When you see a red flag or buoy with a white diagonal stripe Divers Down symbol You must quizlet?

State law requires that scuba divers or snorkelers display a divers-down warning device whenever they are in the water. A divers-down warning device may not be displayed when divers are out of the water.

  • This warning device may be a divers-down flag, buoy, or other similar warning device. These devices are designed for, and used by, divers and dive vessels as a way to notify nearby boaters that divers are in the water in the immediate area. The device must be displayed prominently when in use. The divers-down warning device must meet these requirements.
    • If the divers-down warning device is a divers-down flag, the flag must:
      • Display the divers-down symbol on each face and…
      • Have a wire stiffener or be otherwise constructed to ensure it remains fully unfurled and extended, even when there is no wind or breeze.
    • If the divers-down warning device is a buoy, the buoy must:
      • Have three or four sides with the divers-down symbol displayed on each of the flat sides and…
      • Be prominently visible on the water’s surface and not displayed on the vessel.
  • Boaters must make reasonable efforts to stay at least 300 feet away from divers-down warning devices in open water and at least 100 feet away in rivers, inlets, or navigation channels.
  • Boaters approaching divers-down warning devices closer than 300 feet in open water and 100 feet in rivers, inlets, or navigation channels must slow to idle speed.

Scuba divers or snorkelers should not place the warning device where it will obstruct traffic or create a hazard to navigation on a river, inlet, or navigation channel. In open waters, divers and snorkelers must make reasonable efforts to stay within 300 feet of their divers-down warning device; in rivers, inlets, or navigation channels, the distance from the device should be within 100 feet. The divers-down warning device must be removed when scuba divers or snorkelers are not in the water.

When you see a red flag or buoy with a white diagonal stripe Divers Down symbol You must quizlet?

Diver-Down Symbol: The divers-down warning device must contain a divers-down symbol.

  • The symbol is a red rectangle or square with a white diagonal stripe.
  • If the symbol is rectangular, the length may not be less than the height or more than 25% longer than the height.
  • The width of the stripe must be 25% of the height of the symbol.
  • If multiple stripes are displayed, all of the stripes must be oriented in the same direction.

The size of the divers-down symbol depends on whether the divers-down warning device is displayed from the water or from a vessel.

  • On the water, the divers-down symbol must be at least 12 x 12 inches in size.
  • On a vessel, the symbol must be at least 20 x 24 inches in size. The divers-down warning device also must be displayed at the highest point of a vessel so that its visibility is not obstructed in any direction.
When you see a red flag or buoy with a white diagonal stripe Divers Down symbol You must quizlet?

Alfa Flag: A blue-and-white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag), at least 3.3 feet (one meter) high and visible from all directions, must be displayed on vessels on federally controlled waters. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.

The Alfa flag does not satisfy requirements of Florida state law.


Page 2

Florida law requires the following for boat trailers.

  • Trailers must have proper lighting including turn signals, taillights, and brake lights.
  • Trailers must be equipped with safety chains and tie-down straps.
  • Trailers weighing more than 3,000 lbs. must be equipped with brakes that act on all wheels.
  • Trailers weighing less than 2,000 lbs. must be registered with the county tax collector.
  • Trailers weighing 2,000 lbs. or more must be registered and titled.


Page 3

When you see a red flag or buoy with a white diagonal stripe Divers Down symbol You must quizlet?

All tournaments, regattas, races, parades, and exhibitions must have a permit from a county sheriff or the Florida FWC Commission. Permits must be secured at least 15 days prior to the event. Permission for events on federally controlled waters must be obtained from the USCG.


Page 4

When you see a red flag or buoy with a white diagonal stripe Divers Down symbol You must quizlet?

Many waterways in Florida have special regulations, such as size and horsepower restrictions. Check with the governing body of the county or municipality where the waterway is located before you go boating.