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The
proper flag to fly, even in US waters is the CODE Alpha flags…the CODE flag
(orange triangular if I remember correctly) over the Alpha blue and white flag.
In accordance with The International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
(COLREGS), this signifies conducting submerged operations…not just “diver down”.
If there is a surface support vessel, it should be flying these code flags plus
have shapes displayed if a larger vessel. See the attached Code of Federal
Regulations (that mirrors international rules of the road), applicable areas
highlighted. R/Jay Respectfully, Jay K.
Jeffries Andros
Is., Bahamas A
skimmer afloat is but a submarine, so poorly built it will not plunge. Sec.
2027. Vessels not under command or restricted in their
ability to maneuver (Rule 27)
(a)
Vessels not under command
A vessel not under command shall exhibit:
(i) two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can
best be seen;
(ii) two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they
can best be seen; and
(iii) when making way through the water, in addition to the
lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight. (b) Vessels restricted in their
ability to maneuver A vessel restricted in her ability
to maneuver, except a vessel engaged in mineclearance operations,
shall exhibit: (i) three all-round lights in a
vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and
lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be
white; (ii) three shapes in a vertical
line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of
these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond; (iii) when making way through
the water, masthead lights, sidelights and a sternlight, in
addition to the lights prescribed in subparagraph (b)(i); and
(iv) when at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes
prescribed in subparagraphs (b)(i) and (ii), the light, lights or
shapes prescribed in Rule 30. (c)
Vessels engaged in towing operations
A vessel engaged in a towing operation which severely restricts the towing
vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall,
in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in subparagraphs (b)(i)
and (ii) of this Rule, exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in Rule
24. (d)
Vessels engaged in dredging or underwater operations
A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations, when restricted
in her ability to maneuver, shall exhibit the lights and shapes
prescribed in subparagraphs (b)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this Rule and
shall in addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:
(i) two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical line to
indicate the side on which the obstruction exists;
(ii) two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a vertical
line to indicate the side on which another vessel may pass; and
(iii) when at anchor, the lights or shape prescribed by this
paragraph, instead of the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 30 for
anchored vessels. (e) Vessels engaged in diving
operations Whenever the size of a vessel
engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to exhibit all lights and
shapes prescribed in paragraph (d) of this Rule, the following shall
instead be exhibited: (i) Three all-round lights in a
vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and
lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be
white. (ii) A rigid replica of the
international Code flag ``A'' not less than 1 meter in height.
Measures shall be taken to insure its all-round visibility. (f)
Vessels engaged in mineclearance operations
A vessel engaged in mineclearance operations shall, in addition to the
lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel in Rule 23 or to the lights
or shape prescribed for a vessel at anchor in Rule 30, as appropriate,
exhibit three all-round green lights or three balls. One of these
lights or shapes shall be exhibited near the foremast head and one at
each end of the fore yard. These lights or shapes indicate that it is dangerous
for another vessel to approach within 1,000 meters of the mineclearance
vessel. (g)
Vessels of less than 12 meters in length
A vessel of less than 12 meters in length, except when engaged in diving
operations, is not required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed
in this Rule. (h)
Signals of vessels in distress and requiring assistance
The signals prescribed in this Rule are not signals of vessels in distress
and requiring assistance. Such signals are contained in Annex IV
to these Rules. (Pub.
L. 96-591, Sec. 2, Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3427; Pub. L. 100-448, Sec.
14(2), (3), Sept. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 1844.)
Repeal of Section
Pub. L. 108-293, title III, Sec. 303(a), (c), Aug. 9, 2004, 118
Stat. 1042, provided that this section is repealed effective on the
effective date of final regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating under section
2071 of this title.
References in Text
Rule 30, referred to in pars. (b)(iv), (d)(iii), and (f), is classified
to section 2030 of this title.
Rule 24, referred to in par. (c), is classified to section 2024 of this
title.
Rule 23, referred to in par. (f), is classified to section 2023 of this
title.
Annex IV to these Rules, referred to in par. (h), is to be established
by the Secretary under section 2071 of this title.
Codification
Section was enacted as part of section 2 of Pub. L. 96-591 which enacted
the Inland Navigational Rules which comprise this subchapter.
Amendments
1988--Par. (b). Pub. L. 100-448, Sec. 14(2), substituted ``mineclearance''
for ``minesweeping'' in introductory provisions.
Par. (f). Pub. L. 100-448, Sec. 14(3), amended par. (f) generally. Prior
to amendment, par. (f) read as follows: ``A vessel engaged in minesweeping
operations shall, in addition to the lights prescribed for a
power-driven vessel in Rule 23, exhibit three all-round green lights or
three balls. One of these lights or shapes shall be exhibited near the
foremast head and one at each end of the fore yard. These lights or shapes
indicate that it is dangerous for another vessel to approach closer
than 1,000 meters astern or 500 meters on either side of the minesweeper.'' -----Original Message----- The diver flag (red back ground and white diagnal stripe)
might be a better option since it's probably more widely know. I'm
imagining that even a couple of yahoos on jetskis will be familar
with the diver flag, probably not so many will know the
"Isolated Danger" sign. If I saw something strange, I would not run from it, I
would investigate it (sounds, gas, etc.) and/or notify
coastgaurd or habour authorities (depending on the area). But if it
was clear that it was there to warn people away, I would understand
I need to stay away from that area. Cheers, Ian. |