Is the Scuba Sign Over-rated?

[Nemrod]

Well, since you ask, I think it is over used. I think it looses it's clear meaning when it is plastered everywhere. I would like to see more display of posters and signs at boat ramps and boating classes as to it's actual meaning.

I don't get all patriotic feeling looking at a dive flag. Yeah, it is over used and even campy. That said, the first sticker I put on my boat was a dive flag sticker--oh well.

All in all I don't really care, was just interested in your asking for opinions that were minimal and now you have explained that---it was a curious statement to me--thanks for the explanation.
N

 

[Silver_Diver]

I like the diver down flag, and I think it is an appropriate flag to unite divers under. That being said, I think some divers get a little carried away with knick-knacks and trinkets. The divers that abuse the diver down flag are the ones that buy all sorts of garbage they lash to their BC like a floating junk shop. But it's a well recognized symbol and an easy way to spot new dive stores and dive sites. I don't think it's really gone mainstream yet (knock on wood), but with the advent of recreational diving I can't imagine that it will stay that way. Here's to hoping.

 

[crpntr133]

And how many of us know someone that has the diver down flag on their vehicle and haven't dove in 20 years....I know of at least three.

 

[Rick Inman]

Do the math around these parts, one or more dive flag stickers + one I Luv Cozumel sticker = non-diver.

Most of the jet skiers I see love the dive flags to do donuts around.

I have this IANTD sticker on my truck, figuring that only the right people will know what it is (meaning divers, not crooks).

 

[LowVizWiz]

I'd love to plaster them on the back of my vans but I'm concerned about posting notice that "expensive toys are on board". So if could remain a deep dark secret thing only known to divers and not thieves that would be swell by me.

You assume these two groups are exclusive of each other. No divers are thieves or no thieves are divers.

Now, divers in general are a great bunch of people, but I would not trust every diver I run into.

As far as the thread goes... I personally appreciate dive stores which fly flags that are visible from far away, specially when it's a new store to me and I'm trying to find where they are. I also enjoy talking to other divers so when they have a dive flag plate or sticker on their cars I approach them to talk. However, I can see how this could be a magnet for someone trying to steal.

As far as boaters go, most recreational boaters are clueless of most markers, bouys, signs, no wake zones, sanctuaries, etc. until someone takes the time to show them what it is and what it means, or when they receive a ticket and are told what it means by the law. Unless they take a USCG class.

Whenever I'm on a boat I try to ask people in a sort of trivia game what the different markers are etc... Most people enjoy learning about them, but since they are not required to know them they don't. Heck, most recreational boaters can't navigate without a gps much less know about the alpha flag or a dive flag!

Wys.

 

[kidspot]

You assume these two groups are exclusive of each other. No divers are thieves or no thieves are divers...

reminds me of when I asked my supervisor about break-ins at the resort I work at. "Where do they usually enter the property" her response was "Who says they aren't staying here? Just because a thief goes on vacation, doesn't mean they stop being a thief..."

But I agree with you that as far as people go, divers on the whole are a fairly nice bunch...

Aloha, Tim

 

[JGraves]

I don’t think the scuba diver down flag is commercialized any more than the American flag.

 

[JRScuba]

I took a US Power Squadron Boating Course... and the ONLY one mentioning the Diver Down flag was ME. I was VERY disappointed.

Disappointed, I am shocked. Dive capital of the world and they do not teach or mention what a dive flag is, let alone mention it.

That is why I see sooo many boats heading for the dive flag.

I was out today and my buddy was in the water. Had to cut a boat off that was heading for his flag. They were not to happy that I cut them off.

This is a real trip.

 

[Thalassamania]

I've been diving for the last 50 and I've NEVER had a dive flag, sticker, emblem, etc. on any car. It's just asking for trouble.

 

[JohnW]

Does anyone remember when VanHalen used it(the Dive Flag) on the Cover of there Diver Down Album. I remember the album was not that great, anyone know why or the story behind it's use on the Album?