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SCUBA Dog · 03-31-2008, 01:15 PM,

I would agree that snorkeling, particularly after ascending after a surface dive would be more dangerous. Some sort of flag or float would make sense.

I think you are reading too much into the statute regarding a group of divers. I have included subdivision 2 of the statute below, which addresses group diving. I don't see anything limiting a charter operator to four divers unless they set out surface markers. My interpretation of that subdivision would be for special events involving a group of divers in the same area (where multiple people dragging a flag around would be a tangle / safety hazard). What comes to mind would be events hosted by a LDS, such as Smith Diving's Treasure Dive or Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest. They set up a perimeter of dive flags and keep the event activities and divers within that area. Unless you found something more specific elsewhere I don't think Subdivision 2 applies to charter boat operators.

Subd. 2. Group diving. (a) Not more than four divers may dive under one flag.
(b) If a group of divers is operating in a contained area, the perimeter must be marked and be
outside of the normal area of navigation. The markings shall consist of the official diver's flag and
be placed on the perimeter of the diving area at intervals not exceeding 150 feet.

Being that you mentioned it, I knew the 30" requirement was in the statute and was curious, but never actually measured my flags. So you motivated me to check the stats. Here is the Tale of the Tape. My inner tube model float has a flag stick that measures 37" from the bottom of the stick to the top of the flag. With it inserted in the bracket I would guess it would still be well above the 30" requirement. My flag with the styrofoam float over the stick (with the float in the highest point on the stick) from the bottom of the float to the top of the flag - 37", from the top of the float to the top of the flag - 26" and from the middle of the float to the top of the flag - 32". The actual height above the water could certainly vary as this one is easily pulled under. I do not have one of yellow inflatable models that say diver below on the side and has a flag mounted on top. Those always look short to me, but I have never measured one. In any event, I think the 30" requirement is one of those statutes on the books that is rarely if ever enforced.

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