Safety near divers

As the operator of a vessel you are responsible for the safety of the vessel, of your passengers and those around you. Whether you are boating in a familiar or unfamiliar area, you must keep a proper lookout (by sight and hearing) for potential hazards and travel at a safe speed so that you are able to take appropriate action to avoid collisions.

Rules are in place to protect the safety of divers in the water by regulating the operation of other vessels in the vicinity. A vessel with divers working from it must display the appropriate day or night signals.

It is important that vessel operators know what warning signals may be displayed when divers are in the water and the rules that apply to vessels operating in the vicinity.

Penalties apply for failure to obey the rules.

Diver in water next to diving flag

What you need to know about divers

While some commercial divers may operate in specific areas, commercial and recreational divers may operate in any waters during the day or night. Further, some diving may involve operating from small vessels using a hookah – that is a long hose delivering air to the diver from a deck mounted compressor.

Diving signals

Daytime - the signal displayed to indicate that a diver is in the water is the International Code Flag A. It means 'I have a diver below – keep well clear at slow speed'.

Night - a vessel (depending on its size) must display its required navigation light indicating at anchor, and in addition, either three all-round lights in a vertical line (top and bottom and red and the middle white), or an illuminated rigid replica of the flag visible all-round.

Navigational lights red, white and red on a black stick

When a diver is operating from a vessel:

If the vessel is over 10 metres in length it must display, in an obvious position on the vessel, the International Code Flag A.
If the vessel is 10 metres in length or less, it must display in an obvious position on the vessel a rigid replica of this flag, at least 750mm by 600mm in size.
When a diver is operating in a harbor independently of a vessel, a rigid replica of this flag, at least 300mm by 200mm in size, must be displayed at all times, from a buoy or float which is moored within 30m of the diver or is attached to a line and towed by the diver.
Persons involved in diving operations are reminded that penalties apply for failure to display the required diving signals.

What to do around divers

The operator of a vessel operating in the vicinity of a vessel, float or buoy displaying a signal indicating the presence of a diver below, must navigate to avoid injury to the diver or interference with the vessel, float or buoy.

Remember:

In South Australia, the operator of a vessel must slow to 4 knots within 50 metres of a vessel or buoy which is displaying a flag indicating that there is a diver below.
When operating in this area keep a lookout for persons or equipment in the water and proceed with due caution until well clear.

It is recommended, however, that you stay well clear of the area as a diver may be operating some distance from the vessel, float or buoy that is displaying the diving signal.