1. A. Exception. The provisions of this regulation do not apply to professional skin or scuba divers:

   1. (1) Engaged in demolition, salvage, construction, rescue, or repair work during the regular course of business; and
   2. (2) Who are registered with the Lake manager.

2. B. Skin and scuba diving is permitted in all areas of the Lake except:

   1. (1) Restricted areas which are:

      1. (a) Above the dam, and
      2. (b) Around the intake tower;
   2. (2) Heavily traveled boat lanes;
   3. (3) Narrow channels; and
   4. (4) Areas where visibility is obscured.

3. C. Diver Down Flag.

   1. (1) A person may not skin or scuba dive in waters of the Lake unless the diving area is marked by one diver down flag displayed at all times while a diver is in the water.

   2. (2) Flag Requirements. A flag shall:

      1. (a) Have a red field with a diagonal stripe not less than 1-1/2 inches wide running upper left to lower right;
      2. (b) Have dimensions not less than 10 inches x 10 inches;
      3. (c) Have the top visible at least 3 feet above the surface of the water;
      4. (d) Be anchored and affixed to a separate flotation device;
      5. (e) Have no attachment to any vessel or navigational device; and
      6. (f) Have placement that avoids and does not obstruct boat traffic.
   3. (3) A diver shall surface within 100 feet of the diver down flag marking that diver's area.

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§8-703.2 and 8-738, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date:

Regulations .01—.11 adopted as an emergency provision effective May 15, 1997 (24:12 Md. R. 857); emergency status extended at 24:24 Md. R. 1668 and 25:9 Md. R. 676

Regulations .01—.11 adopted effective May 18, 1998 (25:10 Md. R. 746)