Scuba Flag
If you are going to be heading out into the ocean for a dive or two, make sure that you have at least one scuba flag on board. These handy flags can be lifesavers when things get a bit choppy.
The scuba flag is a red flag with a diagonal white stripe through the center of it. This flag is raised the moment that a diver goes into the water. Boats that pass by the dive boat will see the flag and stay clear of the area around the boat. Most states within the nation require that this flag is used at all times when a diver is in the water. However, some states prohibit this flag from being raised if there are no divers present. Even though this flag was originally intended for the purpose mentioned above, there are lots of other uses for it today.
Many dive shops, and other dive locations, will use the red and white flag to indicate that dive equipment is sold within the store. While this was not the original intent for the flag, it helps divers to recognize dive spots through the nation. If you are going to be heading into international waters, you should know that the flag is slightly different there. Rather than a red and white flag, the international Signal flag is blue and white. This flag is used throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom to indicate a diver in the water.
Whether you are staying in the states or travelling to another country, a scuba flag is absolutely necessary. Never dive from a ship that does not have a flag on board, for this is entirely dangerous. In fact, many divers have lost their lives due to the lack of a warning sign for other boats. If a boat comes too close to the area that you are diving in, this could be dangerous upon ascending. It may seem as though a small flag cannot make a lot of difference, though it could mean the difference between life and death.
In the same manner that it’s important to keep life jackets on board, this small flag must also be kept on board at all times. The moment that someone jumps into that water, this flag must be raised.
Now that you know about the importance of the scuba flag, you can begin to understand why it is a universal symbol. Remember to watch out for this sign no matter where you are in order to ensure safe diving.