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Your 2024 Guide to Nautical Flag Etiquette

Ever wonder why there are so many boat flags ? How do the sailors know which flag to put first and when? Nautical flag etiquette is an essential part of sailing. The seven most common types of boat flags are Skin Diver flags , Storm Warning flags , Coast Guard boat flags , US Jack flags , Maritime flags and Pennants, Yacht Ensign & Officer flags , and most importantly the International Code Signal flags .

Code signal flags and are frequently used by boats to send messages to other boats. They are made with a sequence of twenty-six square flags that represent a letter of the nautical alphabet. Ten numbered flags, one answering pendant, and three repeaters also form part of the nautical flag sequence.

As with most yesteryear traditions, the popularity of boat flags as a common communication tool is slowly reducing with the introduction of technology. This does not mean that we should discard this sacred tradition.

The world of nautical flags is broad, and we cannot possibly cover them all in this article. Navies, yachts and fishing boats have variations in the meaning of some flags.

While the need for nautical flags might be dwindling in the boating world, they are still pleasing to the eye. Learning when to use nautical flags and how to use them is a skill every sailor and thalassophile should have. Not only is it essential for safety reasons, but boat flags can also a lot of fun. Take a gander at our fun maritime flags and pennants !

Word of the Day: A thalassophile is someone that loves the sea!

This article will teach you the hows and whens of nautical flag etiquette. We will also provide you with a glossary of terms because, let's face it, some boating terms are pretty confusing even for a seasoned sailor.

So put your best sailor's cap on and join us on this great sea signal voyage.

What is Nautical Flag Etiquette?

Glossary of flag terms, flag courtesies.

As silly as it might seem, boat flag etiquette is crucial. In a worst-case scenario, it could mean the difference between life and death. Generally speaking, the nautical flag etiquette is a combination of years of maritime tradition and laws that help boats communicate messages to each other.

Different countries have varying legal requirements that should be observed for boats that enter and leave their waters or ports. So it is helpful to be mindful of sailing the vessel’s legal obligation for various countries. No one likes to pay a fine for something as simple as forgetting or putting up the wrong flag signal.

As we have stated before, the world of boating is vast and sometimes confusing. The terminology used is pretty unique. The key to understanding nautical etiquette is to know what everyone is talking about first.

Even professional sailors don't always get it right. So to help you brush up on your boating terms, we've put together this glossary with definitions. We hope this will help you to understand the nautical phrases that we will use in this article.

ABAFT - refers to the rear end or stern of a ship

AFT – means towards stern of the boat (the back of the boat)

ASTERN – it means to go towards the back of the boat

BOW - refers to the front of the ship

BUTT DIAMETER - is the width of the bottom of the flagpole.

CANTON - the rectangular part of a flag, usually at the top hoist corner of a flag, which occupies about a quarter of the total surface area of the flag

CLOSE UP - it means that the flags are now fully hoisted

COLORS - refers to the raising and taking down of the flags at 8:00 am and at sunset, respectively

COURTESY FLAG - is the national flag of the country that a boat is entering. Ex: Boats entering the United States would display an American flag as a courtesy flag.

DIP - means to lower a flag by turning it forward from an upright position to 45° or horizontal as a sign of deference or respect

ENSIGN - means a flag showing nationality of the boat, i.e. the country where the boat is registered. Ex:

The Red Ensign can be flown by a merchant vessel
The White Ensign can be flown by war or naval ships
The Blue Ensign can be flown by public or government vessels
The Civil Ensign is flown by civilian vessels
The Yacht Ensign is flown by yachts and is typically the largest flag on board; the flag may be flown at stern staff
The USPS ensign is flown by the United States Power Squadrons and is flown to signal that the boat is commanded by an active member of the USPS.

