Lauderdale by the Sea

[seeker242]

Won't be diving in Broward county. I dive for freedom, not to be shackled to a harassment target/entanglement hazzard.

The dive flag law is a state law so it applies to every county in FL.

 

[Kharon]

The dive flag law is a state law so it applies to every county in FL.

The way it's interpreted/applied is different. Having a flag on a boat and being set free is vastly different than having to tow a flag when diving from a boat. Never had to deal with a flag in the keys. Don't know about boats elsewhere. Broward is absolutely off my list.

 

[noj3333]

The dive flag law is a state law so it applies to every county in FL.

Just to be 100% correct... when diving off a commercial dive charter in Broward County, each group of divers actually tow their own flag? I understand the state law, and everyone should follow the law, but is that the actual process?

 

[kelemvor]

Here's the deal. A flag is required.

Boat Diving: The boat can have the flag in your stead. If you're drift diving from a boat, you'll want/need one yourself so that your boat can find you when you surface. If it's a regular dive (KL isn't a place for drift diving) then the flag that the boat has will suffice. Technically you're supposed to stay within 300' of the boat, but it's not like the scuba police are following you around to say... YOU WERE 301 feet away from your boat, FINE! I don't think most boat operations even mention the flag in KL because it's just something they handle for you.

Shore Diving: You're supposed to have a flag yourself. However, technically if there is another group of divers in the water and you're within 300' of them then you're covered.

The rule about a flag not being displayed when nobody is in the pool means we can't just attach permanent flags to reef marker buoys.

Florida Boating Regulations

The following regulations apply whenever someone is wholly or partially submerged and is using a face mask and snorkel or underwater breathing apparatus. A divers-down warning device may be a divers-down flag, buoy, or other similar warning device. These devices are designed for, and used by, divers and dive vessels as a way to notify nearby boaters that divers are in the water in the immediate area. The device must be displayed prominently when in use. The divers-down warning device must meet the following requirements.

• The divers-down warning device must contain a divers-down symbol. The symbol is a red rectangle or square with a white diagonal stripe. If the symbol is a rectangle, the length may not be less than the height or more than 25% longer than the height. The width of the stripe must be 25% of the height of the symbol. If multiple stripes are displayed, all of the stripes must be oriented in the same direction.
• The size of the divers-down symbol depends on whether the divers-down warning device is displayed from the water or from a vessel. On the water, the divers-down symbol must be at least 12 x 12 inches in size. On a vessel, the symbol must be at least 20 x 24 inches in size.
• When displayed on a boat, the divers-down warning device also must be displayed at the highest point of the vessel so that its visibility is not obstructed in any direction.
• If the divers-down warning device is a flag, the divers-down symbol must be on each face and have a wire stiffener or be otherwise constructed to ensure it remains fully unfurled and extended, even when there is no wind or breeze.
• If the divers-down symbol is a buoy, the buoy must have three or four sides with the divers-down symbol displayed on each of the flat sides. The buoy must be prominently visible on the water’s surface and can’t displayed on the vessel.
• Boaters must make reasonable efforts to stay at least 300 feet away from divers-down warning devices in open water and at least 100 feet away in rivers, inlets, or navigation channels. Boaters approaching divers-down warning devices closer than 300 feet in open water and 100 feet in rivers, inlets, or navigation channels must slow down to idle speed.
• Divers-must make a reasonable effort to stay within 100 feet of a divers-down flag or a buoy within rivers, inlets, or navigation channels and within 300 feet on open water.
• A divers-down warning device may not be displayed when divers are out of the water.

Notice "reasonable effort" in the wording. They're not out to crucify divers, they just want to make sure some attempt to have a flag was made. If you're diving from a commercial dive boat operation the captain will have you covered like a jimmy hat.

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

Murky is in the eye of the beholder. Was down in Key Largo once and folks were complaining about the viz. Did some dives. It was a good 30 ft. I am delighted when I get that inshore in NC. I know folks that it is murky if less than 60.

Yup. I'd be as happy as a fat kid in a cupcake factory if I had 30' visibility.

 

[kelemvor]

Yup. I'd be as happy as a fat kid in a cupcake factory if I had 30' visibility.

When I go to KL, I'd call 30' BAD as well. It's often a lot better.
On the other hand, when I go to Venice beach, I'd call 10' vis excellent as it's usually closer to 3'.

I think it's a matter of what the normal expectations for an area are.

 

[seeker242]

Just to be 100% correct... when diving off a commercial dive charter in Broward County, each group of divers actually tow their own flag? I understand the state law, and everyone should follow the law, but is that the actual process?

Yes, it's the actual process on every boat in south Florida for actual drift diving. Miami-dade, Browad, Palm beach counties, doesn't really matter. It's the same everywhere. The flag is how the captain knows where all the groups are. Key Largo shallow reef dives, where you basically dive under the boat the whole time, that's not really a drift dive.

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

When I go to KL, I'd call 30' BAD as well. It's often a lot better.
On the other hand, when I go to Venice beach, I'd call 10' vis excellent as it's usually closer to 3'.

I think it's a matter of what the normal expectations for an area are.

That's what I've heard. When I talk about this with my brother (only been diving in the Keys and Hawaii)...he's said that my mind will be blown by the visibility down there.

Yup. For sure.

 

[kelemvor]

Another point I forgot to note. Many operations routinely put a DM in the water with each group. If there is a DM with you, and a flag is needed, the DM will almost always carry the flag for you.

 

[Ghetto Diver]

Won't be diving in Broward county. I dive for freedom, not to be shackled to a harassment target/entanglement hazzard.

You shoot a dmsb at all?

Your choice, but you are ruling out a lot of good diving.