Texas § PW.31.1021 - OPERATING VESSELS IN SCUBA DIVING OR SNORKELING AREAS
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § PW.31.1021 — OPERATING VESSELS IN SCUBA DIVING OR SNORKELING AREAS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ PW.31.1021. OPERATING VESSELS IN SCUBA DIVING OR SNORKELING AREAS
OPERATING VESSELS IN SCUBA DIVING OR SNORKELING AREAS. (a) No person may operate a vessel within 50 feet of a buoy or of another vessel displaying a "diver down" flag that marks an area in which a person is scuba diving or snorkeling. (b) No person may operate a vessel at a speed greater than the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerageway and headway while the vessel is within 150 feet of a buoy or a vessel displaying a "diver down" flag that marks an area in which a person is scuba diving or snorkeling. (c) To be entitled to the protections of this section, a scuba diver or snorkeler must prominently display a "diver down" flag from a buoy or vessel. (d) This section does not apply: (1) to a person who is operating a patrol or rescue craft; or (2) in an emergency. (e) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply: (1) to a person who is already operating a vessel in an area when another person displays a "diver down" flag within 150 feet of that vessel; (2) to a person who is operating a vessel in a waterway that is less than 300 feet wide; or (3) to a person who has permission to enter the area from the person who placed the buoy or the person who is operating the vessel displaying the "diver down" flag. (f) In this section, "'diver down' flag" means a square or rectangular red flag, at least 15 inches by 15 inches, that has a diagonal white stripe. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1146, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 226, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § PW.31.1021
What does The Texas Constitution § PW.31.1021 cover?
Section PW.31.1021 ("OPERATING VESSELS IN SCUBA DIVING OR SNORKELING AREAS") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § PW.31.1021?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § PW.31.1021" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § PW.31.1021 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.