sailboat mast flag

• What flags to fly and where to put them on your boat

For many a recreational sailor, the same questions come to mind every year. Where should I place the flag? And how big should it be? Can I fly the national flag? At sea you’ll often come across a less experienced crew, who seem to have fully-dressed the boat, having decorated it with flags like a Christmas tree. So let's clear up the issue. It never hurts to go over the basic principles, which are actually very simple. So where does which flag belong and what do they mean?

The place at the stern of a yacht is reserved exclusively for one thing: 

The Ensign (the national flag of the country under which the boat is registered)

This is the most important flag, which says the most about the boat and crew. This is because ships have the nationality of the state whose flag they fly under (this right is granted by the state together with the issuing of the relevant documents). Ships are then subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of that state on the high seas (which, of course, results in a number of interesting situations). Please note that on coastal seas, the law of the state whose waters you pass through also applies to the vessel. 

Where is it flown?  

At the stern, ideally on the flagpole (pushpit) or on the stern forestay (flying the flag depends on whether the ship is sailing or mooring). And it must be the largest flag on the ship

This flag should be flown in the correct manner from sunrise to sunset. It must always be hoisted first and lowered last. No other flag may be flown unless the national flag (ensign) is also flown.

How big should the flag be? According to the decree, the flag (if it is the ensign of a boat) should, for example, have a size of 0.75 x 0.50 m (on a recreational yacht).

Don't overlook other useful tips:

The starboard spreader.

The starboard spreader is reserved for courtesy flags. They are flown immediately after the ensign and lowered last before it. What flags should they commonly be?

 The flag of the state in whose waters you are sailing

It is placed under the starboard spreader and it isn’t just a courtesy to do so, it is a duty.

However, if you are sailing in Croatia on a Croatian ship, there is no need to fly a courtesy flag.

Boat owner’s flag

The yacht owner can also fly their own national flag on the boat. It can be placed on the starboard spreader, but if the owner deems it appropriate it can be flown on the port side, as it is a flag of lower importance (than the ensign).

The spreader is a mast reinforcement (between the mast and the shroud). It is placed on the mast perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ship (or points slightly to the stern) and is at right angles to the mast.

The Port Spreader

All other flags are flown under the port spreader. So what are the other flags you can fly on the yacht?

Signal flags

Your national flag

Yes, right here is the place for your own national flag when sailing in Croatia on a Croatian boat.

A burgee is a flag bearing the colours or emblem of a sailing club and should be flown from the main masthead. If this isn’t feasible it should be below the port spreader.

Flags of the nationalities of the crew members

Flags of the countries you’ve visited during the voyage, etc..

How large can the other flags be? They should always be smaller than the ensign. 

Special flags and occasions

Can i fly a pirate flag .

The international agreement UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) speaks for itself. Stateless ships, ships flying a foreign flag and ships refusing to fly their ensign may be detained and inspected by warships or civil service ships, even on the high seas.

So if you are flying under a pirate flag out of ignorance or innate rebellion :) (i.e. you hang it on the place where the ensign belongs) you definitely risk an interesting experience. But also be careful not to hang in less risky places, for example, where the burgee should be as there are places and ports where you could get a pretty hefty fine.

How to greet other boats with the flag?

A sharp shot from a cannon is a thing of the past. When ships meet, instead of a verbal greeting you dip the ensign. And after the same response from the other boat it can be raised again. But who greets who first? A merchant ship is first when meeting a warship, a smaller vessel of the same flag when greeting a larger one and when two merchant ships of the same type meet, it is the one with the more junior commanding officer.

When ships meet on the high seas, it is customary to add a port salute. Dipping the flag is accompanied by three prolonged blasts of the horn and the same response is acknowledged with one short blast.

Do you know what dressing the ship is? 

Dressing the ship consists of flying national flags on top of the masts and stringing signal flags over the tops of the masts to connect the bow and stern.

When is dressing done? It is a sign of celebration and is done on national holidays. However it can it can be done in a lesser way at the order of the ship's captain on special occasions. The national flags are again placed on the tops of the masts accompanied by flying at least four signal flags from both ends of the mast boom.

Would you also like to set sail and enjoy an adventure at sea? Whether you want to sail under the Croatian, Italian or Greek flags, you’ll find everything you need with us.

Our sailboat offer:

Contact us to get the best deal.

Denisa Nguyenová

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• Boat flag etiquette

Flag etiquette has been transmitted to us by generations of mariners. Although not often appropriately respected these days, especially not by charterers, we might add, observing flag etiquette can provide some pride of perpetuating a very old tradition as well as some fun. We will not get into deep details and purist fanaticism. However, we will try to show charterers the minimum that is expected for basic respect of rules.

Therefore, we will only talk here about 4 main flags, potentially used by charterers and charter boat owners: the Ensign or the National flag; the club burgee; the Private Signal; and the Courtesy Flags.

Boats should fly the National Flag. Most pleasure boats in US waters have a choice of 2.

The yacht ensign, with its fouled anchor over a circle of 13 stars, the "Betsy Ross" flag. Originally restricted to documented vessels only, it is now commonly flown on recreational boats of all types and sizes instead of the National Flag (see picture).