FLAG STAFF AT THE STERN - a pole at the stern/ back of the ship where the ship's country of registry flags is flown

FLY - refers to the length of the flag, measured from the heading to the fly end

GAFF - is a rig that extends from the flagpole that allows for more flags to be hoisted, which usually rises at an angle and represents the mast of a ship

HALYARD - rope or stainless steel cable used to hoist and lower flags

HOIST - the raising of flags

HOIST END - the edge of the flag that is closest to the flagpole

HOUSE FLAG - refers to the emblem that shows the company or commercial house that a merchant ship belongs to and also refers to a yacht owner's personal flag

INTERCO - stands for the International Code of Signals used in the maritime system

JACK - mean the additional national flags flown by warships (and certain other vessels) at the head of the shi

MASTHEAD - is the tallest part of a ship's mast or the lower section of a mast

NAUTICAL –refers to everything associated with maritime travel

NAUTICAL FLAGPOLE --refers to a flagpole with a yardarm and or gaff

PENNANT - is a triangular-shaped flag

PRATIQUE - refers to the license or permission to use a port from the host country

STARBOARD - is the right-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow.

STARBOARD SPREADER - is the most forward part on the mast (if there is more than one) where the courtesy and q flags are flown

STEM – refers to the most forward part of the bow

STERN – refers to the back of the boat

STERN LINE – is the docking line that comes from the stern

TACK LINE - is the length of the halyard; it's used to separate the group of flags

UNDERWAY – means a vessel in motion

YARDARM - refers to the horizontally mounted and tapered pole attached to a flagpole to create a "t" or a cross

Now that we are familiar with some common terminology used in nautical language, let's move on to the order in which the flags must be arranged in terms of nautical flag etiquette rules.

This order is universal across the globe. We must follow the order to avoid confusing other ships. The flag with the highest honor should be flown at the highest point.

The order is as follows:

Gaff (reserved for the national ensign/ country flag)
Flagstaff at the stern
Starboard yardarm (Halyard)
Truck of mast (masthead)
Port yardarm (Halyard)

First, we need to establish the system that governs these nautical flag rules. INTERCO is the International Code of Signals. The system is used worldwide to communicate nautical messages related to navigation, safety, and maritime.

Signal flags like the ones we are discussing in this article form part of INTERCO's signals. The other signals include radiotelegraphs or radiotelephones, ALDIS lamps, hand signals and some sound signals to name a few.

Knowing and understanding the basics of the INTERCO signaling system is extremely important for anyone interested in sailing. Whether privately or otherwise.

The National Ensign/Flag

Let's talk about nautical etiquette rules that apply for the most critical flag signal, the national ensign.

The U.S. national ensign is the preferred flag for all U.S. vessels. This ensign is also known as the “50-star of “Old Glory.” This is also the preferred ensign for yachts, especially when sailing in international or foreign waters.

Great honor is given to the national flag of the country in which the ship is registered. On the order of positioning for the flags, the national ensign is given that most senior position; the gaff. If your boat does not have a gaff, then you should fly the ensign from the flagstaff at your boat's stern.

The second rule is that you can fly no other flag above the national ensign on the same halyard. Additionally, the Jack and the National Ensign should not be hoisted together. The Jack is only hoisted when the ship is at anchor or made fast to the shore or to buoy, never when the ship is underway, when the last line is cast off, and when the anchor is aweigh. We do not recommend hoisting the Jack for recreational purposes.

The scenarios where a national ensign should be flown include:

When dressing the ship
When occupying foreign waters during the daylight hours
When moving along a foreign port or a combat ship (man of war)

The Courtesy Flag

Flying the courtesy flag is a centuries-old tradition that is still relevant in these modern times. The act of flying a foreign nation's flag as your ship passes through or enters its waters is not only a sign of respect, it is an essential etiquette to observe. While there is no legal requirement to fly a courtesy flag, it is a polite custom to which you should adhere.

The only legal requirement for vessels in foreign water is to fly the red ensign flag.

