Thank you for the information, it will all be useful to me if not to you.
Now, why dive in Colorado, is there anything in a lake in Colorado other than cold water than can not be seen on the banks surrounding the lake?
Lake Powell, which is not in Colorado, not much there either, been there and done that other than an underwater land slide.
According to you guys many states are misinterpreting the signals as they were originally intended to be used since clearly the alpha flag is for use by attached/surface supplied and diving bell/suit divers of which scuba would not be included. I would assume the codes they are copying into law would still mean "attached."
Here is another resource. Where new information exists you can copy it to the site.
Dive Flag Law
Most states that I have operated in, Louisiana, California, Florida, Alabama, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas and Missouri, Texas and Ohio and with the exception of Ohio don't need an Alpha flag. Ohio seems to require one for a vessal over 12 meters length. That would be well beyond the size of my small vessals so I guess we are free and clear there as well.
Ohio Dive Flag Laws
Here are some relevant sections of the Ohio Revised Code that reference Ohio dive flag usage laws:
1547.08 Operation in certain areas prohibited; no wake or idle speed areas; marking by buoys or signs.
(D) No person shall operate a vessel within three hundred feet of an official diver's flag unless the person is tendering the diving operation.
1547.01 Definitions.
(1) "Vessel" includes every description of watercraft, including nondisplacement craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
(22) "Diver's flag" means a red flag not less than one foot square having a diagonal white stripe extending from the masthead to the opposite lower corner that when displayed indicates that divers are in the water.
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From Ohio Administrative Code, Division of Watercraft. Highlighted passages indicate that an Alpha flag should be used on most boat diving operations in public waters. It would appear that the "code A" (Apha) flag is required regardless of the size of the watercraft.
1501:47 Division of Watercraft
1501:47-2-27 Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver.
(A) A vessel not under command shall exhibit:
(1) Two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen.
(2) Two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen.
(3) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.
(B) A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, except a vessel engaged in minesweeping operations, shall exhibit:
(1) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white.
(2) Three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond.
(3) When making way through the water, masthead lights, sidelights and a sternlight, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (B)(1) of this rule.
(4) When at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraphs (B)(1) and (B)(2) of this rule, the light, lights or shapes prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-30 of the Administrative Code.
(C) A vessel engaged in a towing operation which severely restricts the towing vessel and its tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraphs (B)(1) and (B)(2) of this rule, exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-24 of the Administrative Code.
(D) A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations, when restricted in its ability to maneuver, shall exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in paragraphs (B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3) of this rule and shall in addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:
(1) Two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical line to indicate the side on which the obstruction exists.
(2) Two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a vertical line to indicate the side on which another vessel may pass.
(3) When at anchor, the lights or shape prescribed by this rule, instead of the lights or shapes prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-30 of the Administrative Code for anchored vessels.
(E) Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to exhibit all lights and shapes prescribed in paragraph (D) of this rule, the following shall instead be exhibited:
(1) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen; the highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white.
(2) A rigid replica of the International Code flag "A" not less than one meter in height; measures shall be taken to insure its all-round visibility.
(F) A vessel engaged in minesweeping operations shall, in addition to the lights prescribed for a power-driven in rule 1501:47-2-23 of the Administrative Code, exhibit three all-round green lights or three balls. One of these lights or shapes shall be exhibited near the foremast head and one at each end of the fore yard. These lights or shapes indicate that it is dangerous for another vessel to approach closer than one thousand meters astern or five hundred meters on either side of the minesweeper.
(G) A vessel of less than twelve meters in length, except when engaged in diving operations, is not required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this rule.
(H) The signals prescribed in this rule are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring assistance. Such signals are contained in annex IV of the "I.N.R.A."
No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.
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Ohio seems to contradict itself adding to the confusion.
Now, that the OP has located a suitable flag of 1 meter size, upon what would you display it, the VHF?
Halemano, if I ever manage to get to Hawaii in my 19 footer (which is less than 12 meters waterline) then an alpha flag will not be my worry.
I am so glad the government is here to protect us.
N