Rules for Boaters and Scuba Divers

by Nicole L.

I am a boater and would like to know what the rules are regarding boaters and scuba divers. If there are scuba divers in the water should the divers be marked to let the boaters or water craft know what area they are in? Is there a set rule for this?

Concerned Boater


Hi Nicole,

That's a good question. And one I can appreciate since my husband's surface marker line was once hooked by a passing boat that was fishing. Some scary moments there to say the least.

Unfortunately, there is no set rule regarding divers and boaters. The law is generally done on a state by state basis.

Many (if not most) states do require that a diver fly a flag alerting others that divers are down. If a flag is required, there is usually a limit to how close a boater is allowed to come to the flag.

One law I've seen in several states is that a boater is to stay at least 100 feet away from a dive flag.

In addition, there may also be a rule that requires a diver surface within a certain distance from the dive flag.

That being said, some states (Maine I believe is one) don't require a dive flag to be flown. It varies with each state.

A couple places to start researching are http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Articles/FishDive/DiveRegulations.asp#reg

and

http://www.dive-flag.com/law.html.

For the final word though, I would go to your state website and find the exact law in place.

Hopefully this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Thanks for getting in touch and safe boating.

Dianne

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Information on Scuba Diving.



 Want to stay down longer and improve your buoyancy control and other diving skills? Our free report "Increase Your Bottom Time" along with our practical, weekly actionable tips will have you looking like a seasoned diver in no time. So come join us and see improvement on your very next dive!
(Click on the photo to join us now!)

Click here to subscribe


What's New

  1. 3 Common Scuba Diving Mistakes New Divers Make

    Feb 23, 23 02:18 PM

    3 Common Scuba Diving Mistakes
    In this video, I share 3 common scuba diving mistakes beginner divers make. Learn how to correct these for a better - and safer - dive.

    Read More

  2. Scuba Diving Tipping Etiquette: How Much And When To Tip Scuba Crew

    Feb 06, 23 03:34 PM

    scuba diving tipping etiquette
    Not sure of scuba diving tipping etiquette? In this video I share who to tip, when to tip, how much to tip, tipping on liveaboards, tipping an instructor & more

    Read More

  3. Scuba Diving Tips For First Time

    Jan 29, 23 05:41 PM

    scuba diving tips for first time divers
    These scuba diving tips for first time divers will help improve buoyancy control, air consumption, equalization and boat diving. Improve on your very next dive!

    Read More

  4. 3 Boat Diving Etiquette Tips So You Look Like A Seasoned Diver

    Jan 18, 23 08:13 AM

    Boat diving etiquette tips for beginner scuba divers
    New to boat diving and need some boat diving etiquette tips? Here are some simple tips to help you feel more confident and look like a more experienced diver.

    Read More

  5. Scuba Diving Tips: Lots of Dive Tips And Advice To Improve Your Skills

    Jan 16, 23 04:51 PM

    boarding-dive-boat-bonaire.jpg
    We have lots of scuba diving tips to help improve your skills - air consumption, buoyancy control, ear clearing, dive safety, boat diving, video tips and more.

    Read More