Where does the courtesy flag fly? As per tradition, the courtesy flag is flown at the starboard spreader. If your boat has more than one mast, you must fly the courtesy flag from the forward most mast. The courtesy flag is tied and hoisted after the authorities have granted your vessel clearance to enter their space.

Key rules for courtesy flag etiquette include:

Never fly the national ensign and the courtesy flag on the same mast because that will be interpreted as a sign of you are challenging the foreign nation's authority
Never fly a courtesy flag that is in terrible condition; this is a sign of disrespect
If you have guests on your boat that are of another nationality, then you should also fly their national flags as a courtesy, but never on the same mast
When you return to your home country, always take down the foreign country's flag

Additional courtesy flag etiquette includes:

If your boat is mastless, then the courtesy flag can replace any flag which is normally flown at the bow of the boat
If your boat has a mast with a spreader, the courtesy flag is flown at the starboard spreader

However, you must keep in mind that these rules or traditions vary from one country to another, so always make sure that you look for the correct information.

Nautical Flag Etiquette Entering a Foreign Port

The Q flag is the first flag that you must raise when entering foreign waters or a foreign port. It signals to the port authorities that your ship is healthy and you require free practice.

We always fly the Q flag in international waters before customs clears you for entry. After clearing, you then replace the Q flag with the courtesy flag. You often fly the Q flag on the starboard yardarm.

Dressing the Ship

Certain occasions require that your vessel be decked up with all the flags that it can hold. We call this dressing the ship.

It is reserved for special occasions such as public holidays or when the ship is beginning its maiden or last voyage. Dressing the ship is only done when the ship is not underway.

The ship's full splendor will be on display, so this is the time to have fun. The dressing begins at 08.00 am at anchor unless it is the ship's maiden or last voyage, then the dressing can occur at sea.

The national ensign is first. All the other flags will follow, lining up from the waterline forward to the waterline after using the stem or bowsprit end and the masthead.

We have barely scratched the surface of all the rules and customs you need to follow to observe proper nautical flag etiquette. However, we hope that we have simplified some of the most important customs in maritime tradition. Hopefully, the next time you are on a boat, you will understand the meaning of the signals and flags better. Happy sailing!

Understanding the US Flag Code and Specialty Flags: A Customer's Guide

The flag of the United States of America is considered a living object, and its treatment reflects o

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Understanding Nautical Flag Etiquettes

From the time that ships started sailing, flags were in place as a mode of communication or expression of intent. Traditionally speaking, flags have always formed an integral part of shipping but the necessity and extent of usage have obviously reduced over time owing to advancements in technology.

However, much like other so-called ‘arts’ pertaining to the shipping industry, flag etiquette have stood the test of time and if not extensively, flags are still displayed when absolutely important (e.g, entering a port). The order of importance, points and honour of the flags have long been established and are a tradition albeit with new designs and meaning in some cases.

Definitions

Flag related terms are of the old school and may cause some difficulty for candidates appearing for competitive examination! While the INTERCO meaning of single letter flags is easily grasped, the terminology is something that requires basic understanding.

Canton: This refers to any quadrant of a flag but mostly, the upper left quarter (one that is hoisted)
Hoist: The edge of the flag nearest to the flagpole
Fly: The edge farthest away from the flagpole
Courtesy Flag: The national flag or the civil ensign of the country you are visiting
Dimension: Varies, but usually the fly is twice as long as the hoist
National Ensign: The flag of the country your ship is registered to
House Flag: Usually, the company flag
Tack Line: Length of halyard about 2 metres used to separate group of flags
Halyard: Ropes used for hoisting flags
Pigeon Hole: Flag locker hole
Close Up: Flags fully hoisted
Dip: Not to be confused with the dip of a sextant! Dip means that an upright flag is lowered to 45 degrees or horizontal. This is done as a sign of respect

Worn and Flown

There is some confusion with regard to this (much like underway and making way!)- vessels wear flags; people fly flags on their vessels. Each flag has a specific meaning along with the appropriate location for it to be worn and the time that it can be flown. Next up will be the order of the points of honour signifying the order of preference, i.e., the highest in the points of honour will fly the most important flag (which is basically your own ensign)

