Rules are you need a down diver flag and float with the flag extended. some us the international flag as well. I like the big flag with the 50 foot radius markings. Big enough for boaters to see, since so many don't pay attention. Do you flag your dive area or just wing it.

julie

It's an interesting point, there are a lot of sailors who have no idea what a dive flag looks like, what it means or the rules they need to stick by to protect their underwater pals.

The amount of scuba diving I do ensures I get to only dive frequently marked spots with groups, normally with topside support, so the sites are already marked and known dive locations.

There was an incident recently where boaters were using the diving markers as a playground. Two divers were injured as a result.
They had to post in the newspaper a picture of the flag and what it meant. It was posted by DAN and TWRA
julie

Flagging a dive area is critically important because it can greatly reduce any potential problems you could run into if an emergency occurs.

That sounds really smart, I would use orange flags personally, since they are really easy to see. Any more tips on using flags?

I have used a flag in Grand Cayman - but found it more of a hinderence than a help. Most boats ignore them, especially if they are there all the time.

I use a Delayed SMB, which I send up just before I surface - that way boaters will see it pop up, and are more likley to take heed - and having it stick up 8' in to the air helps for visibility - it is as has been suggested earlier - Bright orange.

Cool, thanks for the tips man. Always good to meet a nice diver.

I agree. I try to use one with a surface float since it has more surface area and is easier to see. When ascending I like to make a few good tugs on the line to alert people that there is something going on, since half the time all a flag does is draw boaters closer.
Here is a pic of my homemade rig. It is a car innertube with a Rubbermaid Action packer Tote in the middle. Inside the tote I have some lashdown points. I used 4 quick release dog collars to secure the tube. The rope makes for a great resting spot. When not in use the flag fits in the tote, and the tube can be deflated and placed inside as well using the rope as a carry handle.
This surface float is great for recovering objects and for suspending a surface support station

Second try at posting image. Last image was too large

Mike wrote:


Depending on what country you are diving in you have to be careful with pulling on this as it can mean diver in distress!

Here its the law. You must fly a diver down flag. If not you will be fined. Offshore we usually fly one off the boat. While diving from the shore we usually tow a float/flag with us. Most boaters know to stay away, its the jet skis and the sailboaters that are the problem here.

Mike wrote:


You having trouble posting images, Mike?

I have been boat diving in Mexico and Brazil and they have never set a dive flag on the boat or in the water.

I have been with other divers who use the light plastic inflatable tube (that you fill from your BCD's release). They claim that they use it mostly so that the dive boat will see them and be able to pick them up quicker. Also it has the benefit of alerting other boats of diver's in the water.

rrrrbrown wrote:


Most of the time, the established dive sites in Brazil / Mexico have buoys / moor lines. Also, I assume if you were boat diving, the boat waited by these and you came up the guide rope? In this case, with a stationary boat and buoy - a dive flag would be overkill.

SMBs (the tubes you are referring to one) are essential pieces of kit for drift diving so you can alert the boat to your position during your safety stop (as they will have to come and get you, no chance of swimming to them if they are up-current).

They are also just useful fallbacks if you are on a normal dive and get seperated from the boat - nothing like a bright red 5 foot sausage to wave about

Here's me playing with my sausage: