Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants to make sure that 2012 is a safe year for both divers and snorkelers. Divers, remember to properly display a dive flag; boaters, steer clear of divers.
- While on the water, divers and boaters need to remember the following rules regarding dive flags:
- Divers-down flags displayed on vessels must be at least 20 inches by 24 inches, and a stiffener is required to keep the flag unfurled. Dive flags carried on floats must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches. Also, divers-down flags on vessels must be displayed above the vessel’s highest point so that the flag’s visibility is not obstructed in any direction.
- Divers must make reasonable efforts to stay within 300 feet of a divers-down flag on open waters and within 100 feet of a flag within rivers, inlets or navigation channels.
- Vessel operators must make a reasonable effort to maintain a distance of at least 300 feet from divers-down flags on open waters and at least 100 feet from flags on rivers, inlets or navigation channels. Vessels approaching divers-down flags closer than 300 feet in open water and 100 feet in rivers, inlets and navigation channels must slow to idle speed.
When divers are out of the water, a dive flag must not be displayed. For more information on boating regulations, visit www.MyFWC.com/Boating and click on “Boating Regulations.”
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