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Diver down signal flag

image by Alexandre Voscorian, 26 May 1998

About the flag

See also:

About the flag

Red, with a white stripe from upper hoist to lower fly. Usually square. This is the “diver down” flag, flown from a ship to indicate that there is a diver below. Also flown by (and for) diving enthusiasts.
Steve Kramer, 24 Apr 1998

This is to notify any ships (or boats) to steer clear for the safety of the diver.
Bill Grimes-Wyatt, 04 Apr 1997

Known as the skin diver flag. It represents a “diver down”. Though I’m not a skin diver, I believe that this flag is flown when a diver is in the area of the boat in order to warn other ships away. The underlying premise, the safety of the diver, is obvious.
Paige Herring, 05 May 1998

This is the flag indicating that there is a diver below water. I believe that it is an internationally recognized symbol. The flag is supposed to fly above a bouy that is anchored (to the bottom or to a sea anchor) in the area of the diver’s work. Theoretically, the diver may surface near that buoy / flag and not be in danger of being struck by boats.
Nick Artimovich, 31 Mar 1997

I believe the international symbol is the "A" letter flag.
Nathan Bliss, 31 Mar 1997

Extended use

I see it often on car windows, bumpers, etc., and it is always on a vehicle of someone who is an avid diver.
Rob Raeside, 31 Mar 1997

In the U.S. it is is more often seen flying from stores selling or renting diving equipment, which is a “violation” of the flag’s intention (unless, of course, the basement of the store is flooded and a diver is at work below.)
Nick Artimovich, 31 Mar 1997

It is also often seen at scuba service stations and on cars of scuba enthusiasts.
Nathan Bliss, 31 Mar 1997

It is often used by scuba divers as a bumper sticker, etc to inform others of their interests.
Bill Grimes-Wyatt, 04 Apr 1997

This flag is also used as cover art for the Van Halen album Diver Down.
Josh Fruhlinger, 31 Mar 1997

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