There are two different types of scuba diving warning flags used around the world.
- A blue and white dive flag with the blue section as a swallow tail,
- A red dive flag with a white stripe from top left to bottom right.
Many divers would be aware of both these types of flags, especially if having travelled on scuba diving trips around the world.
Both these scuba dive flags convey the same meaning when flown from a scuba dive boat. It is the independent development of the flags has resulted in having the two different styles.
History of the Red and White Scuba Dive Flag
It is generally accepted that the development of the red and white scuba dive flag is accredited to an American pioneer scuba diver by the name of Denzel James Dockery. In the 1950s, Dockery was one of the early pioneers and decided he needed a flag to warn boats in the general vicinity when he was underwater.
The Navy’s flag for warning is a solid red colour and is referred to as the “Bravo Flag”. Dockery started with this and simply put the diagonal stripe across it.
Dockery then started trying to get his flag accepted as the main scuba diving warning flag. Gradually it was picked up by the fledgling scuba diving community and has now become entrenched as the main scuba diving warning flag in the USA and Canada.
History of the Blue and White Scuba Dive Flag
The blue and white scuba diving flag developed from the international maritime signal flags. These are a system of flags that have been recognised internationally for over 200 years.
The blue and white flag signified the letter “A” when flown as part of the alphabet. Therefore it was called the Alpha flag.
A single letter flag also conveys a different message when flown by itself. Initially, the message the Alpha flag conveyed was “The boat is undergoing a speed trial.” However it has been changed to convey the message: “A scuba diver is down. Keep clear at low speed.”
Both Scuba Dive Flags Convey the Same Message
Though both scuba dive flags look completely different they convey the same message.
The only difference is in what part of the world a scuba diver comes across each flag.
The local scuba dive shops will be able to provide details of what flag is recognised in the area.
Using a Scuba Diving Flag
A scuba diving flag should always be flown from a scuba dive boat when a diver is below.
When shore diving, a scuba diving flag should be placed on the water in a fixed location just out from the shore. The flag can be set up on a float with a rope tying it off on the sea floor.
For drift dives, a scuba dive flag should be towed along behind the divers. This can be done by setting up the dive flag on a float, such as a car tyre tube.
Whichever scuba diving warning flag is used, they should always be flown as a safety precaution when diving.
Bruce Iliff - Hello from an Australian freelancer! I’ve been scratching articles together in Australia in a range of subjects for a number of ...
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