How to Read Flags

Mast – Top to Bottom
Triatic Stay – Forward to Aft (stay connecting mastheads is termed Triatic Stay)
Starboard Yardarm – Outer to inner
Port Yardarm – Outer to inner

Order (Points Of Honour)

In order of preference:

Flagstaff at the stern
Starboard Yardarm
Port Yardarm

Fly the flag at the highest point of honour to which that particular flag is entitled. The highest place is always given to your own national ensign. All other flags must be placed below.

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The National Ensign

The gaff holds the highest importance. Second to that is the stern flagstaff (more common for the ensign in modern merchant vessels). So there might be a confusion with regard to ‘height’ being a factor seeing as the stern staff is much lower; although another flag might appear higher, no flag is ever flown above the national ensign on the same halyard. Gaff is used for holding the ensign flag when the ship is underway. Ensign on the gaff and Jack on the jack staff do not go together

Jack is to be hoisted only when the ship is at anchor or made fast to the shore or to a buoy. The jack is lowered immediately when the ship is underway, when the anchor is aweigh or the last line is cast off

Red Ensign Worn by a merchant vessel

White Ensign Worn by warships/naval establishments

Blue Ensign Worn by ships belonging to public offices

Instances when Ensign is flown

When the ship is dressed
In foreign waters during daylight hours
When going alongside foreign port, man of war, day or night

The Courtesy Flag

It is a custom among merchant ships when entering or leaving a foreign port and during their stay in the port to fly the colours of that country. as a mark of respect; the exact details of flying such a flag with regard to timings can be obtained from the port control. The dimensions of the national ensign must always be larger than the courtesy. Also, never fly one country’s flag beneath another’s on the same mast. This is a sign of conquest and projects disrespect, ignorance and bad seamanship. Also, do not hoist the courtesy flag upside down. As mentioned, follow the port country’s rules with respect to the courtesy; some countries might have a rule wherein to fly the courtesy only after the Q (quarantine) flag has been secured. The courtesy flag comes second in order of preference after the national ensign.

As per INTERCO, the Q flag denotes “My vessel is healthy. I require free pratique”. It is a flag that is hoisted inevitably by all vessels prior to entering the port to denote that the vessel is healthy and disease free and requests clearance. Preferably, fly it on the starboard yardarm and take it down after the vessel has been cleared by the health authorities of that country.

The national ensign or the courtesy should not be flown from sunset to 0800 hours unless specifically mentioned to do so (Mexico requires their flag to be flown after sunset as well). At 0800 when raising the flags, the national ensign should be raised first followed by the courtesy and the rest. The reverse order is applicable during lowering.

Blue Peter

Commonly flown by merchant ships to denote that the ship is about to sail and that all crew who may be out of the ship to return back to the ship immediately.

Half Mast

The concept of half mast is to denote respect. Flags are flown at half mast when saluting another vessel (naval vessels of war). The Naval ship reciprocates by lowering and raising their national ensign after which the own ensign is returned to full hoist.

Also, the Ensign is worn at half mast to indicate death. Usually on the day of the funeral only and from the time the body of the deceased leaves the ship or place where it has been lying until the time when it is buried

Dressing The Ship

On special occasions such as Republic Day, Independence Day and the likes, ships or other vessels may dress their ships in full regal splendour. This includes displaying a set of 40 flags representing numbers, letters and other signals. A vessel is dressed only while not underway. This might also be done for a special time such as her maiden or final voyage.

