When tending a diver, what precaution should be taken?

When tending a diver, what precaution should be taken?

• A. Put out flags
• B. Use a water-ski horn to warn divers
• C. Increase speed to pass by quickly
• D. Do nothing special

Answer: (A)

Displaying a marker flag signals to all other vessels that a diver is in the water, which helps prevent dangerous encounters like propeller strikes. The diver-down flag clearly marks the dive area and gives approaching boats time to slow down and steer clear. Using a horn isn’t a standardized or reliable warning in this situation, and speeding to pass quickly increases risk to the diver. The safest practice is to keep the tender’s engine at idle or very slow pace, maintain a safe distance, and coordinate with the diver using clear hand signals while the flag is visible.

Displaying a marker flag signals to all other vessels that a diver is in the water, which helps prevent dangerous encounters like propeller strikes. The diver-down flag clearly marks the dive area and gives approaching boats time to slow down and steer clear. Using a horn isn’t a standardized or reliable warning in this situation, and speeding to pass quickly increases risk to the diver. The safest practice is to keep the tender’s engine at idle or very slow pace, maintain a safe distance, and coordinate with the diver using clear hand signals while the flag is visible.