When divers are in the water and a diver-down flag is displayed, how far should other vessels stay away from the marked area?

When divers are in the water and a diver-down flag is displayed, how far should other vessels stay away from the marked area?

• A. 25 feet
• B. 75 feet
• C. 100 feet
• D. 50 feet

Answer: (D)

When divers are in the water, the diver-down flag shows that a diving operation is in progress and a safety buffer is needed around that area. Maintaining distance protects divers from boat traffic, wakes, and prop wash, giving them space to work and enter or exit the water safely. In this material, the required buffer is at least 50 feet away from the marked area, measured horizontally from the flag. The other distances are either too small to provide adequate space or are used in different regulations/new contexts, but the standard here is 50 feet.

When divers are in the water, the diver-down flag shows that a diving operation is in progress and a safety buffer is needed around that area. Maintaining distance protects divers from boat traffic, wakes, and prop wash, giving them space to work and enter or exit the water safely. In this material, the required buffer is at least 50 feet away from the marked area, measured horizontally from the flag. The other distances are either too small to provide adequate space or are used in different regulations/new contexts, but the standard here is 50 feet.