Does anyone actually use the alpha flag in small, private, pleasure vessals? I have dove from and anchored my "small" vessals for years with no alpha flag with patrols and USCG all about me including Lake Powell. I always thought that in state waters where the law specifies the red diver down flag it sufficed alone. In international waters the alpha was required additionallly.
Well, two things in the above. Each State has it's own laws, and they are not universal across all states. As for Lake Powell, Utah's law is
R651-203-4. Diver’s Flag. it says:
"A square, red flag with a white diagonal stripe from one top corner to the opposite bottom corner should be used to indicate the presence of a diver below. A rigid replica of the International Code “A” flag not less than one meter in height may also be used. The operator of any vessel shall not approach within 150 feet of a posted diver’s flag, unless the vessel is part of the equipment in use by the divers." So, In Utah, the Alpha Flag is not required. I have patrolled on Lake Powell for many years. It has shared Law Enforcement (LE) with the primary Federal LE being National Parks, but other Federal Agencies including USCG have LE authority. In addition, Utah State has LE authority (Utah State Parks, and Utah State Patrol) along with three different County Sheriffs.
The rule I have been told concerns height of the mast above fixed structure, a bimini would not count, the flag does not need to be a meter square--I have been told this by various uniformed individuals and CG Aux as I have asked this very question as an adjunct to the required size of the divers down flag --red flag which in Florida is now I think 18X24 if flown from a boat and 14X 18 if on a towable bouy (note--check those dimensions yourself as I am pulling them off the top of my memory).
The size of the Diver's Flag (the Red and white flag) varies according to State. The Florida law is now different from what you remember. For dive flags, here is a helpful
site. I don't guarantee that the info is up to date, but it does give the code of the law so that will help your search for up to date law. Note that he doesn't always give boat requirements, which could be in addition to those of divers in the water - the generally accepted meaning of the flag.
I have not found a single state that requires the Alpha Flag be flown that specifies a size different than from the Federal Requirements. I have checked several around me, but have not performed an exhaustive search. I think it quite reasonable to believe that the Federal Requirement (whatever it turns out to be) would be sufficient in all states since most states are simply copying the Federal Code. I know for a fact that the USCG and USCG Aux teach 1 meter in height as the size of the flag, not it's position. But then, if the USCG can't even provide an answer without going to their Subject Matter Expert (SME) how could we expect everyone else to know?
A small sub 20 foot vessal has limited room for flying flags and day signals and if privately operated as a pleasure craft I am not sure anybody will bother you as long as your flying at least the red diver down flag which is codified in various state and local laws.
The red diver flag is at least semi-understood, most rednecks would assume that alpha flag was an invitation to a beer party.
Good thread, thank you.
N
My research has revealed that most states and subordinate political subdivisions recognize and many require the use of the dive flag BY DIVERS.
The Nav Rule 27 acknowledges that small vessels can't have all the day shapes displayed, and that is why the Alpha Flag came about. Captndale doesn't need to display it, since he has all the requisite day shapes required by law already displayed. I believe he is displaying it because if you think we have problems with people understanding the red/white divers flag, much less the Alpha Flag, who would begin to understand the day shapes and light (red over white over red) that applies to larger vessels. I agree with him that I'll do whatever to convey my intentions and limitations as long as it isn't prohibited by some law.
The problem comes when we discuss boats who have divers in the water, and are limited in their ability to maneuver. Colorado requires the divers to have within 100 feet the dive flag, (or tow it such that it is) whether they are off a boat or shore diving. If they are off a boat, then the boat to display the Alpha Flag.
I am totally amazed at how this thread has evolved. And that I have only received one PM and one Post regarding my original question. I hope this will be a learning experience to all.
BTW, since I am patrolling and work with Law Enforcement routinely, I though it prudent to fully comply with the laws, where ever I boat. Kind of like setting a good example.