INTERCO refers to the International Code of Signals. It is an international system of signals and codes for use by vessels to communicate important messages regarding safety of navigation and related matters. Signals can be sent by flag hoist, ALDIS lamp, semaphore, radiotelegraphy, and radiotelephony. To make sense of the above, it is important to know the INTERCO (at least the single letters) for the purpose of the oral examinations as well as a matter of interest as a sailor. It contains 14 chapters, complement tables for the general section, complement tables for the medical section appendices. This code provides a means of communication seeing as there might be language difficulties among stations which affect the safety of the ship and the personnel. INTERCO contains single letter signals (A to Z) which are urgent, important and of very common use; two letter signals (AA to ZZ) for vocabulary; three letter signals (MAA-MVU) containing medical signals.

The single letter signals are used regularly and meanings of all must be known. They’re used in COLREGS (flags for vessels engaged in fishing have a separate Annex attached to it namely flags Z, G, P, T) as well as for emergency situations where communication might be urgent such as man overboard (O), when dragging anchor or when another vessel is dragging anchor onto the own ship etc. Two letter signals also have immense importance as with the NC flag (Distress flag as per Annex 4 of COLREGS) and YG (for TSS).

Code and Answering Pendant

3 red and 2 white stripe vertically placed at hoist and at fly. Various uses of answering pendants by hoisting are:

At Dip- Signal is seen
Close Up: Signal is understood
Haul down/return to dip after close up- signal is received

Substitutes

1st Substitute- yellow triangle with blue border

2nd Substitute- Blue and white. Blue at hoist, white at fly

3rd Substitute- White with black horizontal stripe

Examination Service

In certain circumstances, it is necessary to take special measures to examine ship’s desire to enter a port and to control the entry. Generally, it is enforced when the security of the port is threatened or expected to be threatened. Examination vessel flag is a blue rectangular flag with two rectangles in the centre. Vessels authorised to display the examination flags are examination vessel, traffic control vessel and pilot launch when assigned to examination duty

Flags when entering a port

This has become a common question across Indian MMDs for the Second Mate oral examinations and therefore included in the article.

Flag G or H (depending on whether pilot is yet to board or already boarded)- Port Yardarm
The National Ensign (stern post)
The Courtesy Flag (Starboard Yardarm)
Flag B (if carrying IMDG cargo)- Port Yardarm
House Flag- Port Yardarm

These are age old techniques and are here to stay. There is far too much information with respect to flags which cannot be covered under one article and it is advised to go through the INTERCO publication for a better understanding.

With the reasons for hoisting a certain flag at a certain point on the ship made easier and comprehensible, the next time a flag is hoisted should seem more interesting.

About Author

Shilavadra Bhattacharjee is a shipbroker with a background in commercial operations after having sailed onboard as a Third Officer. His interests primarily lie in the energy sector, books and travelling.

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BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Thanks for all the detailed information about flags!

You mentioned there is a difference between “underway” and “making way.” Would you mind explaining what it is?

Thank you again for the article. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference.

cool i loved it

Great article. But why can’t you fly the ensign and the Jack at the same time? So when the Jack is hoisted, you have to lower the ensign? Thanks for answear.

Good article, I would like permission to use extracts from your article in our sailing club newsletter. I feel that the flag protocols and traditions are not fully understood or even followed.

@Deon: You are allowed to do so after giving proper credit to the author and https://www.marineinsight.com

Underway is when a vessel is free floating in the water (I.e. not at anchor or moored at a pier). Making way is when a vessel is moving through the water under power or sail and being navigated via it’s rudder.

Thank you for the comment Captain GB

How do you make full dressing of merchant tanker?

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Regulations

Flag etiquette

Flag etiquette is a combination of law (what you must do) and maritime tradition (expectations of behaviour within the sea faring community).

Being ill-informed of your obligations could lead you to cause insult at home or abroad by giving a signal you do not intend to give, or could lead you to a fine for breaking the law.

For many who go to sea, flag etiquette and flag rules are an essential part of the overall sailing process. Only with the right flag, correctly positioned, can you to be sure that you are giving the correct message and that any signal you are giving is clear.

For RYA members

The original RYA book (C4/01) has been reorganised into 3 parts for publication on the RYA website and is available to RYA members to download .