The 50-star flag "Old Glory" you are familiar with.

The appropriate time to fly the ensign is from 0800 to sunset, except when racing. It is also important to take the flag down prior to leaving the yacht if the ship will be unmanned at the time of sunset.

However, whenever a boat is taken into international or foreign waters, the 50-star U.S. ensign is the proper flag to fly and the yacht ensign cannot to be displayed . In other words, if you own a US boat in the British Virgin Islands, you should not fly the Ensign, but the National Flag.

Boats today fly the ensign from the stern, which provides the best visibility, but it can also be flown from the leech of the most aftersail. When flown from the stern, it should be on a staff (pole) that is sufficiently long and angled, and that is offset to one side (traditionally the starboard side), so the flag flies clear of engine exhaust and rigging.

It is a small flag displaying the symbol of the skipper's yacht club or other sailing organization. It may be flown day and night.

Most people opt to fly the burgee lower in the rig, hoisted to the end of the lowest starboard spreader on a thin flag halyard. While purists rail this practice, it is an accepted adaptation of another tradition, which is that the starboard rigging is a position of honor (when you visit a foreign port, that's where we fly the host country's flag). Besides being reasonable, flying the burgee in the starboard rigging is such a widespread custom that to try to end it would be close to impossible.

Private Signal

It is a small, custom-designed and custom-made flag that carries symbols standing for the owner, so it can basically be anything. The signal may be flown day or night, but is not displayed when another sailor is in command. (The rule is: the private signal and burgee follow the sailor, not the boat.)

On a multi-masted boat, the private signal is flown at the head of the aftermost mast. On a sloop, the private signal may be flown from the starboard rigging, either below the burgee or alone.

Courtesy Flags

As a matter of courtesy, it is appropriate to fly the flag of a foreign nation on your boat when you enter and operate on its waters. There are only a limited number of positions from which flags may be displayed. Therefore, when a flag of another nation is flown, it usually must displace one of the flags displayed in home waters. However, it is hoisted only after the appropriate authorities have granted clearance. Until clearance is obtained, a boat must fly the yellow "Q" flag . All charter boats should carry the national flags of neighboring islands as well as the yellow flag, in case charterers want to visit those islands.

The courtesy flag is flown at the boat's starboard spreader, whether the United States ensign is at the stern staff, or flown from the leech. If there is more than one mast, the courtesy flag is flown from the starboard spreader of the forward mast.

As a side note, some authorities are not amused at all if you fly their courtesy flag using an old, raggy flag. Some will even fine you for disrespect! It happened to a friend of mine who was chartering in Turkey.

Lastly, it is also a common courtesy to fly the national flag(s) of your guest(s) on board, if they have a different nationality than the ensign is showing.

Flags' Dimensions

Flags come in standardized sizes, but there are guidelines about selecting the proper size for your boat.

The size of a nautical flag is determined by the size of the boat that flies it. Flags are more often too small than too large. So in the rules below, round upward to the nearestlarger standard size.

The flag at the stern of your boat: U.S. ensign or national flag should be about one inch for each foot of overall length. For example, on a 40ft. boat, the ensign should be 40 in. i.e. about 3.5ft.

Other flags, such as club burgees, private signals and courtesy flags used on sailboats should be approximately 1/2 inch for each foot of the highest mast above the water. For example, on a 30ft. boat, with 50ft. between the masthead and the water, the burgee should be about 25 in. The shape and proportions of pennants and burgees will be prescribed by the organization which they relate to.

Raising and Lowering Flags

Fly the ensign from morning (8:00 a.m.) to evening (sunset) whether the boat is at rest, under sail, or under power. The exception to this rule is: The ensign is not flown by a boat in a race, which signals to other boats that you are racing.

To prevent wear and tear, the flag may not be flown when out of sight of other vessels or when nobody is aboard. The flag is flown while entering or leaving a port, even at night. For purists: In the morning, the ensign is hoisted rapidly before other flags. In the evening, it is lowered slowly and with ceremony after other flags come down.

Additional sources:  Seaflags http://www.usps.org/f_stuff/etiquett.html

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• Sailboat Flag Etiquette

Sailboat Flag Etiquette: What You Need to Know

Sailboat flag etiquette is steeped in maritime tradition and enshrined in law. If you're new to the world of sailing, you may have wondered about the various flags that you see flying on other sailboats or that you are expected to fly on your own. What do they mean? How should they be displayed? What are the rules and traditions that govern them?

An experienced sailboat skipper will know that flag etiquette is a way of showing respect, courtesy and recognition to other vessels, countries and organizations.

It also helps you communicate important information, such as your nationality, your club affiliation, your intentions or your distress.

For the less experienced we'll explain the basics of sailboat flag etiquette and how it should be applied in practice:

• The types of flags that you can fly on your boat;
• The sizes and positions of the flags;
• The occasions and situations when you should fly certain flags;
• The common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid when flying flags.

The skipper of the Bowman 57 staysail ketch shown here is correctly flying a burgee (the Flying Fish burgee of the Ocean Cruising Club ) from the port spreader, and a courtesy ensign (of Spain in this case) from the starboard spreader.

