Georgia dive flag laws?

[smokn']

I googled around and couldn't find any anywhere. Anyone have some info on what the GA law says?

 

[mike_s]

Diver-Down Flag - Georgia Boating License Laws and Safety Guide

Diver-Down Flags

* Scuba divers or snorkelers must display a diver-down flag that marks the diving area.
* Vessels must remain at least 100 feet away from the person in the water.
* Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

Rectangular red flag with white diagonal stripe
Blue and white vertically striped flag​

Divers Flag

A rectangular red flag, at least 15" x 15", with a white diagonal stripe is required on state waters.


Alfa Flag

A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) is required on vessels on federally controlled waters.

 

[smokn']

Question answered, thanx mike_s!

 

[diveprof]

You will definitely want a flag diving in Clarks Hill Lake or the River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer folk do hand out tickets. I know of two folks who forgot their flag and decided to do the dive anyway. Their ticket was $150.

 

[smokn']

You will definitely want a flag diving in Clarks Hill Lake or the River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer folk do hand out tickets. I know of two folks who forgot their flag and decided to do the dive anyway. Their ticket was $150.

Wow, duly noted! I planned on it, I just wanted to make sure the specifics. When you guys drift the river do you just have one flag per group?

 

[diveprof]

Wow, duly noted! I planned on it, I just wanted to make sure the specifics. When you guys drift the river do you just have one flag per group?

It depends on several factors. When the vis is good 4 divers can usually dive together in a group. Lower vis - each buddy team needs one. Vis has been very good and we have been diving easily in groups of 4. Other factors that impact the need for more than just one flag:
1. If you have divers wearing different amounts of exposure protection you may want to have more than 1 flag so that those who "chill" early can safely travel back to the ramp while the rest finish their dive.
2. You may want more than one flag if you are diving with folks whose SAC rates are significantly different or who have tanks of different capacities (eg. !L 80 and Steel 120s)

Oh, if you do not have a flag yet - I would recommend the type of flag with the small "ball" type of flotation rather than the big innertube type floats. The innertube types create more drag and you will find them tiring covering much distance at the lake.

 

[smokn']

It depends on several factors. When the vis is good 4 divers can usually dive together in a group. Lower vis - each buddy team needs one. Vis has been very good and we have been diving easily in groups of 4. Other factors that impact the need for more than just one flag:
1. If you have divers wearing different amounts of exposure protection you may want to have more than 1 flag so that those who "chill" early can safely travel back to the ramp while the rest finish their dive.
2. You may want more than one flag if you are diving with folks whose SAC rates are significantly different or who have tanks of different capacities (eg. !L 80 and Steel 120s)

Oh, if you do not have a flag yet - I would recommend the type of flag with the small "ball" type of flotation rather than the big innertube type floats. The innertube types create more drag and you will find them tiring covering much distance at the lake.

Thanx, does neptune have these?

 

[Lee Taylor]

There are many very important reasons for flying a dive flag. I am not going to try to list them here.

I just wanted to share an experience we had a few years ago.

The flag does not guarantee that you, the diver, will not be hit by a boat. That is exactly what happened, here, few years ago. We had a diver hit by a boat. The injuries resulted in his death. They WERE flying a dive flag.

If they had NOT been flying a dive flag I am sure the responsible party and resulting legal damages would have been considerably different.

I was not diving that day but it really drove home to me personally how very important it is to fly your dive flag.

 

[diveprof]

Thanx, does neptune have these?

Yes. Here is what it looks like. I believe Ron's price is the same as LP.
Aqua 14" X 16" Flag With Base & Float (DF33)
Use of a reel with the flag is the way to go.

 

[smokn']

Lee, chilling and powerful story.

diveprof, thanx! I'll pick one up tomorrow!