In Florida, What Does The State Divers-Down Flag/Device Look Like?

In Florida, What Does The State Divers-Down Flag/Device Look Like? – The Florida Divers-Down flag/device has a particular and recognizable appearance, designed to warn boaters and other water users about divers below the surface. This is what it looks like:

Symbol:

• A red rectangle or square with a white slanting stripe running from the top left corner to the lowest right corner.
• If rectangular, the length cannot be more than 25% longer than the height.
• The width of the white stripe is 25% of the height of the symbol.

Flag:

• The symbol remains displayed on a square or rectangular flag.
• If displayed on a boat, the flag must remain at least 20 inches by 24 inches.
  • The flag must remain displayed at the ship’s highest point 3111“to be visible from all directions.

Buoy:

• The symbol remains on a floating device’s three or four flat sides (other than a ship).
• The buoy must be visible on the water surface.
• It cannot remain displayed on the ship itself.

Here Is An Image Of The Florida Divers-Down Flag For Reference:

In Florida, What Does The State Divers-Down Flag/Device Look Like? DiversDown Florida Flag

Both divers and boaters must be familiar with and follow the rules regarding the Divers-Down flag/device. Divers must display it in a prominent location whenever they are in the water, and boaters must stay at least 300 feet away in open water and 100 feet away in rivers, inlets, or shipping channels.

I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any other questions about the Florida Divers-Down flag/device or anything related to diving in Florida.

State law requires divers or snorkelers to display a dive warning device whenever they are in the water. A diver-down warning device may not remain visible when divers are out of the water.

This warning device may be a diver’s flag, buoy, or similar. These devices are designed and used by divers and dive boats to notify nearby boaters of divers in the water in the immediate area. The device must be prominently displayed when in use. The diver dive warning device must meet these requirements.

If The Diver Warning Device is A Diver Flag, The Flag Must:

• Show the divers-down symbol on each face.
• Have a wire reinforcement or be otherwise constructed to ensure that it remains fully deployed and extended, even when there is no wind or breeze.
• If the diver dive warning device is a buoy, the buoy must:
• Have three or four sides with the diver symbol facing down on each flat.
• Be visible in a prominent place on the water’s surface and not displayed on the boat.
• Boaters should try to stay at least 300 feet away from diver warning devices in open water and, at the smallest, 100 feet away in rivers, inlets, or navigation channels.

Boaters approaching diver warning devices less than 300 feet in open water and 100 feet in rivers, bays, or navigation channels should slow to idle speed.

Divers or snorkelers should not place the cautionary device where it obstructs traffic or creates a hazard to navigation in a river, inlet, or navigation channel. In open water, divers and snorkelers should try to stay within 300 feet of their dive warning device. The distance from the device should be 100 feet on rivers, inlets, or navigation channels.

The Diver-Down Warning Device Must Remain Removed When Divers Or Snorkelers Are Not In The Water.

• Diving flag: red flag with white diagonal stripe
• Diver Down Symbol: The diver down warning device must contain a diver down symbol.
• The symbol remains a red rectangle or square with a white diagonal stripe.

If the symbol is rectangular, the length cannot be less than the height nor more than 25 percent longer than the height.

• The width of the stripe must remain 25% of the height of the symbol.
• If multiple stripes are displayed, they must all face the same direction.
• The size of the diver’s dive symbol depends on whether the diver’s dive warning device remains displayed from the water or a boat.
• In the water, the divers symbol must be 12 x 12 inches minimum.

On a vessel, the symbol must be a minimum size of 20 x 24 inches. The diver warning device should also be placed at the highest point on a boat so that its visibility remains unobstructed in any direction.

Alpha Flag: Blue and White Flag

Alpha Flag: A blue and white International Code A flag (or Alpha flag), at least 3.3 feet (one meter) in height and visible from all directions, must be displayed on vessels navigating waters controlled by the federal government. This flag indicates that the ship is engaged in a diving activity.

How Many Feet From Divers-Down Flag Florida?

The distance you need to maintain from a divers-down flag in Florida depends on the type of water you’re on:

Open water: Boaters and other water users must reasonably try to stay at least 300 feet away from a divers-down flag.

Rivers, inlets, or navigation channels: The minimum distance is 100 feet.

Remember, these are minimum distances, and it’s always best to err on caution and give divers even more space. Their safety is your responsibility!

In Florida, What Does The State Divers-Down Flag/Device Look Like? Additional Things to Keep in Mind:

Slow down: If you approach a divers-down flag closer than the required distance, you must slow down to idle speed.

Look carefully: Not all divers use flags, so scan the water carefully before you operate your vessel.

Be a responsible boater: Respect divers and other water users by following the rules and staying at a safe distance.

By subsequent these simple rules, you can ensure everyone enjoys a safe and pleasant time on the water in Florida.