Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

[Lino]

I'm a diver, and as most divers they know what a dive flag is, and this is what I posted on another forum, but do boat owners know what a dive flag is and what to do?
I admit many time I dive without a flag! this is a problem mostly on a beach I dive for halibut, it's not easy having a flag when your Freediving.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

I'm a diver, and as most divers they know what a dive flag is, and this is what I posted on another forum, but do boat owners know what a dive flag is and what to do?
I admit many time I dive without a flag! this is a problem mostly on a beach I dive for halibut, it's not easy having a flag when your Freediving.

Hi there Lino, Thank you for being a long term forum member, we truly appreciate it!

Please be aware that as this thread cautiously continues onwards here on iboats, just know that this forum is full of very knowledgeable members that will know what a dive flag is and means and what to do around them. You will hear from most of them I'm sure. Please know that the way the question seems to be asked, it may be perceived as a call-out type thread to some members which could lead into potential bashing which in turn is not permitted in any way shape or form here on iboats.

As you may know this forum is heavily moderated both by members and iboats staff. So please be aware upfront that if this thread turns into any negativity, it will have to be closed or removed.

And for the experienced members in this field, please try to keep this thread as an educational learning experience for those lurking about that may not know all there is to know of this subject including what a dive flag actually looks like.

Thank you everyone!

 

[Lake Lizzard]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

I would imagine that awareness of the flag itself varies by boater and experience level. I would imagine that those who know the local and state laws about how far to stay away from dive flags is much less.

Either way, I always stay way clear of boats with dive flags or floats with flags and appreciate knowing that someone is under the water in the area. I would hate to see a diver pop up in front of me while at speed! Safe diving and enjoy your halibut dinner!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

I do, and we have a number of divers here who dive along the bridge and tunnel islands for fish, which is where there is heavy boat traffic. They tend to range far from their boats, so it's really up to them to be careful when surfacing.

We also have lots of commercial divers with all the shipping, Navy, etc. The latter are affected by boat wakes due to all the gear they use; free divers not so much. Often there's a guy on the VHF asking the big boats to slow down, even when 1/2 mile away.

The higher the volume of recreational boaters, the greater the number who don't know the rules--like the one who don't know passing port to port. Smart divers operate on the assumption that no one sees or understands the flag.

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

i've only seen a few, not a lot of diving around here but I remember the first time I saw one I just recall that it was a marker that looked way different than anything else I had seen so I stayed clear. Then the divers came up and it all made sense. Isnt the clearance like 100 yards or something?

 

[ziggy]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

in nebraska, the rule about diver flags appears in the boating guide handbook.
so if ya can read the handbook, you'll know what to do about diver flags.
yes, i have seen the diver flag on the water (see them every year) and avoid them with at least the min. distance required.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

Many years ago we had a Diving section in the forum but it was not used so we closed it.

Good point to bring up the Flag topic....... it serves as a friendly reminder about boating safety

 

[mrdancer]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

I am far inland, so most boaters around here don't seem to know a lot about boating etiquette and rules. If you do the proper horn blasts, etc., neighboring boaters will most likely flip you off as they think you are being offensive. :lol:

With that being said, I know about the diver's flag. I got certified in SCUBA, but haven't been diving for 20 years. I doubt many around here would know the flag as we don't get many divers around here. I do know that in areas where diving takes place regularly, the local boaters seem to be very aware and knowledgeable. There are a few boaters who don't like it because it restricts an area that they can't go, even if they weren't going to go there anyway - they don't like their options limited.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

TN regs:

Boats must not operate within 50 feet of a diver's- down flag and a slow, no-wake idle speed restriction is automatically imposed within 200 feet of the flag.

But I was actually surprised at a few tidbits here in TN - (insert Cliff Clavin, "Little known fact, there ...") -

A diver is any person who is in the water and equipped with a face mask, snorkel or underwater breathing apparatus.

I didn't realize a snorkeler is defined as a diver.

All divers ... must surface within 50 feet of the flag.

I guess I never realized the responsibility is on the diver to surface close to the flag. Makes complete sense to me, but I didn't realize it was written into the code.

 

[HaleSeezer]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

I'm still very new to boating since i got my first boat august of last year. I have read the rule books and looked through the regulations but sometimes things like this slip through! I really appreciate the friendly reminders. the only lake/river I boat in doesn't have any diving since it's pretty murky and not very deep at all but if I ever saw any kind of marker or obstacle in the water I'd definitely do my best to exercise caution especially if there might be someone in the water. Every little bit of info and reminder helps!

