Question to Divers

[Peter J]

Can any divers on the forum tell me - do you have to be qualified to be the bloke in the boat when the divers are below?

My son has just passed his PADI something or other and his mate is just about to take it. Can I take them out diving? I guess I need some kind of flag?

[Louise]

Originally Posted by Peter J

I guess I need some kind of flag?

The flag you need is the International Maritime Signal flag for the letter 'A'. It is blue and white and can be seen here .

Sorry I can't help you about qualifications but someone here will!

[MarkWildey]

Peter

You need to have the minimum qualifications that you need to drive a boat; which is none.

The only thing I would do is check your insurance so see if there are any restrictions, which I doubt there are.

Oh yeah. An 'A' flag, big as possible and high as possible so boats can see you.

Cheers

Mark ( ex(ish) diver )

[ashbypower]

Peter, Louise is spot on definatly an "A" flag, however be prepared for some water users Not understanding it's meaning. Quals, Non are required just as Non required to buy and use a boat. Insurance however, you need to check your policy, as some do not include "People in the water" unless it's a MOB situation.

Good luck and Trust he enjoy's the world of diving.

[Nick Hearne]

A loud haler to shout at other boats that do not know what a A flag is!
Nick

[Rene]

I would just like to ad some simple common sence (I hope it's not needed)

When diving with new divers, have them go down the anchor line, so they have a reference line to follow.

Do help them remember to bring a surface marking. Also so you know where they are.

If they AND you decide that they can swim away from the boat, and you the pick up the anchor, follow the surface marking, but in som 50 / 100 meters away. so you don't run them over. (After some practice you might be able to follow the bubbles, but only in calm weather).

Decide on a time, when they should be back in the boat, so you know when to call for help if they don't show up.

Try to think of a way for you to contact them, so you could call them to the surface in case of problems. (try to pull on the surface marking )

Don't have the engine running when picking up divers (or any other persons from the water)

This was my advice for now

Safe diving and driving
Rene

[Simon Hawkins]

Originally Posted by Peter J

Can any divers on the forum tell me - do you have to be qualified to be the bloke in the boat when the divers are below?

My son has just passed his PADI something or other and his mate is just about to take it. Can I take them out diving? I guess I need some kind of flag?

I suppose if the divers are paying for the dive then the vessell taking then to the dive site could be classed as a commercial vessell carrying paying passengers. If this is the case then you will have to have your commercial endorsement, plus the vessell will have to be coded my the MCA for categorised waters or Local Authority for non categorised waters.


Simon

[Simon Hawkins]

Just to add to my last post if diving at night then you should show a red white red lights on top of one another.

Simon

[Andy Gee]

Originally Posted by Peter J

Can any divers on the forum tell me - do you have to be qualified to be the bloke in the boat when the divers are below?

My son has just passed his PADI something or other and his mate is just about to take it. Can I take them out diving? I guess I need some kind of flag?

Its also worth noting that you should call the coastguard prior to putting divers in the water with your position, number of divers, number of crew and then call them again upon completion i.e all divers back on board.
If you are diving in an area controlled by port operations, up here its Clydeport, give them a call on their working channel again its channel 12 (Clydeport Estuary Control) and give then the same info.
"A" flag is essential but try to get as big a one as possable and dont rely on other water users knowing what it means, so be prepared to call, shout, make rude gestures.
The main thing to remember is that you are there to "protect" the divers in the water by giving surface support.
Andy

[Nemo]

Pete

when divers are in the water be prepared to use the boat as protection(by getting in the way and shouting and gestures etc) as most other boaters dont know the meaning af an a flag.

Happy diving

Nemo.