Posted by Reed Nescher on September 20, 2004 at 20:45:08:
In Reply to: DANGER!!!! Beware Bottomscratcher dive boat posted by Rich Kerr on July 18, 2004 at 19:03:58:
There is no California law specifically citing the use of dive flags and how they should be avoided by boaters. There is Los Angeles County regulation requiring divers more than 200 yards from shore to use a dive flag, but nothing with regards to boaters staying clear of that flag. There are the international "Rules of the Road" requiring stationary vessels with divers down to display lights in specific configuration or the "Alpha" flag, but these rules are more to avoid collision vessel to vessel. California Harbor and Navigation code (section 668c) states that a vessel cannot be operated in a dangerous fashion but without any specific reference to dive flags or divers. Laws regarding how boaters should treat the classic "diver down" flag are vague or nonexistent.
Kerr, were you diving alone? Do you have the proper certs for that? our are you operating in a unsafe manure?