How far from a diver-down flag must a vessel be before operating at greater than idle speed?

How far from a diver-down flag must a vessel be before operating at greater than idle speed?

State law requires that scuba divers and snorkelers display a diver-down flag to mark the diving area. Vessel operators must not operate within 50 feet of a displayed diver-down flag and must reduce speed to “idle speed” when within 200 feet of the flag.

How far should you stay away from an alpha flag?

Vessels not engaged in diving operations should remain at a safe distance away from a displayed flag, preferably at least 200 feet away.

What will happen to my wet suit as I descend?

You’ll be wearing the amount of weight required to achieve neutral buoyancy at the surface. But as you descend, your wetsuit will compress. This decreases your volume, and results in a loss of buoyancy. To maintain neutral buoyancy, you need to add air to your BCD as you descend.

How far should a PWC stay from large ships?

A: Boaters should keep their distance from all military, cruise line, or commercial shipping. Do not approach within 100 yards, and slow to minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. naval vessel.

What does the blue and white Alpha flag signify?

A diver down flag, or scuba flag, is a flag used on the water to indicate that there is a diver below. Internationally, the code flag alfa/alpha, which is white and blue, is used to signal that the vessel has a diver down and other vessels should keep well clear at slow speed.

What does the blue and white International Code Flag A mean?

diving activity
Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity. A blue-and-white International Code Flag A (or Alpha flag) must be displayed on boats involved in a diving activity.

What are the two types of diver down flag?

There are two types of diver down flags used both nationally and internationally: the diver down flag and the alpha flag. The most commonly used of the two is the diver down flag, which is a red flag with a white diagonal stripe.

What are the 3 A’s of buoyancy?

At this point, you’ve really only covered three skills: Regulator breathing. Proper weighting. Breath control.

How much is a dry suit?

A dry suit will be one of your largest investments as diver. You can get into a decent entry level suit for around $1500 (USD). This may not cover the cost of an undergarment, so make sure to ask your sales person what accessories are included with the suit and which ones you will need to add to the overall cost.

Is it illegal to waterski unless the skier is wearing what?

illegal to ski within 150′ of any public dock, mooring line, launch ramp, boat, fisherman, swimmer or any person not engaged in the same activity. If pulled by PWC skier must wear PFD. PWC must be equipt with mirrors or observer. Vessels used to tow another person must be designed to accomodate two or more persons.

How far of a distance is it is recommended that a PWC keep between itself?

How far of a distance is it is recommended that a PWC keep between itself and large ships? A PWC may not be operated at greater than 6 knots (6.9 miles per hour) within 100 feet of another vessel except in a crossing or overtaking situation in accordance with the navigation rules.

How tall does a diver down flag have to be?

Scuba divers or snorkelers must display a diver-down flag that marks the diving area as required by the Texas Water Safety Act. Vessels must remain at least 50 feet away from the flag. If they have to approach the diving area, vessel operators must have permission from the person who placed the flag or the vessel displaying the flag.

How long does a diver have to stay away from the flag?

Vessels must remain at least 50 feet away from the flag. If they have to approach the diving area, vessel operators must have permission from the person who placed the flag or the vessel displaying the flag. Outside of 50 feet, vessel operators must operate at “headway speed” out to a distance of 150 feet away from the flag.

What is the code for the diver down flag?

Two styles of flag are in use. Internationally, the code flag alfa/alpha, which is white and blue, is used to signal that the vessel has a diver down and other vessels should keep well clear at slow speed.

Do you have to display your flag while diving?

Usually the regulations require divers to display the flag while diving and to stay within a specified distance of it when they are near the surface. There may also be a larger zone around the flag where no boats are allowed to pass.