The ensign, in this case that of the Republic of Ireland, is flown from a flag halyard from the mizzen mast to the end of the mizzon boom. Alternatively the ensign could be flown from a staff attached to the taffrail.

The Types of Flags

There are many types of flags that you can fly on your boat, but the most common ones are:

• The ensign: This is the flag that shows the country of registry of your boat and indicates its nationality. It is usually flown at the stern of the boat, as close as possible to the waterline. It is the most senior position for a flag on a boat and it should always be larger than any other flag. A UK flagged boat (sail or power) must wear the national maritime flag, the Red Ensign, unless entitled to wear a special ensign.

• The burgee: This is the flag that shows the yacht club or association that you belong to. It is usually flown at the main masthead of the boat above any other flag, but can be flown from the port spreader unless otherwise stipulated under a special warrant. 
• The courtesy flag: This is the flag that shows the national flag of the country that you are visiting or whose waters you are sailing in. It is a sign of respect and goodwill to the host country and it should be flown at the starboard spreader. It should be hoisted as soon as you enter foreign waters and lowered as soon as you leave them.
• The Q flag: This is a yellow flag that indicates that you are requesting clearance from the local authorities when entering a foreign port. It is also flown at the starboard spreader of the boat, below the courtesy flag if there is one. It should be hoisted before you enter the port and lowered after you have been cleared.
• The signal flags: These are flags that have specific meanings in the International Code of Signals. They can be used to spell out messages or to convey information such as your position, your course, your speed, your intentions or your distress. They can be flown individually or in combinations at various locations on the boat.
• The private signal: This is a personal or family flag that has no official meaning or recognition. It can be flown at the port spreader of the boat, below any other flag. It is optional and purely decorative.

The Sizes and Positions of the Flags

The sizes and positions of the flags on your boat are important for both aesthetic and practical reasons. They should be proportionate to your boat size, visible from a distance and clear from any obstruction.

The general rules for sizing and positioning flags are:

• The ensign should be one inch on the fly (the length) for every foot of overall length of your boat. It should be flown on the stern staff or on a gaff if there is one.

• The burgee should be half an inch on the fly for every foot of overall length of your sailboat or five-eighths of an inch for every foot of overall length of your powerboat. It should be flown at the main masthead or on a pigstick (a vertical extension) if there is one.
• The courtesy flag should be the same size as the burgee or slightly smaller. It should be flown at the starboard spreader, preferably on its own halyard.
• The Q flag should be the same size as the courtesy flag or slightly smaller. It should be flown at the starboard spreader, below the courtesy flag if there is one, on its own halyard.
• The signal flags should be sized according to their function and meaning. They can be flown individually or in combinations at various locations on the boat, such as the masthead, the yardarm, the bow or the stern of the boat.
• The private signal should be the same size as the burgee or slightly smaller. It should be flown at the port spreader, below any other flag, on its own halyard.

The Occasions and Situations When You Should Fly Certain Flags

The occasions and situations when you should fly certain flags on your boat depend on where you are, what you are doing and who you are with. Some flags are mandatory, some are optional and some are forbidden.

The general rules for flying flags are:

• You must fly your ensign at all times in daylight, especially when near to or in sight of land or another boat. You must also fly your ensign when entering or leaving a foreign port and on demand. You can fly your ensign at night if you wish, but it is not required.
• You can fly your burgee at any time, but it is customary to hoist it at 0800 and lower it at sunset. You can also fly your burgee at night if you wish, but it is not required.
• You must fly the courtesy flag of the country that you are visiting or whose waters you are sailing in as soon as you enter their jurisdiction and until you leave it. You must also fly the Q flag when entering a foreign port until you have been cleared by the local authorities. You can lower the Q flag after you have been cleared, but you should keep the courtesy flag until you leave the port or the country.
• You can fly signal flags whenever you need to communicate with other boats or shore stations using the International Code of Signals. You can also fly signal flags for decorative purposes, such as dressing your boat for a special occasion, but you should avoid using flags that have specific meanings or that could cause confusion.
• You can fly your private signal whenever you want, but it has no official significance or recognition. It is purely a personal or family emblem.

The Common Mistakes and Pitfalls to Avoid When Flying Flags

Flying flags on your boat can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be tricky and challenging. There are some common mistakes and pitfalls that you should avoid when flying flags, such as:

• Flying an incorrect, damaged, wrongly sized or otherwise invalid ensign. This is a breach of law and etiquette and could lead to fines or penalties.
• Flying a special ensign without being entitled to do so. This is a privilege granted by a warrant from the Admiralty or by an Act of Parliament and it requires certain conditions to be met.
• Flying a burgee that does not match your ensign or that is higher than your ensign. This is a sign of disrespect and ignorance and could offend other boats or authorities.
• Flying more than one burgee at a time. This is considered sloppy and excessive and could imply that you are showing off or indecisive.
• Flying a courtesy flag that is larger than your burgee or that is above your burgee on the same halyard. This is a sign of subservience and inferiority and could insult your own country or club.
• Flying a Q flag when you have already been cleared or when you are leaving a port. This is unnecessary and confusing and could cause delays or misunderstandings.
• Flying signal flags that have specific meanings or that could cause confusion for decorative purposes. This is irresponsible and dangerous and could lead to accidents or incidents.
• Flying a private signal that resembles an official flag or that has an offensive meaning. This is misleading and rude and could provoke anger or hostility.
• And you should never, ever, fly a skull-and-crossbones flag. There is nothing amusing or glamorous about pirates.

