If a diver-down flag is spotted while boating, be careful and do not approach out of curiosity. Maintain a distance of at least 100 feet between the flag and your vessel when boating on inland waters. In bays and open waters, stay at least 300 feet away..
In this regard, how far away must you stay from an Alfa flag?
Vessels not engaged in diving operations should remain at a safe distance away from a displayed flag, preferably at least 200 feet away. Some county ordinances may have specific restrictions. Two types of diver-down flags are available.
Additionally, how far from a diver down flag must a vessel be before operating at greater than idle speed? 50 feet
Just so, what is the minimum distance at which Virginia law prohibits you to operate a vessel from diver down flags?
Failure to obey regulatory water markers. Operating a motorboat or skis in an area designated for swimming. Engaging in snorkeling or scuba diving in waters open to boating without displaying a flag (no boat shall approach closer than 25 yards when flag displayed).
What is the diver down flag that is used on Washington Waters?
Diver-Down Flag A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe may be used to indicate the presence of a submerged diver in the area, but it does not meet the state and federal requirements for display.
Related Question Answers
What happens to my wetsuit when I descend?
Volume and Buoyancy You'll be wearing the amount of weight required to achieve neutral buoyancy at the surface. But as you descend, your wetsuit will compress. This decreases your volume, and results in a loss of buoyancy. To maintain neutral buoyancy, you need to add air to your BCD as you descend.When boating if you see a blue and white International?
A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag), at least 3.3 feet (one meter) high and visible from all directions. This flag must be displayed on vessels on federally controlled waters and indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.What does a blue flag with white stars mean?
The symbolism of the Lone Star is independence and was used often during the 19th Century in the southern United States. Its blue field represented truth upon which was placed a single white star, representing purity.Which flag should a boat engaged in diving operations fly?
The international diving flag (usually blue and white in colour) must be displayed by any vessel engaged in diving. A red and white flag carried on a buoy is used to mark areas where diving is in progress, although divers may stray from the boundaries of the marked areas.What does diver down mean?
A diver down flag, or scuba flag, is a flag used on the water to indicate that there is a diver below. Internationally, the code flag alfa/alpha, which is white and blue, is used to signal that the vessel has a diver down and other vessels should keep well clear at slow speed.What does a thumbs up sign mean in scuba diving?
A thumbs-up sign communicates "up" or "end the dive." The "up" signal is one of the most important signals in scuba diving. Any diver can end the dive at any point for any reason by using the "up" signal.How do you know if your weighted for diving?
If you're properly weighted, you should hover with the water's surface at or slightly above eye level, with your forehead brushing the surface. Demonstrate negative buoyancy by sinking past eye level as you exhale. If you can easily descend when exhaling, fin back to the surface and establish positive buoyancy.What affects water visibility?
Factors affecting visibility include: particles in the water (turbidity), salinity gradients (haloclines), temperature gradients (thermoclines) and dissolved organic matter.What must you do if you meet a boat displaying the blue and white International Code Flag A?
If a diving operation takes place from aboard a pleasure craft, Code flag Alpha or flag A (white and blue) from the International Code of signals which means “I have a diver in the water, keep well clear and at low speed” must be displayed.What is the meaning of the code flag A when flown on a boat?
There are also flags used in nautical racing which signal to the competitors what they are supposed to do. International meanings for nautical flags: A: Alpha – diver down; keep clear. B: Bravo – carrying dangerous cargo. C: Charlie – yes.What should you do if you encounter a fishing boat while out in your vessel?
If you're in a crossing situation with a boat that's trolling lines, slow down, let them pass, speed up and cross ahead of their direction without creating a large wake, or just put the engine in neutral and let them pass, allowing lines being pulled to clear your prop.What accurately describes the two types of diver down flags?
Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity. A rectangular red flag, at least 12 inches x 16 inches, with a two-inch, white diagonal stripe if on state waters. A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) if on federally controlled or international waters.How do you get your boaters license in Virginia?
Virginia Boater Safety Course For a personal watercraft (PWC), the minimum operator age is 14 and operators must complete and pass a boating safety course before they can operate. For a motorboat, there is no minimum operator age and there is no minimum age requirement to attend a NASBLA-approved boating safety course.When can you operate a boat on Washington Waters?
Age and Operator Restrictions Persons under 12 years of age may not operate a power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 hp or more. Persons 12 years of age or older may operate a power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 hp or more if they have a Washington Boater Education Card.When boating you see a blue and white International Code Flag A How far away must you stay?
Vessels not engaged in diving operations should remain at a safe distance away from a displayed flag, preferably at least 200 feet away.How far must a boat be from a diver down flag?
100 feet
Do you need a dive flag for scalloping?
Divers must make reasonable efforts to stay within 300 feet of a divers-down flag on open waters (all waterways other than rivers, inlets or navigation channels) and within 100 feet of a flag within rivers, inlets, or navigation channels.When you see a red flag or buoy with a white diagonal?
SCUBA DIVERS FLAG: This red flag with a white diagonal stripe means that dive operations are underway. No vessel may operate within 100 feet.What do the red and green markers indicate?
Red and Green buoys and lights indicate primary channels. If the green horizontal band is on top, the primary channel is the right (starboard). If the red band is on the top, the primary channel is to the left (port) side. This marker indicates the primary channel is on the starboard. 
