§ 69-9-402. Location, Measurements and Illumination of Divers-Down Flags
Any boats used as diver stations, diver support boats, or diver supply boats shall display the divers-down flag from their mast or flag staff during the dive. The divers-down flags shall be no smaller than twenty inches (20″) by twenty-four inches (24″). Divers not associated with the boats shall display a divers-down flag no smaller […]
§ 69-9-403. Restricted and No-Wake Zones
No boat shall come any closer than fifty feet (50′) to any divers-down flag and shall treat the area within two hundred feet (200′) of a divers-down flag as a no wake zone. This section shall not apply to a boat used as a diver station, diver support, or diver supply boat. Violations of this […]
§ 69-9-404. International Code Flag Alpha
The international code flag Alpha shall be used in the manner set out in § 69-9-402 by boats sending air or other gases to a diver through an air hose. Such use shall be in addition to any other coast guard approved use of this flag. The divers-down flag shall not be used in lieu […]
§ 69-9-405. When International Rules Govern
In the event that this part is inconsistent with the international rules of navigation, the international rules of navigation shall govern the inconsistency, but the other provisions of this part shall remain in force.
§ 69-9-501. “Personal Watercraft” Defined
As used in this part, “personal watercraft” means a mechanically propelled vessel that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel rather than being operated in a conventional manner by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling inside the vessel. It includes, but is not limited to, Jet Skis, […]
§ 69-9-502. Flotation Devices
A person may not operate a personal watercraft on the waters of Tennessee unless each person aboard the vessel, or being towed by the vessel, is wearing a United States coast guard (USCG) approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device in accordance with the USCG approval label.
§ 69-9-503. Engine Cutoff Switches
A person operating a personal watercraft on the waters of Tennessee shall have a lanyard type engine cutoff switch and must attach the lanyard to the person, clothing, or personal flotation device as is appropriate. Subsection (a) shall not apply to a person operating a personal watercraft that was not equipped with a lanyard type […]
§ 69-9-504. Safe Operating Requirements — Prohibited Maneuvers — Warning Flags
A personal watercraft shall at all times be operated on the waters of Tennessee in a reasonable and prudent manner. Maneuvers that endanger life, limb, or property, or create a public nuisance shall constitute reckless operation of a vessel as provided in § 69-9-216(a) and shall be punished upon conviction as provided in § 69-9-219. […]
§ 69-9-306. Violations — Penalties
A violation of this part is a Class C misdemeanor.
§ 69-9-401. Display, Use and Illumination of Divers-Down Flags
All divers shall prominently display a divers-down flag in the area in which they are diving when diving in an area other than one customarily used for swimming only. Divers shall not display a divers-down flag any longer than thirty (30) minutes before and after the dive. Divers shall surface within fifty feet (50′) of […]