Nevada Dive Flags

Rules for NV divers and boaters

Thanks to James Flenner for helping gather this information.

For Divers in Nevada

According to 488.310:

1. A person shall display a diver’s flag when diving or swimming below the water’s surface with the aid of a breathing device. The diver’s flag must be:
(a) At least 12 inches in height by 12 inches in width with a red background and a white diagonal stripe that is one-fifth the width of the flag;
(b) Attached to a float, buoy or boat which is visible to approaching vessels and which, between sunset and sunrise, has a light attached; and
(c) Prominently displayed within 100 feet of the location of the diver or swimmer.

2. A person shall not display a diver’s flag on the waters of this state unless he is diving or swimming below the water’s surface with the aid of a breathing device, in the vicinity of the diver’s flag.

For Boaters in Nevada

488.310 goes on to say:

3. Except in the case of an emergency, a person shall not operate a vessel other than the diver’s support vessel within 100 feet of a diver’s flag.

4. Except in the case of an emergency, a person who operates a vessel at a distance of more than 100 feet but less than 200 feet of a diver’s flag shall operate that vessel at a speed that leaves a flat wake, but in no case may the vessel be operated at a speed greater than 5 nautical miles per hour.

This is essentially restated in 488.600:

Every owner, operator or person in command of any vessel is guilty of a misdemeanor who operates it or permits it to be operated at a speed in excess of 5 nautical miles per hour in any of the following areas:

1. Within 100 feet of any person who is engaged in the act of bathing, wading, diving, floating or swimming.

2. Within 200 feet of any:

(a) Beach frequented by persons who engage in the acts of bathing, wading, diving, floating or swimming.

(b) Swimming float, diving platform or lifeline.

(c) Way or landing float to which vessels are made fast or which is used for the embarkation or discharge of passengers.

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.