Shaka Doug
Contributor
Al Mialkovsky:
As far as dive flags go, they really should be towed. Unless you want to tie it off on something and stay within a 150' radius of the flag (which really isn't always practical).
Towing the dive flag has several benefits:
1: It marks the location of divers underwater so that boats can avoid running over you (this doesn't work when you tie off then swim out another twenty minutes like most of the divers actually do around here).
2: It helps a lost diver find his group quickly and easily. If you tie the flag off, then get separated, how do you know where to look for someone? It can be quite innappropriate to swim a long distance on the surface back to the flag if the divers are actually nowhere near it.
3: Towing the flag keeps you within the safety zone that the flag affords you and keeps you in compliance with state regulations. It's hard to determine which direction a boat is coming from when you're underwater. I cringe every time I hear one getting loud above me. Even with my flag in tow, there are times when boats simply disregard it and buzz right by. I never want any one of my divers to get hit by a boat, I want to make sure my flag is there. I'm doing my best to protect my guests safety. It's a really small price to pay and it's good excercise for the legs, yeah?
I was approached by a local ranger several months ago when I took out some snorkelers for a tour. He asked me where my flag was. I told him I was snorkeling, not SCUBA diving. He asked if I went under the water. I said "I did, but my clients spent 99% of the time at the surface." He instructed me to take the flag anytime anyone goes below the surface.
It's a small hassle towing the thing around but not nearly as annoying as a blood gushing head wound. I know of two people who dove without flags and got hit by speed boats (two separate occasions in the US Virgin Islands back in the 90's). I saw the end results and neither were pretty. Both divers suffered a very painful and horrifying death as a result. They were diving on their own, just "playing around" in shallow water. I personally know the DM's who responded to these accidents. They are forever changed people. If these divers had taken flags with them and they would probably still be diving today.
I always take my flag no matter what. Even with it, I have had a few close calls with boats. CYA is a good rule to follow. It's easier to prevent an accident than to take care of the mess after one.
that said, you can do several shore dives per day from the Kaanapali area - there are probably 15 popular/nice shore dive spots within a 20 min. drive of Kaanapali Between Honolua (North) and the Pali area (South)
