69-9-401 - Display, use and illumination of divers-down flags.

69-9-401. Display, use and illumination of divers-down flags.

(a)  All divers shall prominently display a divers-down flag in the area in which they are diving when diving in an area other than one customarily used for swimming only.

(b)  Divers shall not display a divers-down flag any longer than thirty (30) minutes before and after the dive.

(c)  Divers shall surface within fifty feet (50¢) of the divers-down flag.

(d)  When diving after dusk, divers shall illuminate the divers-down flag to make it visible from at least three hundred feet (300¢).

(e)  No one shall use a divers-down flag to stop, limit, or otherwise affect the flow of water traffic.

(f)  Violations of this section shall be punished as follows:

     (1)  First offense, a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00);

     (2)  Second offense, a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00); and

     (3)  Third offense, a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and up to six (6) months imprisonment.

[Acts 1984, ch. 732, § 2; T.C.A. § 69-10-401.]