What signaling method indicates that a diver is down at the surface?

• A. Only yell from the surface to summon divers.
• B. Use a dive flag/woggle to indicate diver down.
• C. Ignore signaling because divers communicate underwater.
• D. Rely on radio communication.

Answer: (B)

When divers are down, surface signaling should clearly indicate their presence to boats and other water users. The standard, reliable way is to display a dive flag, or attach a flag to a surface marker buoy, so the location is visible from a distance and boats know to stay clear. The diver-down flag is typically a red flag with a white diagonal stripe, a universally recognized signal that divers are below and work is ongoing. This method works even if voices can’t be heard or radios aren’t available, making it the safest and most effective way to communicate the down-diver status. Yelling from the surface can be missed, radios depend on equipment and range, and ignoring signaling creates real risk, so the flag method is preferred.