Rules for MI divers and boaters
Thanks to Tim Hernandez for helping to compile this information.
For Divers in Michigan
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources , divers should:
use common sense; avoid high boat traffic areas and always display a diver down flag when diving
The detailed law for Michigan divers is in the , 324.80155, of 1994:
Any person diving or submerging in any of the waters of this state with the aid of a diving suit or other mechanical diving device shall place a buoy or boat in the water at or near the point of submergence. The buoy or boat shall bear a red flag not less than 14 inches by 16 inches with a 3-1/2 inch white stripe running from 1 upper corner to a diagonal lower corner. The flag shall be in place only while actual diving operations are in progress. A vessel shall not be operated within 200 feet of a buoyed diver’s flag unless it is involved in tendering the diving operation. A person diving shall stay within a surface area of 100 feet of the diver’s flag.
For Boaters in Michigan
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources , the red-and-white diver down flag means:
Do not approach, divers are below. Stay at least 200 feet away from diving operations. This flag may be flown vessel or float.
Similarly, the MI DNR says of the blue-and-white alpha flag:
Vessel has personnel and/or equipment in waterand is unable to maneuver. Do not approach; maintain a safe distance of at least 100 feet around vessel. Watch for divers.
In both cases:
Vessels displaying these signal flags could be moored, anchored, drifting, or slowing towing divers. DO NOT APPROACH. STAY A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY.
Happy Diving,
Chris Whitten
chris-(@)-interesting.com (remove the hyphens and parentheses)
Dive-Flag.com Webmaster
P.S. The information above was as complete and up-to-date at the time as I could make it. It should not be construed as providing legal advice. You should conduct your own legal research or contact an attorney.