What should boaters do when they encounter a diver-down flag?

When boaters see a diver-down flag, it's imperative to keep a safe distance from the flagged area. This flag indicates that there are divers in the water, and it is crucial for safety to avoid coming too close to this zone. Maintaining a safe distance helps protect the divers from being inadvertently injured by boats, as they could be below the water's surface and may not be visible to other boaters.

This practice aligns with maritime safety regulations and promotes responsible boating behavior by showing consideration for divers. Recognizing and respecting the presence of a diver-down flag is a vital part of ensuring safety on the water for everyone involved.

Speeding up to pass quickly can endanger divers, approaching the flagged area for assistance could put both the divers and the boaters at risk, and ignoring the flag undermines the importance of safety regulations. Therefore, keeping a safe distance is the most responsible and safe choice when encountering this signal.