Question

When you see a red flag with a white diagonal stripe (divers down flag), you must do what?

1) Slow to idle speed if you must come within _ feet of the flag in a channel
2) Go no faster than idle speed when operating within 300 feet of the flag in open water
3) Option 3
4) Option 4

Answer 1

Upon seeing a divers down flag, you must slow to idle speed near the flag in a channel and maintain idle speed within 300 feet in open water to ensure the safety of divers.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you see a red flag with a white diagonal stripe, commonly known as a divers down flag, specific maritime laws require you to slow down or take certain precautions to ensure the safety of divers in the area. While specific regulations may vary by location, generally you should:

• Slow to idle speed if you must come within a certain number of feet of the flag in a channel. The exact distance can vary by local regulations, but typically it's in the range of 60 to 100 feet.
• Maintain a speed of no faster than idle speed when operating within 300 feet of the flag in open water. This gives divers a safe space to surface without the risk of being struck by a boat.

These precautions are crucial for diver safety and are enforced to prevent potential injuries or fatalities in waters where diving activity is occurring. They are akin to the rules of the road, such as stopping at a red traffic light, even in the event of an emergency where breaking the rule could theoretically increase utility, as posited by rule utilitarianism (RU).