§ 46-22-24. Scuba divers, skin diving, or snorkeling — Warning flags.
(a) Any person scuba diving, skin diving, or snorkeling in an area where power or motor boats are operated, shall place a warning flag on a buoy at a place of his or her submergence, the flag to be at least twelve by twelve inches (12" X 12") with a white stripe running from the diagonal corners which stripe shall be one quarter (¼) as wide as the flag, or conspicuously flown upon a boat which he or she is then using in the area, in which case the flag shall be at least eighteen by eighteen inches (18" X 18") and with a white stripe running from one upper corner to a diagonal lower corner, which stripe shall be one quarter (¼) as wide as the flag itself. The flag shall be in place only while diving operations are in progress and, during the hours between sunset and sunrise, this flag shall be illuminated by a light shining on the flag. Motorboats shall not be operated within fifty feet (50′) of any flag as above described. No person shall be in violation of this section if he or she travels within fifty feet (50′) of a scuba diver or snorkeler who is in fact obstructing navigation.
(b) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00).
(c) However, any person using the above scuba diving, snorkel diving, or skin diving flag with the intention of obstructing navigation shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall also be subject to a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00).
History of Section.P.L. 1973, ch. 112, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 233, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 186, § 2.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 46 - Waters and Navigation
Chapter 46-22 - Regulation of Boats
Section 46-22-1. - Declaration of policy.
Section 46-22-2. - Definitions.
Section 46-22-3. - Operation of unnumbered motorboats prohibited.
Section 46-22-4. - Identification number and registration fee.
Section 46-22-5. - Classification and required equipment.
Section 46-22-6. - Exemption from numbering provisions of this chapter.
Section 46-22-7. - Boat liveries.
Section 46-22-8. - Muffling devices.
Section 46-22-9. - Prohibited operation.
Section 46-22-9.1. - Houseboats — Exclusion from coastal ponds.
Section 46-22-9.2. - Flotation devices — Children.
Section 46-22-9.3. - Operating so as to endanger, resulting in death.
Section 46-22-9.4. - Operating so as to endanger, resulting in personal injury.
Section 46-22-9.5. - Speeding.
Section 46-22-9.6. - False distress or hoax calls.
Section 46-22-9.7. - Marine safety zones.
Section 46-22-9.8. - Certificate of boating safety education.
Section 46-22-10. - Collisions, accidents, and casualties.
Section 46-22-11. - Transmittal of information.
Section 46-22-12. - Water skis and surfboards.
Section 46-22-13. - Regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions.
Section 46-22-13.1. - Marine safety zones.
Section 46-22-13.2. - Bridge safety.
Section 46-22-14. - Local regulation.
Section 46-22-15. - Owner’s civil liability.
Section 46-22-15.2. - Service on nonresident.
Section 46-22-15.3. - Process fees as costs — Record of process.
Section 46-22-16. - Boat manufacturers and dealers.
Section 46-22-17. - Enforcement.
Section 46-22-17.1. - Enforcement power of employees of the department of environmental management.
Section 46-22-17.2. - Prosecution of violations.
Section 46-22-17.3. - Refusal to stop on order or command.
Section 46-22-19. - Penalties.
Section 46-22-20. - Severability.
Section 46-22-21. - Reporting of accidents, casualty, vandalism, and thefts.
Section 46-22-22. - Owner required to make written reports.
Section 46-22-23. - Maximum speed within the city of Warwick.
Section 46-22-24. - Scuba divers, skin diving, or snorkeling — Warning flags.