Some regions require the use of a dive flag by law.

The stiffeners prevent the flag from folding when there is no wind, while fabric-covered inner-tubes offer the best buoyancy and a way to tow accessories you’d rather not carry. Other optional items and features include a flag-stiffener and an inner-tube with a fabric cover.

A reel to store your line neatly and safely so you don’t get entangled.

A line so that you can tow the flag and float when you are on your dive.

A buoyant float that will hold the flag and staff and won’t flip over.

A pole that holds the flag high enough for boaters to see it, even above any waves.

Select a flag that is either the red-and-white flag, the blue and white “Alpha” flag, or both, depending on local regulations. When choosing a dive flag, it’s important to make sure it will be recognized in the area you will be diving. As you’re moving through the water, dive flags and floats not only allow your surface support to see where you are at all times, they also warn any other water traffic (such as boats or Jet Ski users) that you’re diving in the area and may be near the surface. In drift diving, the current controls your speed and allows you to glide through the water much more quickly than you would on a typical dive – so you’ll also be covering a lot more territory. Before you venture out to try drift diving, make sure you’re prepared with the right flag and float.

It can be a dangerous experience, however, without the necessary safety equipment. Drift diving offers scuba divers a truly unique experience in which they get to feel as though they’re flying through water.

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