Michigan Dive Flags

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
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.