Mariner's Guide to Nautical Information
  • Home
    • Purchasing
    • Reviews
  • Updates
  • New Links
  • New Publications
    • Articles
  • Blog
  • More . . .
    • Corrections
    • Contact
    • About the Author

Fly those flags correctly, please.

6/29/2012

0 Comments

 
Flag etiquette may seem to be an old-fashioned concept, but even today there are guidelines for the proper display of flags aboard a boat. The purpose of the guidelines is to give each flag the respect it deserves by flying it in the proper position and to show respect for maritime traditions. The national flag (also called the ensign) of the country receives the place of honor: it may be flown on a stern staff on all boats, or two-thirds up the leech of the aftermost sail of a sailboat. In most countries, the correct national ensign is that of the country where the boat is registered, not the national flag of the skipper’s homeland, if it differs from the country of registry. The ensign should be in good condition; replace a faded or tattered flag. In some countries it is customary to display the ensign when the vessel is moored or at anchor only from 8:00 a.m. until sunset (or some particular evening time, such as 9:00 p.m.). Flags are flown continually when the vessel is underway. Where do you fly other flags, such as a yacht club or cruising club burgee, a courtesy ensign, or a “fun flag”?  The website of the U.S. Power Squadron (www.usps.org) has guidelines for the proper display of flags on U.S.-registered vessels. The UK RYA (Royal Yachting Association, www.rya.org.uk) has a good booklet on “flag etiquette and visual signals” as they apply to both UK-registered vessels and vessels of other countries. The websites of boating organizations in other countries may have flag display guidelines for vessels registered in the particular country.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Priscilla Travis spends more than 110 days each year on the water, takes photos, and writes about nautical topics.

    Archives

    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    November 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012

    Categories

    All
    Compass
    Crew & Health
    Education And Training
    Electronics
    Lines & Knots
    Maintenance
    Miscellaneous
    Navigation
    Navigation Rules
    Navigation Rules
    Radio
    Safety
    Seamanship
    Spoken Language

    RSS Feed

DISCLAIMER: The information and advice on this website constitutes personal opinion, and must be understood as such. It’s offered to enhance public knowledge and promote a better understanding of nautical topics. It must never be considered a substitute for professional legal, medical, safety, or other advice.