What is the primary purpose of a dive flag?

The primary purpose of a dive flag is to indicate the presence of divers underwater. When a dive flag is displayed, it serves as a safety measure, alerting boat operators and other watercraft to the fact that divers are in the vicinity. This is crucial for preventing accidents, as boats may not be aware of underwater activities without such a signal. The flag helps ensure that divers are protected from potential hazards, such as boat traffic, by making their presence known.

While a dive flag could potentially be used to decorate a dive boat, signal changes in dive plans, or identify a dive location, these are not its primary functions. The essential role of the dive flag is safety, promoting awareness among all individuals in the area involved in the water activities.