For all website users

A brief overview designed to demystify the basics of flag etiquette follows:

What to put where

The most senior position for a flag on a vessel is reserved for the Ensign - this is as close to the stern of the vessel as possible. The Ensign shows the country of registry of the vessel and indicates its nationality. A UK flagged vessel must wear her ensign as required by the Merchant Shipping Act, which includes when entering or leaving a foreign port and on demand. It is recommended that the ensign is worn at all times in daylight, especially when near to or in sight of land or another vessel. A UK registered vessel should wear the national maritime flag, the Red Ensign, unless entitled to wear a special Ensign . Wearing anything other than an authorised Ensign is a violation of British and International Law.

As the Ensign takes the senior position on a vessel, the order of precedence for positions for flying other flags is: 2) masthead, 3) starboard spreader, 4) port spreader. This assumes a simple plan of one halyard per spreader; other combinations including motor boats are discussed in the Members’ section.

Traditionally, the burgee is flown at the main masthead. A burgee must match a special Ensign if one is worn and it should always be higher than the Ensign. Flag etiquette states that only one burgee is flown at a time, but it is not uncommon nowadays to see yachts flying more than one burgee. Although this might cause offence to some, there is nothing legally wrong with this practice provided the rules governing the wearing of a special ensign are adhered to.

The starboard spreaders are used for signalling. This is where both a courtesy flag and the Q flag , as signals, should be flown. These days it is becoming increasingly common for yachts to fly a burgee from the starboard spreaders because of instrumentation sited at the main masthead. Again, legally there is nothing wrong with doing so but this practice presents a number of problems for those who wish to adhere to the traditions of flag etiquette.

More than one flag may be flown on a halyard except that flag etiquette states that no flag can be above the burgee on the same halyard and no flag can be worn above the courtesy flag. If you fly a burgee at the starboard spreaders and are sailing in the territorial waters of another country this presents something of a dilemma, particularly if you must fly a burgee to match a special Ensign. Unless the burgee is in its traditional position at the masthead, you risk flouting one or another element of flag etiquette. How you choose to resolve this is a matter of choice.

A word on courtesy flags, most countries use their national flag at sea and it is therefore not uncommon to see a foreign visitor flying a Union Jack as a courtesy flag when visiting UK waters. This is wrong; the correct flag is always a Red Ensign. There is no legal requirement to fly a courtesy flag; it is a courtesy that acknowledges that the vessel will respect the laws and sovereignty of that country. However, if one is not flown or it is tatty or faded, it may cause grave offence and in some countries can lead to a fine.

The port spreaders are used for house flags . A house flag is normally but not always a small rectangular version of a burgee. It may indicate membership of an association (e.g the RYA) or society or may be to indicate membership of another club should that club have a house flag. More than one house flag may be flown on the port halyard, but with caution as too many might appear vulgar to some.

The Union Jack, Welsh Dragon, the Crosses of St Andrew, St George and St Patrick and the EU flag are primarily land flags and must not be flown at sea as an Ensign by cruising yachtsmen. At sea the cross of St George is the flag of an Admiral and it should therefore not be flown by anyone else, without special dispensation. A vessel flying the St Andrew’s Cross could be mistaken as saying "my vessel is stopped and making no way through the water" as this is the meaning of code flag M which has the same design and the St Patrick s Cross could be misinterpreted as code flag V "I require assistance".

Union Jack or Union flag?

There is often a lively debate about which term is correct. In fact both terms are acceptable having been given parliamentary approval in 1908 when it was stated that "the Union Jack should be regarded as the National flag".

Sizing your flags

The sizes and condition of flags are important. They should not be tatty and should not hang in the water, but should still be large enough to be seen.

