Page 29 - Experience Oregon Boating Handbook

Water Skiing Signals increases, it becomes more important for both boaters and
divers to take special precautions.
Slower Slower Faster Faster
Federal law requires that scuba divers or snorkelers on
OK federally controlled waters display the alpha diver-down flag to
mark their diving area. Two types of flags are used to indicate
diving activity:

1 Meter

Fallen Skier Back To Dock OR 234 AA
Watch Out
ALPHA FLAG
THE
DIVERS FLAG

Turn Left Speed OK Stop Turn Right • A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alpha flag),
at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) high and visible from all directions
4. Towed persons are considered on board the tow boat. must be displayed on vessels whenever these vessels are
Therefore, children ages 12 and under on water skis or restricted in their ability to maneuver by the diving operation.
“biscuits”must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving
jackets. activity.

5. A PWC must have a three-person capacity to carry the • A rectangular red flag, at least 15 x 15 inches, with a
operator, observer and person being towed. white diagonal stripe is used to indicate the presence
of a submerged diver in the area. Display of this flag is
The operator and/or skier must not operate: recommended and does not in itself restrict the use of the
water; however, boaters should always use caution and slow
1. In a manner endangering the safety of persons or to a slow no-wake speed when operating within 200 feet of a
property; displayed flag.

2. Under the influence of intoxicating alchohol or drugs As a vessel operator, you should:
(BUII).
• Be able to recognize a diver-down flag.
Here are some good tips for skiers: • Stay 200 feet away from a diver-down flag. Do not drive your

• Always keep an eye on the water ahead of you. boat between a diver-down flag and a nearby shore.
• If you fall, hold up a ski or arm to signal to the boat • Watch out for divers surfacing when you see a diver-down

operator you’re“o.k.” flag. Bubbles may indicate that a diver is below.
• When landing, come in parallel to the shore at low speed.
• Falls are inevitable– and it’s a practical way to stop! Simply Sailboarding
Sailboarding is a very exciting activity and Oregon boasts
let go of the tow line and sit down in the water. If you some of the best conditions in the nation for competitive
know you are going to fall sideways, curl up into a ball sailboarding, especially in the Columbia River Gorge.
before you hit the water. Always be sure to throw the tow
bar well clear to avoid becoming tangled in the rope. As with any physically demanding activity, sailboarders
need to take certain precautions to avoid injury:
Things skiers shouldn’t do: • Beginners should learn how to sailboard from a qualified

• Don’t ski in shallow water or near swimmers; instructor on a small, relatively calm body of water.
• Don’t wrap the rope around any part of the body; • Never sail alone.
• Don’t ski at night; • Life jackets should be worn on a sailboard. Hypothermia is
• Don’t yell the command,“hit it”until the rope is taught
a serious threat to sailboarders. The Marine Board strongly
and you’re ready to be pulled. recommends wearing a wetsuit in water less than 70°F.
• Always use a mast leash, connecting the sail and the board.
SCUBA Diving Should the sail board separate, the fallen sail will keep the
SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing board from drifting away.
Apparatus) diving is a popular sport, and divers can be • Sailboards are considered boats and must follow the
found in the same areas as boaters. As diving’s popularity navigation rules of the road. Sailboards are exempt from
life jacket requirments and the AIS permit. Usually non-
motorized boats have the right-of-way over motorboats.
However, a sailboard does not have the right-of-way when
overtaking a motorboat.
• Sailboards must also yield to large commercial vessels
confined to the navigation channel.

45