Pondering Auto Dive Flags

[Wijbrandus]

I've got the big wheel cover flag on the back of my jeep.

And I could care less about anyone breaking into it, it's top-down 75% of the year anyway so they can see it is empty. If I hit local water, I will only take to the lake what I will be using in the water, and what I leave in the jeep is easily replaced.

Generally speaking, we really don't have a theft problem in Colorado. I've only had a pair of binoculars stolen from my car, and that was a few years ago when I forgot to lock them up in a tourist trap area. I still blame tourists for that.

And since I certified less than a year ago, I don't have a full kit yet. So I'm mostly a warm-water weenie at this point, until I own enough gear to go to local water cheap. Does that mean I shouldn't fly the flag? Not in the least. If nothing else, it gets attention, and might attract more people to this addiction of mine. More business for the local dive shops is a good thing.

 

[gj62]

Alpha flag on my rear window.

Very few people (divers included) that see it even know what it is...

I like that on a car - pretty much indicates my driving abilities too! I would expect any open-water boater to know what that flag means, but not necessarily divers...

 

[Mako Mark]

Alpha flag on my rear window.

Very few people (divers included) that see it even know what it is...

Actually North America and the Carribean is the only place in the world that uses the red and white, rather than the Alpha flag.

I guess the Alpha flag is the metric version.

 

[gj62]

Actually North America and the Carribean is the only place in the world that uses the red and white, rather than the Alpha flag.

I guess the Alpha flag is the metric version.

Umm, they are actually a bit different.

The Alpha flag (International Code Flag A) is required in all cases where a boat is restricted in it's movements, normally by underwater operations - it does not necessarily have to be diver-related. It is intended for boats (not floats).

The Diver flag (red, with white diagonal) can be flown from a boat or surface float, indicating a diver is below. While recognized by statutes in almost all states, it is not mentioned in Inland or International Navigation Rules, but it is widely recognized. Mark, what is flown in Cancun for a shore dive from a float, anything?

Therefor, in US Federal waters, any boat should display the Alpha flag when they have diver's down, essentially saying, "I am a vessel that can not maneuver to comply with the rules of the road." Which is why I find it appropriate for my land vehicle too

 

[starfish365]

I have a DAN dive sticker on my P/U canopy. It either means:

1) I've gone diving and won't be around to see you break into my truck but since the good stuff is with me, go ahead... see if I care.

2) I'm inside the resturant eating and the back of the truck is full of expensive stuff you could fence to by drugs but I'm sitting in a window seat watching so you would be really stupid to try.[/QUOTE

:lol2: very very funny Uncle Pug....maybe that alone should be made into a bumper sticker

 

[Taucher]

I would never tarnish my automobile by placing ANY sticker ANYWHERE no matter what. Sorry, nothing goes on my car but Zaino! But that's just me.

Of course I'm not a "real diver", which as a married father of two is perfectly fine with me. Diving is HOBBY, yes a hobby, that my wife and I can do together, as a couple, which has its benefits. Sure wish I had a nice blue ocean nearby, instead of a cold, dark, stupid ol' quarry.