Subscribe to The NZUA And Support the Underwater Community

Packed with the latest diving news, events and deals, the NZUA newsletter is a monthly must-read for all those passionate about the New Zealand underwater realm.
Subscribers directly support NZ Underwater's activities in the marine environment, help leverage govt. funding for safety campaigning and grow participation across the sector.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Diver Down Awareness

Survive the Dive

Diver Down Awareness

With divers, spearfishermen, snorkelers or swimmers in the water it is a legal requirement to display a dive flag.

THE DIVE FLAG LAW APPLIES TO -

DIVERS, SPEARFISHERMAN, SNORKELERS AND OPEN-WATER SWIMMERS

The purpose of the dive flag is to let other water users know people are in or under the water near your vicinity.

The flag informs other boat users to keep well clear and move at a slow speed. All other boat users must maintain at least 200m distance from the flag or keep their speed to less than 5 knots.

The minimum legal flag size is 600mm high by at least 600mm long. It must be clearly visible from at least 200m away, even when there is no wind.

The Dive Flag should only be flown when people are physically in the water.

Spearfishermen, shore-based divers and other open water snorkelers are advised to tow a dive flag with them.

Dive Flags for specific purposes can be purchased at most quality scuba and spearfishing retailers.

WHAT DOES A DIVE FLAG SAY TO OTHER WATER USERS?

  • There are divers, spearfishermen, snorkelers or swimmers nearby, possibly under the surface
  • SLOW DOWN! Your speed must be less than 5 knots when within 200 metres of a dive flag

WATCH YOUR POSITION!

Stay within 200 metres of your dive flag. Plan your dive to stay  either close to the boat, or have a surface float (with dive flag) that marks your position for other vessels to take note of and avoid.

Remember, if people are diving, spearfishing, snorkeling or swimming off your boat it is your responsibility, along with the person in the water, to ensure the Dive Flag is being flown while they are in the water.

See Also

Weather & Tides
Survive the Dive

Weather & Tides

Always check the weather and tide conditions in advance of departing the dock.
Surface Safely
Survive the Dive

Surface Safely

Safe surfacing procedures, including safety stops, are an essential component in scuba diver's skill set.
Medical checks & Refresher courses
Survive the Dive

Medical checks & Refresher courses

Are you fit to dive? New Zealand Underwater offers consistent advice to divers returning from a hiatus.
Gear Maintenance
Survive the Dive

Gear Maintenance

Routine maintenance is an imperative component of the diver's schedule. Failure can have severe consequences
The Buddy System
Survive the Dive

The Buddy System

Always dive with a buddy. The Buddy system is developed to improve diver survival across a range of situations.
Survive the Dive - Fit, Check & Signal
Survive the Dive

Survive the Dive - Fit, Check & Signal

The NZ Underwater Association’s signature safety message to all divers,even the best of the best, is to ask themselves a few simple but essential questions…

More

Survive the Dive
Weather & Tides
Survive the Dive
Surface Safely
Survive the Dive
Medical checks & Refresher courses