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Rhode Island

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater Fishing

Rhode Island › Fishing › Saltwater Fishing › Dive Flag Awareness

Dive Flag Awareness

SCUBA, skin-diving and snorkeling are all common activities in Rhode Island waters. When participating in any of these activities participants must display a flag warning boaters of their presence under water. Divers and boaters are required to follow the regulations below to ensure a safe and fun time above and below the water.

  • Boaters must maintain a safe distance of 50 feet from a dive flag, unless the dive flag is in a place that obstructs navigation.
  • A warning flag shall be placed on a buoy at a place of the diver’s submergence. The flag shall be red in color and at least twelve by twelve inches (12" x 12") with a white stripe running from the diagonal corners and the stripe one quarter (1/4) as wide as the flag.
  • If not placed on a buoy, a warning flag shall be conspicuously flown upon a vessel which the diver is then using in the area. This flag shall meet the description above, however, it shall be at least eighteen by eighteen inches (18"x 18").
  • The flag must only be flown during diving activity and should be taken down during transit.
  • No person shall use a dive flag in an area that obstructs navigation.
  • Divers should ascend slowly and cautiously, ensuring that they are within the 50 foot safety zone around the flag.

Small white dive boat named "GNARWHAL" floating on the ocean with a red and white diver down flag and an Evinrude motor.
The GNARWHAL dive boat displays a diver down flag while anchored offshore, reminding boaters to steer clear and prioritize diver safety in Rhode Island waters. Photo courtesy of Chris Parkins.


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