Sailboat Flag Etiquette: A Few FAQs...

Why do some British sailboats fly a White or Blue Ensign rather than the traditional Red Ensign?

Some British sailboats fly a white or blue ensign because they belong to certain yacht clubs or organisations that have special permission to use these ensigns.

The white ensign is a variation of the national flag that is normally used by the Royal Navy, but it can also be worn by yachts owned by members of the Royal Yacht Squadron , which is a privileged yacht club with a long history and close ties to the monarchy.

The blue ensign is another variation of the national flag that is normally used by government vessels, but it can also be worn by yachts that belong to one of the 32 yacht clubs or associations that have a warrant from the Admiralty or the relevant authority to use the undefaced blue ensign.

Additionally, some yachts can wear a blue ensign defaced with the badge of their club or association, if they have a warrant for that as well. There are 57 yacht clubs or associations that have this privilege.

These special or privileged ensigns are considered a mark of distinction and honour, and they should only be flown with proper authorisation and following the rules and regulations of wearing them.

What is the difference between an ensign and a burgee?

An ensign is a flag that shows the nationality of the vessel and must be worn at the stern or as close to it as possible. A burgee is a flag that shows the membership of a yacht club or sailing association and can be worn at the masthead or the port spreader.

What is a special ensign and how can I get one?

A special ensign is a variation of the national flag that can be worn by certain yachts that belong to a privileged yacht club or organisation. To get one, you need to apply for a warrant from the Admiralty or the relevant authority and follow the rules and regulations of wearing it.

How big should my flags be and how should I hoist them?

The size of your flags depends on the length of your vessel, but as a general rule, your ensign should be about one inch for each foot of overall length. Your burgee and courtesy flag should be smaller than your ensign, but not too small to be seen. You should hoist your flags using halyards or staffs and make sure they are not tangled, faded, or torn.

When should I raise and lower my flags?

You should raise your flags at 0800 hours or when you leave harbour, whichever is later, and lower them at sunset or when you enter harbour, whichever is earlier. You should also lower your flags when out of sight of other vessels or when nobody is aboard.

Can I fly more than one burgee or other flags on my vessel?

Traditionally, you should only fly one burgee at a time, but some yachts may choose to fly more than one to show their affiliation with different clubs or associations. However, you should always make sure that your burgee matches your ensign if you are wearing a special one. You can also fly other flags, such as signal flags, house flags, or personal flags, but they should not take precedence over your ensign, burgee, or courtesy flag.

How should I salute other vessels or authorities with my flags?

You can salute other vessels or authorities by dipping your ensign, which means lowering it halfway down the staff or halyard and then hoisting it back up. You should only do this if you receive a salute first or if you are passing by a naval vessel, a Coast Guard vessel, or a foreign warship.

What are the rules for flying flags in a race?

The rules for flying flags in a race may vary depending on the organising authority, but generally, you should not fly your ensign during a race, as this signals that you are not racing. You should also follow any instructions given by the race committee regarding signal flags, class flags, or protest flags.

What are the consequences of not following flag etiquette?

Not following flag etiquette may result in fines, penalties, or even confiscation of your vessel if you break the law or offend the host country. It may also cause confusion, misunderstanding, or disrespect among other sailors or authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to learn and follow the proper flag etiquette whenever you go sailing.

I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary

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Boat Flags & Boat Flag Etiquette

The United States Flag Code provides advisory rules for display and care of the American Flag, but there are also specific guidelines for flying flags on recreational boats. In fact, boat flag etiquette not only ensures that the flag is displayed respectfully, it actually helps boaters to identify one another and communicate while on open water.

Boat Flags: When & Where to Fly Them

The five most common types of boat flags are Ensign, Burgee, Private Signal, Courtesy and Signal Flags.

National Ensign Flags

The ensign flag is the largest, most important flag on a boat because it identifies the nation of origin. The preferred U.S. national ensign flag is the traditional American Flag , however, the United States Yacht Ensign may be flown in its place, provided the boat remains in domestic waters. Similar to the Betsy Ross Flag , but with a fouled anchor in the center of the 13 stars, the yacht ensign should never be used in international or foreign waters.

Always flown off the stern, on a staff-pole that is long and angled, the ensign may be offset to one side to allow it to fly clear of the rigging and engine exhaust. In addition, American boat flags should only be flown from 8:00 am until sunset, and when entering or leaving port during daylight or at night, weather and rig permitting. When leaving your boat in port, the flag should be taken down if you will not return before sunset.

