Types of Diving Flags: What Do They Look Like and What Do They Mean?
In Canada, diving usually takes place during the summer, when the water is warmer and it’s a good time to explore local aquatic wildlife. Unfortunately, this enjoyable pastime can be dangerous, since divers are usually sharing the waterways with plenty of boaters. To minimize the risk of accidents, Transport Canada has implemented regulations requiring the use of diving flags.
Here’s everything you need to know about diver flags so you can stay safe while diving, or while boating near divers who are in the water.
What is a diving flag?
A diving flag an important piece of boating safety equipment to have on board any vessel that is involved in diving activities. These flags help keep divers, spearfishers and freedivers safe while they are in the water.
The purpose of a diving flag is to indicate to other boaters that divers are currently under the water in the area. Pleasure boat operators can adjust their speed accordingly and avoid areas where divers are active, to keep divers safe.
What do diving flags mean?
Like marine buoys and markers, diving flags have specific colours and meanings that all divers and boaters should know before going out on the water.
Alfa/Alpha Flag
According to the International Code of Signals, the Alfa or Alpha flag is used worldwide to indicate that divers are currently underwater. Specifically, this blue and white flag indicates the presence of divers within 100 m of the vessel flying the flag. It also signals that the vessel in question currently has reduced maneuverability.
The Alpha flag signals nearby vessels to avoid the diving area. Boaters who see this flag should keep a safe distance and reduce their speed to avoid disturbing or injuring the divers.
The Alpha flag must be rigid and placed at least 0.5 m up on the mast so that it is easily visible from a distance. Depending on visibility and other factors, it may also be displayed alongside the red diver-down flag.
Diver-Down Flag
The diver-down flag is red with a white diagonal stripe. It is also used to indicate the presence of divers in the water. This flag is displayed on boats at anchor, on buoys in a diving zone, or even to the diver so that it follows them through the water. It is mainly used in North America.
A diver down flag flown from a buoy should be at least 50 cm long. It should be flown high enough above the water so that nearby vessels can see it, even in choppy conditions or high winds. The buoy or boat it is attached to must be stable so that the flag cannot topple over and leave the divers without any indication of their presence.
Other diver flags
Other diver flags can be used during diving operations by NATO and other official bodies. These include the red and white St. Andrew’s Cross, among others. However, it is rare to see these flags used by pleasure boaters in Canada.
When to use diving flags
Diving flags should be used whenever diving activities are taking place, in all types of waterways. These flags indicate the presence of divers to other boaters so that they can keep their distance and avoid accidents.
Learn more about diving flags from the National Boating Safety School
Diving flags are among the most important pieces of boating safety equipment. It’s important to know how to recognize and use them to keep yourself and others safe while diving or driving a boat.
The National Boating Safety School offers a Transport Canada approved boating safety course, which teaches everything you need to know about safe boating rules and regulations in Canada. Prepare for the safe boating exam and pass the test, to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card and go out on the water legally in every province. Register today to learn everything you need to know about marine navigation signals and more!