Purpose of a Dive Flag

Dive flags (sometimes called "diver down flags") come in two types. Many state waters, such as rivers and lakes, allow the use of the popular red and white flag, but only the blue and white "alpha" flag should be used when making coastal or open-sea dives.

  1. Considerations

    • Not only is use of a dive flag a good idea for personal safety but it is the law almost everywhere. Local regulations will tell you which flag to fly (maybe both), how close to stay to it and how far boaters must keep away.

    Function

    • A dive flag is to be towed by a diver in the water or flown by a boat that is functioning as a home base for divers below. It warns boaters to stay clear. Unexpected hulls and props in the diver's vicinity can cause injury or death.

    History

    • The dive flag was proposed by Michigan native Ted Nixon in the September 1957 issue of "Skin Diver Magazine." National and international recognition soon followed.

    Identification

    • The bright red and white colors of the dive flag are similar to the solid red color used on a U.S. Navy flag that warns of danger.

    Significance

    • Do boat props present a real danger? Multiple incidents every year would indicate so. An example is dive instructor Matt Isham, who lost his left leg to a boat that ran over him while he was leading an underwater class in Hawaii.