Burgee Flags

Typically triangular or swallow-tailed in shape, the burgee flag is a small flag with a symbol signifying the skipper’s sailing organization or yacht club. Many yacht clubs have rules about when their burgees are flown, but generally speaking, burgee flags are flown from the bow staff or under the starboard spreader. These flags are flown day and night, and follow the skipper from boat to boat.

Private Signal Flags

Private signal flags are personal flags, sometimes referred to as house flags, which are custom designed and made specifically for the boat owner. Custom Boat Flags usually feature a personal interest, hobby, family tradition, initials or some other symbol to identify the boat owner. These boat flags are flown day and night, but only when the owner is in command of the boat. Custom boat flags are flown at the head of the aftermost mast, from the bow staff on mastless vessels, or on the starboard rigging below the burgee.

Courtesy Flags

To show respect, courtesy flags are flown when entering or operating a boat in foreign waters and, in some instances, when there is someone from a foreign country on the boat. Courtesy flags represent the host nation or state in whose waters you are traveling, and are flown from the starboard spreader on a sailboat, the starboard spreader of a powerboat with a mast, or the bow staff of a mastless boat.

Signal Flags

Signal Flags are an international standard in maritime, used for nautical ship-to-ship communication, primarily related to safety and navigation. Each signal flag corresponds to a number or letter of the alphabet, and when displayed by itself or in conjunction with other letters and numbers, the flags relay important messages and information to other vessels. Although radio transmissions have largely replaced the use of signal flags, they are still required on commercial vessels and in foreign ports of call.

Other Boat Flags

Fishing boats often fly flags denoting their catch. Known as Fishing Flags , these boat flags can feature marlin, sailfish, tuna, albacore, tarpon, wahoo, striped bass, bluefish, shark, mako shark, king mackerel, swordfish and more. They are flown from the port outrigger or spreader, and are flown upside down if the catch is released.

Gettysburg Flag Works also carries a variety of Nautical & Marine Ensigns , as well as Jolly Roger Pirate Flags , and several fun and humorous boat flags, including Mother-in-Law On Board , Baby on Board , Wife On Board and Husband on Board .

Boat Flags: How to Order

When ordering an ensign, or American Boat Flag , we recommend a flag that measures one inch for each foot of boat length. For smaller vessels, a 12x18” flag is usually suffice, while larger boats may opt for the 2x3’ flag. Burgee and personal Custom Boat Flags are generally smaller than the ensign, but can measure up to half an inch for each foot above water of the tallest mast.

Need help ordering a flag for your boat? The flag experts at Gettysburg are happy to help. Give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or contact us online .

Boats & Flags: 11 Answers You Should Know (For Beginners)

The flags on a boat can signify many different things.

Mostly, they can seem confusing to a layperson or a new boater.

Flying the wrong flag at the wrong position can confuse other boaters and result in a fine!

Here’s what you need to know about how and when you can use flags on a boat:

Table of Contents

1. What Are The Main Types Of Flags Flown On Boats?

On any non-commercial vessel, you can usually find these four different types of flags:

• Ensign – a variety of national flag
• Burgee – a flag representing a boating organization
• Private Signal – a small custom-made flag for the boat owner
• Courtesy – the flag of a foreign country for an onboard guest or when you are in foreign waters

2. What is an Ensign Flag, and When Do I Use It?

An ensign is a flag from the nation from which the boater originates.

They are slightly different from their national flags. Ensign flags used to be restricted to documented vessels only.

Now it is common courtesy to fly the national flag on all types of recreational boats.

It is proper etiquette to only fly ensign flags from 0800 to sunset unless you’re in a boat race outside those hours. It is also important to take this flag down before leaving your boat if it is unmanned at sunset.

If you take your boat into international waters, you should fly your national flag. These days ensign flags are flown off of the stern.

If you do this, make sure it is on a staff-pole and that the pole is long and angled.

If you offset it to one side (like the starboard side), it’ll fly clear of the engine’s exhaust.

This will also keep it clear from the rigging.

3. What is a Burgee Flag, and When Do I use That?

A burgee flag is a small flag with the skipper’s sailing organization or yacht club on it.

It follows the skipper from boat to boat. These are flown day and night.

Traditionally, sailing vessels hoisted these flags on a “pigstick” at the top of the highest mast.  Because of instruments that are often at the top of the mast, it is more common to hoist a burgee on a spreader halyard. 

Of course, this is the modern way to fly it.

The starboard rigging is known as a place of honor (when it comes to flags). That’s why you fly the host country’s flag there when visiting a foreign port.

4. What is a Private Signal, and When Do we use Those?

These are small flags that are custom designed (and custom made) specifically for the boat owner.

It’s flown day and night but is only flown when the owner is in command of the boat.

If a different sailor is in command, they are to fly their own private signal.

Private signals are flown at the aftermost mast’s head (if you have a multi-mast boat). On a sloop, fly private signals on starboard rigging, below the burgee.

Unless you don’t have a burgee, then you can fly it alone.

5. What’s a Courtesy Flag, and When Do I Fly That?

Courtesy flags are flown when you are in a foreign nation’s waters.

It also comes into play when you have someone from a foreign country on your vessel.

