What Does a White Flag on a Boat Mean?

COMMON ONE FLAG SIGNALS. The red-and-white flag and 'Alpha' or 'Alfa' flag both mean 'I have a diver. down; keep well clear at slow speed' Image: Michael Harpur. The diver down flag, or scuba flag, is used on the water to indicate that there is a diver below.

What do different boat flags mean?

Solo or combined, nautical flags convey meaning.

The combination of the D (Delta) and V (Victor) flags, meanwhile, means “I'm maneuvering with difficulty and require assistance.” The J (Juliet) and L (Lima) flags mean “you're running the risk of going aground.”

What does a red and white flag mean on a ship?

The red flag with white diagonal stripe, while not international, is commonly used to indicate a diver in the water. Many states now require this flag. It is usually exhibited on a float to mark the diver's approximate location whereas the "A" flag should be used on the vessel.