Section 109.5. Divers and buoys

(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Code flag alpha—A rigid flag not less than 1 meter (39.37 inches) square, with the half closest to the staff being white and the other half being blue. The blue segment has a triangular piece removed. The apex of the triangle extends halfway through the blue field.

Divers down flag—A flag not less than 14 inches square, red in color with a white stripe running diagonally from the top of the staff to the opposite lower corner. The white stripe shall be one-fifth as wide as the flag.

(b) Displaying of flags.

(1) A boat shall display the code flag alpha while it is restricted in its ability to maneuver due to diving operations. Restricted in its ability to maneuver means that divers are attached to a boat by some physical means.

(2) During diving activities a divers down flag shall be displayed in the water on a buoy, whether a boat is present or not. The buoy shall be placed directly above the diving location.

(c) Responsibility of other boaters. Boats not engaged in diving operations shall remain at least 100 feet from areas displaying the divers down flag or boats displaying the code flag alpha.

The provisions of this § 109.5 adopted February 12, 1993, effective February 13, 1993, 23 Pa.B. 744; amended June 3, 1994, effective June 4, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 2795. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (178655).