You can only fly a courtesy flag if certain conditions are met:

• Only after authorities from the country have granted you clearance.
• After you remove your yellow “Q” flag.
• If you have a flag that is in the proper condition.
• If you fly a courtesy flag, do so at the boat’s starboard spreader.
• If there is more than one mast, then it must be flown off the starboard spreader of the forward most mast.

By “proper condition,” you must fly a flag that is not old or in a disrespectful state.

If you do fly a ratty old flag, you could be fined for being disrespectful!

6. What About International Signal Flags?

There is a system of internationally recognized numerical and alphabetical pennants and flags known as the International Code of Signals.

This helps communicate when you’re out in the open water.

The messages these flags send can be about navigation or even safety.

Signals can be sent by:

• Flag semaphore
• Signal lamp (otherwise known as “blinkers”)
• Radiotelephony
• Radiotelegraphy

There are so many different communication methods because it is important when the crew’s safety is concerned—especially when you’re in open water.

Boaters use nautical signal flags in several different ways:

• With each spelling out a letter of a message
• With a flag symbolizing a specific message (For example, an “A flag” is flown by diving support vessels when they can’t move from their current location.)
• In a yacht or dinghy race, with each flag flying as code (For example, a “P flag” is used to stand for “Prepare,” which indicates that the race is about to start.)

Some boaters use signal flags to dress their ships for holidays by hoisting the national ensign at the stern staff first.

A rainbow of flags can then be arranged, reaching from the waterline forward to the aft, from the bowsprit end (or stem).

7. Why are There so Many Boat Flags?

Flags are flown for multiple reasons but remember that when you’re out at sea, this is the easiest way to recognize other boats.

It’s like the license plate on a car. Different countries have different license plates.

Within each country, different states or provinces can also have different license plates.

Then, you can have symbols that signify clubs or organizations on your license plate in each state.

This is a way you can express yourself on your vessel.

Check out our article about what colored flags on houses are all about.

8. Why are Some Flags Flown at Half-Mast?

Just like on land, flags are sometimes flown at half-mast in respect for someone who has passed.

This isn’t required in all places, nor is it mandated by any law.

However, it’s good to note why you might see this when you are out in the water.

Some boaters will also dip their flags (drop it down to half, then raise it again) as a friendly signal to a passing boater.

9. What Size Are Boat Flags?

Generally, boat flags come in different sizes, depending on the type of boat that you have.

For aesthetic purposes, most flags are roughly 1” per foot of the length of your boat.

Also, the staff should be twice the length of the height of your flag.

For example, if you have a powerboat that is 33’ long, you should have flags that are 24” x 36” on a staff that is 48”.

This is the recommended proportion of ensign flags. Burgee and private signals are approximately half that size. For the same powerboat example above, you might get burgee and private signal flags, which are 12” x 18”.

10 What do “Fishing Flags” Mean?

Fishing flags are signal flags that have representations of various types of fish on them.

Flying one (or more, if you’re lucky) lets other boaters know what sort of fish you’ve caught that day. It also lets other boaters know what sort of fish are in the area that day.

Fishing flags should be placed on the port rigger, spaced at least one flag length apart. This will let the proper authorities or other boaters count your catch easily.

It should also be placed in order of size, with the biggest species of fish on top.

Certain rules follow certain types of fish so make sure you read up on the fish flag etiquette in fishing manuals.

In the past, if a fisherman tagged a fish, they would fly the species flag with a white “T” under it to let others know of their tag. If they hoisted the species flags upside down, that signifies that they had caught and released that particular fish.

If they did so with multiple fish of the same species, they hoisted several red triangle pennants under that species flag.

However, today most fishermen are doing the opposite when they practice catch and release. They fly a fish right-side-up to signify that it swam away healthy after being released.

While an upside-down species flag signifies a fish caught and harvested.

11. How Much do Boat Flags Cost?

Boating flags can range from $12 for a single flag to $175 for a set.

The average cost for an ensign flag is roughly $20.

Final Thoughts

There is a long history of nautical flag use.

Using the wrong flag or flying a flag in the wrong position can get you into trouble. Thus, it is important to brush up on the meanings of different flags before using them.

It is important to have a boat handling book or flag manual on your boat in case of emergency.  The US Power Squadron is a good source for their publication “ How to Fly Flags, Nautical Flags Display .”

If you are out with your family and an emergency occurs, they must know how to call and signal for help in different ways: including using a flag signal.

Flags aren’t just important for you and your boat, however.

It is also important to recognize what different flags may mean when you run across other boats.

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Why Flags Are Half-Mast in Five States Today, This Weekend

I n five states across the country this weekend, flags are set to be flown at half-staff, to pay tribute to individuals who have died.

Among those being commemorated are a World War II soldier and the victims of one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.

Under the U.S. Flag Code, flags can fly at half-staff to pay tribute following the death of a military member, government official or emergency first responder. The president, state governors and the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.

South Dakota

After more than 80 years, U.S. Army Corporal Robert A. Bartlett, of De Grey, is returning home and being laid to rest.

He was killed in July 1944 during World War II when his unit, Company A, 744th Tank Battalion, was engaged with German forces at Saint-Germain-d'Elle in France.

