You should also have an emergency response plan prepared. This should include a first aid kit, oxygen unit, communication devices, and a crew with extensive emergency first aid training. Be sure that your boat has all the equipment necessary to respond to an in-water emergency. No matter how cautious you are, accidents can happen. READING WHITE WATER DRIFT BOATING DRIVERThis can be accomplished by communicating with their captain or driver and looking for bubbles coming from below. Coming in accidental contact with an immobile propeller can still cause serious injury.īefore starting your boat, make sure no divers are near or under your propeller. You’ll want to keep these underwater explorers clear of your propeller at all times, even when it is not in moving. If you are aware of divers submerged closeby, be sure to establish clear communication with their vessel. This might block the view while you’re driving, and is one of the reasons passengers should stay seated any time your boat is in motion. Larger pontoon boats are often loaded with guests moving around. If you’re in a small, open vessel like a jon boat, glare from the sun, and rough weather conditions like high waves and swell, might make it hard to see the waterline. It’s also important to remember that divers on the surface won’t always be highly visible. After all, operator attentiveness is the most effective way to prevent accidents. Even if you don’t see a flag or buoy, you should always be on the lookout for people in the water. Keep in mind that not every dive group will display the diver down flag, even though it’s required by law. And, when in doubt, keep your vessel at least 300 feet from their flag. Boating Safety Around Scuba DiversĪs a responsible boat captain or driver, you should never assume the position of divers underwater. It indicates that other vessels should yield the right of way, and is often flown alongside the diver down flag while there are divers in the water. This is an internationally recognized symbol, used when the mobility of a vessel is restricted. In some parts of the world, divers may also fly the blue and white alpha flag. If displayed from a surface marker buoy, the flag should mounted in an upright position, and be at least 12 inches by 12 inches. To make sure it’s easy to see from a distance, the diver down flag should be at least 20 inches by 24 inches and flown at the vessel’s highest point. And, dive groups should plan to surface within 150 feet (45 meters) of their dive flag. In rivers, inlets, and channels, a shorter distance of 100 feet (30 meters) is suggested. In open water, scuba divers should stay within 300 feet (90 meters) of their dive flag or stationary buoy. But, the chances are good that the diving group isn’t directly below their flag. Today, divers in the US, Canada, and some European countries are required by law to display it while they are submerged. Known as the diver down flag, it’s an important piece of equipment that every scuba group should carry and display. And, it was later made popular by Ted Nixon, of US Divers. This flag was created way back in 1956, by Navy veteran Denzel James Dockery. Want to learn more? Keep reading for all the essential information you’ll need to keep yourself and others out of harm’s way. READING WHITE WATER DRIFT BOATING HOW TOPlus, we’ll make some pro recommendations for how to handle in-water encounters with one specific type of watersports enthusiast. In this article, we’ll explain what that red flag means, and what you should do if you see it. This means that you’ll need to recognize and understand the significance of a variety of signs and flags used to direct boat traffic.Īfter all, safe driving and avoiding underwater hazards are integral parts of boating safety. When it comes to keeping the water safe for everyone, awareness of others is vital. Slow your boat down and leave 300 feet of distance between your boat and the flag. If you spot a red flag with a white diagonal stripe while boating, you are approaching a group of scuba divers. Then, suddenly you spot a red flag with a white diagonal stripe. Imagine yourself cruising along in your powerboat, enjoying a beautiful day on the water.
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