BE AWARE
and SHARE... The Water
SCUBA Awareness Program
There are lives lost to accidents each year..Please care and stay clear.
Divers could be just below the surface and a boater would not see them; the flag is the only way a boater would know a diver is below.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!!!
Divers come in all ages and sizes.. BE AWARE and SHARE… THE WATER!
SCUBA Awareness Program
Divers in the Water…
Please be Aware and Share.
BE AWARE and SHARE!!!
Divers Flag
A rectangular red flag, at least 15 x 15 inches, with a white diagonal stripe is used on state waters of South Carolina.
Alfa Flag
A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) is required on federally controlled waters
Diver-Down Flags
Scuba divers or snorkelers should display a diver-down flag to mark their diving area.
Vessels must remain at least 50 feet away from the flag. If they have to approach the diving area, operators must have permission from the person who placed the flag or the boat displaying the flag.
The Red & White Diver Down Flag and the Blue & White “Alpha” Flag that is flown in Federal and International WatersSC CODE OF LAWS
Title 50—Fish , Game & Watercraft
CHAPTER 21.
EQUIPMENT AND OPERATION OF WATERCRAFT
SECTION 50-21-87. Operation of vessel prohibited within fifty-feet of vessel displaying diver down flag; diving prohibited within fifty-feet of vessel whose occupant is fishing.
A person may not operate a vessel within fifty-feet of another vessel when a diver down flag (red with a diagonal white stripe) to mark the location of the diver. When the flag is being displayed in a water body too narrow to allow passage of another vessel within fifty-feet, a vessel operator may proceed only past the displayed flag at a no wake speed and allowing as much clearance between his vessel and the displayed flag as is safe and practical.
A person may not engage in diving activities within fifty-feet of a vessel whose occupant is fishing.
A person does not violate this section if he fishes or displays a dive flag in an area before another person subsequently engages in diving activities or operates a vessel within fifty-feet of a displayed dive flag.
A boater cannot approach a diver down flag without permission from the boat operator or the person that posted the flag.
SC Law requires you stay at least 50 feet away from a dive flag. It is recommended that you slow to a “no wake” speed within 100 feet.