"My grandparents, who were his parents, learned of their son's death when they received a telegram," Janet Bartlett, his niece, told Keloland news.

Bartlett's remains were originally unaccounted for and interred at Normandy American Cemetery, while his name was placed on the Wall of the Missing.

In May, Bartlett's remains were accounted for using dental and anthropological analysis. He is set to be laid to rest with full military honors at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blunt, a few miles away from his hometown of De Grey.

To honor Elmer Crumbley, a coach and an educator at Omaha Public Schools, all U.S. and state flags at City of Omaha facilities are due to be flown at half-staff on Friday, the day of his internment.

Elmer and his brother drowned in Cunningham Lake on July 31 after they entered the water to launch their fishing boat.

State Senator Justin Wayne, Crumbley's close friend, called him a "beacon of wisdom."

Lake County is honoring Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on August 2 during an ambush shooting.

Link, 28, was an Army Reserve veteran and served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office before joining the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

"I'm one of the chaplains at the sheriff's office, so he was my brother, and I … definitely support him and his family," Chaplain Dorthy Hooks told local network WKMG at a vigil for Links.

She added: "We believe in God. Praying and asking God to take us through this grieving process."

Hawaii continues to remember the 102 lives lost in the August 2023 Maui wildfires.

On the anniversary of the tragedy, U.S. and state flags at all state offices and agencies in Hawaii are due to fly at half-staff.

The wind-driven fires were the fifth deadliest in U.S. history. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the fires destroyed 2,200 structures and caused $5.5 billion worth of damages. The community of Lahaina was virtually destroyed.

On Wednesday, a new memorial, made by Soakai Taufa in the shape of a giant teardrop, was unveiled.

"Exactly one year ago, we lost cherished lives of mothers, fathers, grandparents, sons, daughters and friends. As we observe the one-year mark of the Maui Wildfires through commemorative events this weekend, let's honor their memories and never forget those we lost in Lahaina. Together, we will pave a path toward resilience and hope, preserve the spirit of Lahaina, and continue to rebuild with the community with strength and unity," Governor Josh Green said in a statement.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden spoke with Green and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen to discuss the Biden-Harris administration's ongoing support to the communities affected. In a statement, White House spokesperson Jeremy Edwards said: "As President Biden made clear when he and first lady Jill Biden visited Maui shortly after the fires subsided, the Biden-Harris Administration will be with the people of Maui every step of the way, no matter how long it takes."

On August 1, firefighter Ty Voth died as he tried to put out a house fire in the suburb of Haysville. He had been with the Wichita Fire Department for five years.

"Ty Voth made the ultimate sacrifice, and he was taken much too soon. His dedication and selflessness will not be forgotten," said Governor Laura Kelly in a statement paying tribute to the 27-year-old firefighter.

"[Voth] was always good about being patient and taking time to make sure that the people in his group knew what was going on and that they can learn and do better," Wichita Fire Captain Keith Niemann told local network KWCH.

He added: "You can tell he was driven. He had just a natural talent."

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A Field Guide to the Flags of the Far Right

From Betsy Ross to Trump-Rambo

Americans love flying flags. Not just the Stars and Stripes—flags of their state, their city, their alma mater. Last year, three flags were flown outside Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s New Jersey vacation home: the flag of Long Beach Island, where he summers; a flag commemorating the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2022 National League championship; and the Appeal to Heaven flag, also known as the Pine Tree flag.

The last of these caught the attention of The New York Times . The Pine Tree flag, which dates to the Revolutionary War, has become a symbol of the far right. The Times had previously reported that an upside-down American flag had flown outside Alito’s Virginia home in January 2021—a gesture of protest that had been adopted by the pro–Donald Trump “Stop the Steal” movement.

Explore the September 2024 Issue

Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.

Alito explained that his wife had inverted the flag to signal displeasure with some querulous neighbors, and that she had flown the Pine Tree flag without knowing about its “Stop the Steal” association. But the incidents raised concerns that the flags revealed political views that would color Alito’s judgment in cases before the Court.

Adam Serwer: Why was Alito flying the flag upside down after January 6?

Antique American flags, obscure foreign ones, and a host of newly designed banners are now common wherever elements of the far right congregate, whether in real life or online. An array of flags dotted the crowds outside the U.S. Capitol on January 6— symbolic weapons that sometimes turned into actual ones: Several rioters used flagpoles to assault police officers or destroy property . After the attempted assassination of Trump in July, some of his supporters circulated an image of a tangled American flag, in which they saw the outline of an angel—a sign that the former president had been the beneficiary of divine protection.

Understanding what these sometimes-recondite symbols mean can shed light on how extremist ideology is evolving. Below is a guide to some of the most prominent symbols.

The Betsy Ross flag was created in the early years of the Revolutionary War, though likely not by Ross herself . It has been co-opted by far-right groups to invoke revolution against perceived tyranny. Some groups, such as the Three Percenters, a right-wing militia, have spun up new versions of the flag, incorporating their own symbols within the circle of 13 stars.

