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Chapter 12- Boating, Diving and Seamanship Boating, Diving, and Seamanship 267 DIVING FLAGS AND SIGNALS What should you display during day and night dives? The day shapes and lights are required for vessels over 12 m (38 ft) in length, but dive vessels are specifically mandated to display signals regardless of size, unless they have received a certificate of alternative compliance or exemption from the Coast Guard. The rule states that a rigid replica of the international code “A” flag not less than one meter in height is to be displayed. Measures shall be taken to insure its all-round visibility. The international code flag “A” is blue and white. It is not the scuba diver’s red flag with a white diagonal stripe that is familiar to recreational divers and boaters. The international meaning of this blue and white code flag as found in the international code of signals is “Diver Down, Keep Clear.” A rigid replica of the code flag “A” is authorized for use aboard small vessels (less than 12 m, 40 ft) that may not be able to carry or display all of the required day shapes and light signals for vessels engaged in underwater operations. The other flag is not authorized by the rules. The flag must be one meter in height. Rigid replica means a wooden or metal reproduction or a flag that does not bend or flap in the breeze and would remain visible even without a breeze. All-round visibility means it can be seen from anywhere. A flag painted on your boat does not meet the above criteria. It should also be lighted. Many states, however, require beach divers and boaters to use the recreational diver’s red-with-whitestripe flag. Therefore, you should check your state’s regulations. You may be required to fly both the code “A” flag and the red-with-white-stripe flags. For night boat diving, the same rules apply. The red-over-white-over-red signal light is used in conjunction with the anchor light. If you anchor without signal lights, make sure that you: 1. Hoist your “divers down” flag(s). 2. Illuminate the flag(s). 3. Show a spotlight in the direction of the divers. Check with the coast guard and your local regulations for all requirements. ANCHORING AND PREPARING FOR A DIVE Ground tackle is the broad term that includes all the gear used in anchoring. Regardless of the size of your boat, general procedures and criteria are required to safely anchor your boat. These are: 1. Water depth and bottom characteristics 2. Effects of wind and current 3. Locations of established channels and harbor entrances 4. Existing traffic patterns 5. Submarine cables and pipelines ppppp ppppp ppppp ppppp ppppp FIGURE 12-9. TABLE OF SOUND SIGNALS


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