Updated at 7:18 a.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Boaters warned to be alert around dive flags
Advertiser Staff
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a news release urging boaters to exercise caution while in the vicinity of dive flags, citing recent incidents where divers were injured as a result of vessels operating to close to divers.Flags identifying dive operations are required by both federal and state law. State law prohibits vessels from operating within 100 yards of the diver down flag.
When diving from a vessel, the International Code flag Alpha (blue and white) shall be displayed at all times during dive operations, while the State of Hawai'i requires the use of the diver down flag (red background with white diagonal stripe) during all dive operations; including diving from vessels, platforms or shore.
Boaters are advised to steer clear of dive operations and to maintain a sharp lookout and safe speed when transiting areas where dive and snorkel operations are common and flags are present. Divers are advised to display dive flags whenever dive operations are in progress and make every effort to surface only within 100 feet of the diver down flag.
For additional information on boating safety, visit the Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety Web site at http://www.uscgboating.org/.
