The red "diver down" flag (red field with a diagonal white stripe) simply means "Divers below, stay back 100 feet!" It is a violation of state and federal law to enter a dive flag perimeter without the dive boat captain's permission, which would only be granted when no divers were in the water and it was safe for a vessel to enter.

    The blue and white "Alpha" flag is the international dive flag and simply means "Vessel conducting underwater operations, restricted ability to move." This gives that vessel the right-of-way.

     Steep fines up to $500 dollars can be given for violation of dive flag perimeter. This applies to ALL vessels including wind surfers and wave runners. 

We have had many, many "close calls" where boat captains had no idea what these flags mean or that they were putting our divers in danger. Please read up on the "Rules of the Road" and all Coast Guard regulations BEFORE you step behind the helm (or handlebars...).