Recent Changes to diving regulations

The following changes have been undertaken following consultation with stakeholders, dive clubs and the Department for Sport and Recreation over a number of years. These changes have removed impractical and unhelpful requirements from the regulations and aim to make diving safer for those involved in this popular recreational pursuit.

People involved in night diving without a vessel are now required to display a yellow (orange) flashing light that can be seen from a minimum distance of 200 metres. Previously, only divers operating from a vessel at night were required to display signal lights.

Divers operating without a vessel must display the International code flag "A". The flag must be clearly visible to all vessels operating in the vicinity. Previously, each diver operating without a vessel had to display a dive flag from a "personal buoy" attached by a line.

All vessels are now required to display a flag of size 6 of the International Flag Code or not less than 750 mm in length and not less than 600 mm in width. Previously, there was a requirement for a larger dive flag to be displayed from vessels exceeding 12 metres in length.

The visibility requirements for lights on vessels involved in night diving operations is reduced from two miles to 200 metres.

The word "snorkelling" has been deleted from the definition of diving because it placed an obligation on people snorkelling from the beach and in the river to display a dive flag.

Diving flag

Any boat with divers operating from it must always display signals by day or night to inform other boat users. The daytime signal for divers is an International Code Flag "A". The flag must be at least 750mm long and 600mm wide.

Divers operating without a vessel, for example from a jetty, must display the International code flag "A". The flag must be at least 750mm long and 600mm wide.

The flag may be displayed from a buoy. If displayed from a buoy, the flag must not be less than 300 mm in length and 200 mm in width.

The flag must be clearly visible to all vessels operating in the vicinity.

Diving lights

During night time a boat must show the International lights to indicate that "a vessel is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre". These are three lights in a vertical line, the top and bottom are red and the middle one is white.

The diver's boat should also show other appropriate lights such as an anchor light.

People involved in night diving without a vessel are now required to display a yellow (orange) flashing light that can be seen from a minimum distance of 200 metres.

Vessels to keep clear of diving signals

All boats must keep at least 50 metres clear of boats, buoys or areas showing diving signals.

Where it is not possible to keep 50 metres clear of boats, buoys or areas displaying diving signals the approaching vessel should proceed at the slowest speed at which the vessel can be safely navigated and maintain a proper lookout for persons in the water.

Boating tips for divers

Planning

Before you depart from home leave a detailed copy of your plan for the day with a responsible friend. Be sure to tell them what time you are expected to return home.

Volunteer Sea Rescue Groups are there for your safety. As soon as you are clear of the ramp, call them to test your radio and remember to log in with them before you venture out of the harbour.

If you are unsure of who or how to do this contact the Department or the Sea Rescue Group in your local area. Always log off when you return to avoid an unnecessary search for you and your boat.

Anchor and line

Always check and ensure that your anchor and chain are in extremely good condition. The size of the line and chain, and the type and weight of your anchor should suit your particular boat as well as the type of bottom you intend to anchor in.

Ensure you have plenty of line to suit the depths of water that you normally anchor in (at least 3 to 5 times the depth of water) and don't forget to allow extra line for surge, tide and increased wind. We also recommend that you mouse the shackles (use a piece of wire to prevent the pin from coming undone and falling out).

When you enter the water, swim down and check that your anchor is firmly embedded and that your anchor line is not likely to snag on a reef outcrop that may cause it to chafe through.

Weather checks

Get an up-to-date weather forecast before you go. Sea Rescue Groups also offer up-to-date weather forecasts for the area you are operating in. Have contingency plans for bad weather.

During a one hour dive things on the surface can deteriorate rapidly with the arrival of the sea breeze.

Unattended boats

The practice of divers leaving vessels unattended is very dangerous. The potential for disaster is real when vessels are left unattended by divers. It is strongly recommended that a responsible person stays onboard your boat at all times whenever divers are below. This designated person may be required to raise an alarm if the diver is overdue to surface, to attend to the vessel should it start drifting or to assist divers back onboard after the dive.