The "Alpha" or "Alfa" flag (left) and red-and-white flag (right), both meaning "I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed" When not in use, rinse the buy with freshwater, dry it fully and deflate it so you can store it in your snorkeling bag or sport accessory box.

Diver Below Flag: In Victoria, any vessel with divers operating from it must always display signals by day or night to inform other vessel users. The daytime diver below signal is the international Code Flag 'A', at least 750 mm long and 600 mm wide for vessels less than 10 metres in length. For vessels longer than 10 metres, the dive flag must be at least 1 metre long and wide. It should be placed to ensure all-round visibility. Diver flags must be displayed by snorkelers and divers whenever they are diving or snorkeling. A swimming pool is usually not required if it is only for swimming. The flag’s purpose is to alert boaters to the presence of snorkelers in the area. Always place the flag at the boat’s highest point from all directions. Sopras chose a different design for its diver down flag and we love how it can be used easily for various water activities from free diving to scuba diving, beach diving and many others. It can even be used by instructors for swimming and diving lessons. The flag should be placed approximately 100 yards from the diver, and at least 50 yards from the boat if it’s moving faster than 10 knots.Once at diving depth, the float may be secured in one spot or towed. If you plan to venture no more than 15 to 30 metres (50 to 100 feet) from the float, it may be acceptable to secure the tether line to a nonliving object or anchor it to the bottom with weights. If you move further away, or are drift diving, you should move the float accordingly, or begin towing it. Towing your dive flag along makes your immediate underwater location more at par with the surface position of your dive flag to boat operators and your dive buddies on the surface. The 'OK' signal is given by the float handler and the boat approaches cautiously. Don't approach the boat until the engines have been shut down or put into neutral (i.e. no propeller is turning) and the boat captain captain signals that it is OK to board. Safety Stop

Legally, the diver down flag should be flown from a vessel or a buoy when divers are in the water. From a vessel, the flag should be at least 20 inches by 24 inches and flown from the vessel’s highest point. When the diver down flag is attached to a buoy, the flag should be at least 12 inches by 12 inches. It is very important to make boats aware of divers below the surface. Photo by Roberto H / Unsplash The Two Types of Diver Down Flags Highly useful for spearfishing (particularly for shore dives), this little raft allows you to strap in extra spearguns, spears, masks, and other important gear. You can also use it to keep a few fish secure while you continue diving. According to DAN, the boat’s crew must keep the ship at a safe distance of at least 300ft (90m) from the diver down flag in the open water sea. Given its small size, you can use your own mouth to inflate it or a standard BCD inflator. It has two ring attachment points on which you can attach a string as you go underwater. There’s a net on the bottom of the buoy to let water out. The red and white diver down flag is of a legal size and thus works in all places. Ideal for freediving, scuba, beach diving, or snorkeling this highly visible float is brightly colored and easy to notice from a distance. Made from heavy-duty Cordura nylon with high frequency welded seams, the exterior of the buoy is highly durable and easily visible.The New Wave Swim Buoy, besides the classical functions of a swimming safety float (providing visibility in open water and a safe place to rest if needed) also works as a dry bag so keeps your personal items safe from water.