District of Columbia Boating

American Boat Operators' Course

District of Columbia Boat Operators' Course

Laws and Safety Equipment
Return to Table of Contents
1	Video
2	Laws
3	Registration and Numbering
4	Safety Equipment-Life Jackets
5	Fire Extinguishers
6	Visual Distress Signals
7	Ventilation
8	Mufflers
9	Backfire and Flame Control
10	Whistle Bell and Horn
11	Navigation Lights
12	Pollution and Garbage
13	Safe Operation
14	Reckless Operation
15	Personal Watercraft
16	Water Skiing
17	Diving
18	Other Water Activities
19	Boating Under the Influence
20	Accidents
21	Homeland Security
22	Chapter Review

DIVING AND SNORKELING

State laws require all persons involved in diving or snorkeling operations to clearly mark the area using either the code alpha flag or diver flag as shown.

Boat operators should always stay a minimum distance of 150-200 feet from any boat displaying the alpha flag or any float showing the diver flag. Slow down to no wake speed and operate with caution anytime you observe underwater operations.

DC Law

Whether using self-contained or surface-supplied air or engaged in mixed gas diving, a person diving in District of Columbia waters shall display, in the manner provided by the Mayor by regulation, a diving flag of a type approved by the Mayor.

The diver flag shall be red in color with a white diagonal stripe.
No vessel, except for the vessel or vessels attending the diver, shall operate within one hundred fifty feet (150 ft.) of any diver flag.