Bulletin No.: 10/1985

Date (Y-M-D): 1985-06-11
 

Subject: Day Signals that Identify Diving Operations

1

This bulletin describes the proper use of two different day signals or identifying diving operations where it is impracticable to display the prescribed shapes due to the size of the vessel.

2 These two day signals are:

.1 a rigid replica of the International Code flag "A" - which is a blue and white burgee with the white to the hoist; and

.2 the traditional "diving buoy" - which carries a red flag with a white diagonal stripe from the top of the hoist to the bottom of the fly.

3 International Code flag "A"

3.1 Rule 27 (e) (ii) of the International Collision Regulations prescribes the use of Code flag "A" as follows:

"Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to exhibit all lights and shapes prescribed by paragraph (d) of this Rule the following shall be exhibited... a rigid replica of the International Code flag "A" not less than 1 metre in height. Measures shall be taken to ensure its all-round visibility".

3.2 It should be noted that this is a navigational signal required to be exhibited on the vessel engaged in diving operations indicating that it is restricted in its ability to manoeuvre and is. therefore, unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.

4 Diving buoy

4.1 Section 14 of the Private Buoy Regulations prescribes the use of the "divers flag" to mark an area where diving operations are taking place as follows:

"Every diving buoy shall be coloured white and shall carry a square red flag having each side not less than 50 cm in length and a white diagonal stripe extending from the top of the hoist to the bottom of the fly".

4.2 The divers flag may not be used in lieu of Code flag "A" on a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre because it is not a navigational signal showing that a vessel is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.

4.3 A vessel which is tending diver (s), attached by lines, will usually be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre, and will therefore be unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. Such a vessel must exhibit Code flag "A". Coast Guard also recommends that buoys carrying the divers flag be used to mark the diving area.

5

A vessel which is tending a free swimming diver (s) will not usually be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre, and should not, therefore, exhibit Code flag "A". In this case, the area (s) where diving is in progress must be marked by buoys carrying the divers flag. Mariners should be aware that a boat may or may not be in attendance where these buoys or flags are sighted.

6

It should also be noted that if a diving buoy carries a light it shall be yellow and flashing. If reflecting material is used it also shall be yellow.

7 Caution

7.1 Mariners are advised to keep well clear of any vessel or buoy that exhibits these signals, and if passing, should do so at a safe speed.

7.2 Persons engaged in diving operations should, as far as practical, avoid areas where vessels normally navigate.

7.3 Mariners, vessel operators, and divers should not place undue reliance on these signals because the visibility, background, wind, speed of vessels and the field of vision from the conning position may all affect the distance from which these signals may be identified. Caution should be used when navigating in areas where diving operations may be in progress.

7.4 The use of these diving signals does not preclude the display of any other signals required by the Collision Regulations.

8 Diagram

8.1 The following diagram shows the proper use of both signals.

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