CHAPTER 9. DIVERS
IC 14-15-9
Chapter 9. Divers
IC 14-15-9-1
"Diver" defined
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "diver" means an individual who
is:
(1) wholly or partially submerged in any water of Indiana; and
(2) equipped with:
(A) a face mask and snorkel; or
(B) an underwater breathing apparatus.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
IC 14-15-9-2
"Divers down flag" defined
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "divers down flag" means a flag
that:
(1) is at least twelve (12) inches wide by twelve (12) inches
high;
(2) is square or rectangular, approximately four (4) units high
by five (5) units long; and
(3) has a white diagonal stripe on a red background that begins
at the top staff side of the flag and extends diagonally to the
opposite lower corner.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
IC 14-15-9-3
"Underwater breathing apparatus" defined
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "underwater breathing apparatus"
means an apparatus, whether:
(1) self contained; or
(2) connected to a distant source of air or other gas;
that enables an individual wholly or partially submerged in water to
obtain or reuse air or any other gas for breathing without returning
to the surface of the water.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
IC 14-15-9-4
Display of divers down flag
Sec. 4. (a) A diver shall prominently display a divers down flag
in the area in which the diving occurs, except when diving in an area
customarily used for swimming only.
(b) The divers down flag:
(1) must be free flying; and
(2) shall be lowered when all divers are aboard or ashore.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
IC 14-15-9-5
Operation of watercraft within 150 feet of divers down flag;
objects in water within 100 feet of divers down flag; supporting
watercraft
Sec. 5. (a) A person may not operate a watercraft within one
hundred fifty (150) feet of a divers down flag unless the watercraft
is directly involved in supporting the diver who is displaying the flag.
(b) A person may not put an object in the water within one
hundred (100) feet of a divers down flag unless the object is used in
supporting a diver who is displaying the flag.
(c) A watercraft that is involved in supporting the diver who is
displaying the divers down flag shall remain within one hundred
(100) feet of the flag.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
IC 14-15-9-6
Diving within 150 feet of anchored watercraft
Sec. 6. A diver may not dive or display a divers down flag within
one hundred fifty (150) feet of an anchored watercraft unless the
watercraft is directly involved in supporting the diver.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
IC 14-15-9-7
Surfacing within 100 feet of divers down flag
Sec. 7. (a) Except during an emergency, a diver shall surface
within one hundred (100) feet of the divers down flag displayed for
the diver.
(b) If:
(1) a diver surfaces at a distance greater than one hundred (100)
feet from the divers down flag displayed for the diver; and
(2) the diver is injured by a watercraft while surfacing;
the operator of the watercraft is not liable for the injury to the diver
unless the operator was negligent in the operation of the watercraft.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
IC 14-15-9-8
Violations
Sec. 8. A person who violates section 4, 5, 6, or 7(a) of this
chapter commits a Class C misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.