic above the diver. If you are below a certain point and deep enough, then boat traffic is not a major concern as they can drive over you. It will be loud, but safe. However, if you are at a shallow depth, or in the process of descending and ascending from a dive, then this is where there is most risk of a boat running over you. This is why it is important to know what does a diver down flag look like, and why there are two types of diver down flags and what they mean. A dive flag and float assembly can also be useful as a reference during the safety stop. Mark the towline at 5 metres (16.5 feet) below the main float and use the mark as a visual reference to maintain a constant depth.

Dive Flag Rules

Today the red and white flag is so strictly associated with scuba diving in North America that it is also used to indicate a place where there are services for divers, for example stores selling or renting diving equipment or scuba service stations. It may be seen on the windows or bumpers of cars belonging to divers. [8] Elongated variant of the Diver down flag As a diver, your safety is in your hands. If you can tow your dive flag along with you, that’s what I would recommend. Otherwise, don’t stray away from your dive flag too much. The Palantic torpedo float comes in a bright-orange color with a position for the red and white flag and other accessories to ensure you’re safe in the water. The good thing with this flag and buoy combination is that it’s very easy to use in terms of setting up and folding it up after you’re done with it. The dive boat must carry a rigid representation of the international code "A" flag not less than 1 metre (39.25") in height if the boat has divers down and cannot maneuver. Measures shall be taken to ensure all-round visibility.

In this article, we will dive into the specifics of the Dive Flag: its importance and how it elevates the safety of diving expeditions. Whether you’re an experienced diver or merely fascinated by the world beneath the water, comprehending the utility and significance of dive flags is crucial to your underwater experience. There are two types of diver down flags that are recognized around the world. The red and white Diver Down Flag is the most highly recognizable scuba diving flag. It is red with a white stripe running across it diagonally. It is used in the water to indicate scuba diving and snorkeling activity close by. When a diver down flag is flown from a boat, it needs to be placed at the highest point on the boat and must be 20 x 24 inches or greater. When a diver down flag is attached to a buoy on the surface of the water, the dive flag should be at least 12 x 12 inches. Dive flags should have some sort of stability rod placed along the flag to keep it stiff. Shore Diving With A Dive Flag It is vital to note that dive flags should not be displayed when divers are out of open water, as this may cause confusion. The dive flag must be removed or stowed away once divers exit the water and are safely on board.This is the diver down flag that is common in the US for telling boaters where divers are approximately located.