Edit: obviously if someone was in the water in need of assistance I'd stop and help but otherwise I try to give them as much room as possible. There are a few areas where people jump out and swim over there!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

I know my local state regs, and know what a dive flag is. However, I have yet to see one being used on any of the Oklahoma lakes I frequent. Most are just a bit too murky to make diving for recreation much of an adventure, unless you like only being able to see about 2-3' in front of your face in green-hued water, lol.

 

[GHBAY]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

If divers were serious about the flag and the imagery, they shouldnt have just stolen it from Van Halen like that.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

I know what it means if I saw one, however unless they are flying a big one I would be unlikely to notice since they are not common. That being said, I assume that divers are normally near an anchored boat - so we would be giving them a wide berth anyways.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

The only divers I have ever seen have been search and rescue, which also happen to dive off boats that have lit up beacons and generally just look like law enforcement boats. If you are closer to 50 feet to those guys when they are parked you probably shouldn't be there anyway!

 

[agallant80]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

I think the point of the dive flag is to let people know that there is a diver in the water. Therefor you should get as close as you can to see if you can see the diver then gun it out of there as fast as you can that way they know there is 14 inches of spinning prop death above them. Its pretty simple, I don't know why more people don't get this right. Make sure you have a Stainless Steel prop too. The Aluminium ones will break of you hit a diver.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

Wish I was young and healthy enough to still dive. For now it's safer for me to stay above water! Was certified in 1972, PADI, MAUI and YMCA.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

Most don't know what to do if they see one even if they know what it is. If the shoreest distance from where they are to where they want to go is accross your path many, but not all take the quickest route. No intentional harm ment the way I look at it, there brains are just not working. Same as boaters which come off plane when they get close to other boats and plow water, would be better if they stayed on plane, but at least they did think some about it.

I try to come up right at my flag, boat or rock ledge. Inland lake diving isn't much fun and very little to see, still like to go back to the ocean but don't do it very often

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

Here is a little info from the divers perspective.

We can hear a boat on plane coming for about a minute away, so we can hear you at least a 1/4 mile away.
The propeller sounds like a Hiss, or more like a Hizzzzzz.
If the water is clear enough, the diver can see the boat pass by.

If you see a diver or any person floating in open water and feel the need to rescue them;
Before you approach too closely, remember the hand signals.
A person waving their hands over their heads, like to say Hello, can be assumed to be in need of help.
The only hand signals that mean "I am OK" is both hands placed above the head with the fingertips touching.
Or, one hand touching the crown of the head with the fingers. No one in a panic will do this naturally.



Before approaching the swimmer; GIVE THEM the OK signal as a question,
If they do not return the signal, assume they are confused and in need of help.
If they return the signal, keep your distance.

I prefer diving in the Caribbean where dive flags are commonly not used because of the dive profile.
The dive flag buoy only has 100 feet of line attached and we routinely dive more than 100 feet down.
Boat traffic is very light in the area, it is unusual for any boat to pass over us.
The end of the dive is a bottom swim toward the beach with the bottom coming up gradually until with only 5 feet of water, we just stand up and walk the last 50 feet to shore.

On Lake Erie I dive with a flag and routinely see jet skis pull up to the flag to check them out.
Once they get close enough to read the "Diver Below" Printing and notice that the flag is moving and bubble are coming up, they figure it out and depart the area.



At least now they are educated for the next time.

 

[Lino]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

Hi there Lino, Thank you for being a long term forum member, we truly appreciate it!

Please be aware that as this thread cautiously continues onwards here on iboats, just know that this forum is full of very knowledgeable members that will know what a dive flag is and means and what to do around them. You will hear from most of them I'm sure. Please know that the way the question seems to be asked, it may be perceived as a call-out type thread to some members which could lead into potential bashing which in turn is not permitted in any way shape or form here on iboats.

As you may know this forum is heavily moderated both by members and iboats staff. So please be aware upfront that if this thread turns into any negativity, it will have to be closed or removed.

And for the experienced members in this field, please try to keep this thread as an educational learning experience for those lurking about that may not know all there is to know of this subject including what a dive flag actually looks like.

Thank you everyone!

I have not figured out how to multi quote on this forum, so if someone can help please let me know.
I started this thread to help those that don't know what a dive flag is, to learn what it is, not to start a battle.

 

[Lino]

Re: Do you know what a dive flag is, and what it means

TN regs:


But I was actually surprised at a few tidbits here in TN - (insert Cliff Clavin, "Little known fact, there ...") -


I didn't realize a snorkeler is defined as a diver.


I guess I never realized the responsibility is on the diver to surface close to the flag. Makes complete sense to me, but I didn't realize it was written into the code.

I'm not the best snorkeler, but I can dive breath hold beyond 50 foot, so us snorkeler do call it diving.