Historically, flying the American flag upside down was a way for sailors to indicate distress or to call for help. In the 1960s and ’70s, it was used by Vietnam War protesters. (Opponents of the war also burned U.S. flags , a practice that has been far more common on the left than the right.) Now parts of the American right are bringing back the upside-down flag, to protest the 2020 election and, more recently, Donald Trump’s felony conviction . Flying the flag upside down when not in distress is a violation of the United States flag code, though the code is not legally enforceable.

The Christian flag was designed in the 1890s by a Sunday-school superintendent on Coney Island who is said to have wanted a single flag representing the whole of Christianity. The flag is still used by Christians without explicitly political connotations, but it has been flown at right-wing rallies in support of the Christian-nationalist desire to break down the walls between Church and state.

The Pine Tree flag first appeared on American naval ships in 1775. Since the 2010s, and especially after the insurrection on January 6, 2021, it has been appropriated by members of the Christian-nationalist far right , who want to transform America into a theocracy. The phrase An appeal to heaven was taken from the British philosopher John Locke, who wrote in his Second Treatise on government that men deprived of their rights are justified in revolting against their oppressors.

The Celtic Cross dates back to the Middle Ages, or perhaps even Late Antiquity. Though not initially a Christian symbol, it has long been used in Christian contexts. Now it’s become a fixture at rallies for neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan, and other white supremacists. It is also part of the logo for a prominent neo-Nazi website, Stormfront . Norwegian fascists in the 1930s and ’40s wielded a similar version of the cross as their party symbol, which has likely led to its modern usage.

The Black Sun, or Sonnenrad, symbol was used by Nazis during the Third Reich. It consists of 12 lightning-bolt runes—similar to the ones in a familiar insignia of the SS—arranged into a disk. It has appeared at neo-Nazi rallies around the world and has become a fixture of online memes. The symbol even showed up in a video shared by a Ron DeSantis campaign staffer , which depicted the then–presidential candidate’s head in the center of a spinning Black Sun. (The DeSantis campaign fired the staffer.)

At many of Patriot Front’s marches across the country, the white-nationalist group totes its signature flag, featuring an axe surrounded by a bundle of sticks. The fasces, as it is known, was a popular Roman symbol indicating a leader’s power, authority, and ability to punish his subordinates. Benito Mussolini and his allies adopted the fasces as an emblem and derived the name of their movement from it: fascism.

The Groypers are a group of mostly Gen Z white supremacists led by 26-year-old Nick Fuentes . Their precise numbers and influence are hard to pin down; they have more of an online presence than a physical one. When they do show up in person, it’s often with flags for “America First,” the name of Fuentes’s movement. The phrase was originally popularized by President Woodrow Wilson and later used by Pat Buchanan and Donald Trump to their own political ends.

Anyone who flies a flag for “Kek,” or the “Republic of Kekistan,” probably spends a tremendous amount of time online, specifically on 4chan . Kek became popular as an alternative term for LOL among players of World of Warcraft , and has evolved to embody an entire ethos: trolling . The Kek flag is designed like a Nazi war flag, with a spiral of K  ’s around an E to replace the swastika, and a 4chan logo in the corner. Like the other right-wing symbols that have been incubated on the image board over the years, it is intended to trigger outrage.

There isn’t much to say about the Trump Rambo flag, because the flag itself says it all. It was flown on January 6 by MAGA diehards, and is perhaps the most prominent flag in a genre that reimagines Trump as imposing, physically impressive, and often armed—including Trump as the Terminator and Trump as a character from the Japanese anime series Dragon Ball Z .

This article appears in the September 2024 print edition with the headline “Red Flags.”

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old mast, new life as a flagpole?

• Thread starter Lynnie
• Start date Jun 10, 2010
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

Hello everyone. I have an old mast and do not have a flagpole, has anyone ever made a flagpole out of a mast? Thanks, Lynnie  

In Newtown CT they used an old wooden ship's mast for the town flag pole. It was replaced with a steel pole later. The only problem is the lack of a swivel at the top.  

I've seen a few yacht clubs do it.  

Check the archives, I remember someone posting a couple of years ago about this.  

Bad Obsession

Why not list the mast on ebay. Someone with that kind of boat may be looking for a mast.  

Chuck Creel

Attachments.

Hello everyone, thanks for the replies. the mast is damaged so cannot offer on ebay. I'll look through the archives although I never have any luck searching those archives. I must not do it right or something. Chuck, love the picture. are you using a halyard to hoist the flag? Did you get an extra clamp or something for the bottom of the flag? I guess you had to have another rope connected to the halyard. are you going to use the shrouds when you add the spreaders? I was thinking that I would keep the shrouds for 'extra' flags as special opportunities arose, although not certain how I would hang and change out the flags on the shrouds. I'm planning to put it in a small clearing between my house and the road. I think it will be able to be seen from both directions and it might be interesting to see how the deer and other wildlife respond. you can see the clearing in the picture below (if I can get the picture attached) and the mast/flagpole will stand about where the lighter green tree is located there in the distance. thanks again, Lynnie  

synchronicity

I used a bent Hobie 16 mast as a flagpole years ago, when I moved - It went to a friend and is still in use SFAIK.  

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