Local Diver Flag Requirements

[Skull]

Problem is the American Diver Down (red w/ diag white strip) is not internationally recognized ...however the Blue and White Alpha flag is ...so if you are in Mexican Waters ..bring an Alpha flag ..it will reduce the amount of grease you have to pay the mexican navy when they board your boat for weekend cerveza money...

 

[Walter]

Problem is the American Diver Down (red w/ diag white strip) is not internationally recognized ...however the Blue and White Alpha flag is ...so if you are in Mexican Waters ..bring an Alpha flag ..it will reduce the amount of grease you have to pay the mexican navy when they board your boat for weekend cerveza money...

The Alpha flag is not a "diver down" flag. It is only flown from a vessel to indicate the vessel is limited in it's ability to maneuver because it is conducting underwater operations. Those operations may or may not include having divers in the water. A diver should never tow an Alpha flag as a "diver down" flag. As far as I'm aware the red and white flag designed by Dockery is the only "diver down" flag in existence.

I think its kind of ugly.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like it. Either way, it serves it's purpose.

 

[Thalassamania]

Besides, the Alpha flag must be flown with a code pennant above it, else it just means the letter "A".

 

[Azza]

A diver should never tow an Alpha flag as a "diver down" flag. As far as I'm aware the red and white flag designed by Dockery is the only "diver down" flag in existence

No offence old chap, but you need to travel more. I have never seen Dockery's flag flown in this part of the world. All divers and dive operations over here use the Alpha flag to signify "divers down" or "divers in the water".

 

[Skull]

Well maybe you should inform the USCG since it reconizes the Alpha Flag primarily and to avoid confusion the Red and White flag in some states. However on international waters under international rules of navigation you had better bring your Alpha Flag as a primary insignia at least for now. Some day I'm sure the red and white flag will be recognized on international waters ..just not yet. Then again you can argue your case in mexican court ....better bring some extra grease though ...since you will need a lot to get your boat out of impound. Also better make sure you got a current FCC license for your VHF-FM radio...another hefty fine south of the border.

http://www.uscg.mil/d11/OAN/special/spec6_04.pdf

check out items 10 and 11

 

[Packhorse]

The Alpha flag is not a "diver down" flag.

Well its use extensivly in the ROTW as a diver down flag by its self.

 

[Packhorse]

Some day I'm sure the red and white flag will be recognized on international waters ..just not yet.

Yeah and the imperial system will make a big come back.

 

[shugar]

No offence old chap, but you need to travel more. I have never seen Dockery's flag flown in this part of the world. All divers and dive operations over here use the Alpha flag to signify "divers down" or "divers in the water".

did you know that most non-divers here call the red-white diverdown flag the "padi flag"?

i guess it goes with the agency being the predominant and most visible cert agency in shops, resorts, brochures, etc...

Jag

 

[Gary D.]

And let's not forget the red background with the white cross on it.

Gary D.

 

[Thalassamania]

Use what you want, when you want and perhaps it will keep someone from being runf over. But unless you fly a "code alpha" you have no legal standing, except in some state waters in the U.S.