DIVERS FLAG REQUIRMENTS

Federal statute mandates use of the blue and white Alpha Flag for vessels engaged in diving activities in the great lakes and adjacent navigable federal waterways of the United States. (CFR 33.18.USC)

Michigan statute mandates use of the traditional red/white diver’s flag when diving from vessels. (324.80155)

Vessels involved in diving activities in Michigan’s Great Lakes, and adjacent navigable federal waterways within Michigan, are required to display both the federally required blue/white Alpha flag and the traditional red/white diver’s flag.

Vessels engaging in night time diving activities should comply with Federal lighting requirements (red/white/red).

Do not operate a vessel within 200 feet of a buoyed diver's flag unless it is involved in tendering the diving operation. A person diving shall stay within a surface area of 100 feet of the diver's flag.

 

324.80155 Divers; marking point of submergence; distance from diver's flag.

Sec. 80155. Any person diving or submerging in any of the waters of this state with the aid of a diving suit or other mechanical diving device shall place a buoy or boat in the water at or near the point of submergence. The buoy or boat shall bear a red flag not less than 14 inches by 16 inches with a 3-1/2 inch white stripe running from 1 upper corner to a diagonal lower corner. The flag shall be in place only while actual diving operations are in progress. A vessel shall not be operated within 200 feet of a buoyed diver's flag unless it is involved in tendering the diving operation. A person diving shall stay within a surface area of 100 feet of the diver's flag.