The best advice is "what looks right" but a rough guide is:

The general guideline for the size of Ensign used to be an inch per foot of yacht, but on many modern yachts this is found to be a little on the small side for the vessel to look "well dressed". Roughly speaking a 3/4 yard Ensign should look right on a boat of 21-26 ft, 1 yard for 27- 34 ft, 1 1/4 yard for 35 - 42 ft, 1 1/2 yard for 43 - 50 ft and 1 3/4 yard for 51 - 60 ft, but some discretion may need to be applied.

A burgee of 15" in the fly (the horizontal measurement) should look appropriate on vessels up to 34ft. This increases to 18" for up to 42ft, 24" for up to 50ft and 30" up to 60 ft.

Courtesy Flag

Having an undersized, faded or tatty courtesy flag in many places is worse than having no courtesy flag. Again as a guide only, 12" in the fly should look appropriate for 21-26 ft, 15" for 27- 34 ft, 18" for 35 - 42 ft, 22" for 43 - 50 ft and 30" for 51 - 60 ft. Availability may however end up dictating the size of the flag.

House flags

A house flag of a similar size to those listed for the courtesy flag will generally be appropriate.

Special Ensigns

In addition to the national maritime flag, the Red Ensign, there is a White Ensign, a Blue Ensign and there are a number of Red Ensigns with a badge, Blue Ensigns with a badge and a light blue Ensign with a badge. These additional Ensigns are special or privileged Ensigns may only be worn with permission, which is granted ultimately by the King.

A warrant grants this permission and the Ensign must be worn in accordance with the warrant, which will in most cases require the corresponding burgee to be displayed. In most cases the warrant is granted to a Yacht Club, which in turns gives its members permission to wear the Ensign under the conditions of the warrant, by issuing the members with a permit.

The RYA has no power to police the wearing of ensigns or prohibited flags other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice.

The RYA flag etiquette book C1/04 has been re-written and is published online for the benefit of RYA Members.

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.

Flags of the nationalities of the crew members

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.

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The Proper Etiquette of Flying the American Flag on a Boat

Introduction, significance of the american flag, importance of proper etiquette, overview of topics covered, historical background of maritime flag etiquette, origin of maritime flag etiquette, evolution over time, american maritime flag traditions, when to fly the american flag on a boat, appropriate times, sunrise to sunset rule, special circumstances, proper positioning of the american flag, different types of vessels, flag pole and mount, size and ratio, displaying the flag respectfully, condition of the flag, other flags on board, disposal of worn flags, common mistakes to avoid.

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Flag Etiquette on a sailing boat today

Practical Boat Owner

Digital edition

Boat flag etiquette: Everything you need to know about ensigns and burgees

Andy Du Port
April 20, 2022

Andy Du Port draws upon 50 years’ experience to share the customary way of doing things when it comes to boat flag etiquette…

boat-flag-etiquette-ensign-warship-cartoon

Illustration by Jake Kavanagh

Almost everything we do, ashore and afloat, is governed by laws, which we must obey, and guidance, which we can accept or ignore.

When driving, we are governed by the Road Traffic Regulation Act and guided by The Highway Code.

At sea, we are bound by the Merchant Shipping Act and guided by advice from the likes of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

For example, the law requires us to wear our national ensign on specified occasions, but we are only advised to hoist it at 0800 and lower it at sunset.

And then we have etiquette, which may be somewhat perplexing but soon becomes second nature.

Article continues below…

Wild swimming and sewage – beware, red flags don’t always mean rough seas

The red flags were flying when I went for a swim at Boscombe Pier. I thought nothing of it. Yes,…

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Tjalling Halbertsma from Bergen, North Holland writes: “I sail a 28ft flat-bottomed Vollenhovense Bol, built in steel and a fine…

It can be specific or it can simply reflect good manners, courtesy and common sense, thus avoiding awkward or embarrassing pitfalls.

Sport-specific

All sports have their etiquette, some of which is quite prescriptive. You only have to google ‘golfing etiquette’ or ‘football etiquette’ to see what I mean.

Sailing etiquette tends to be more relaxed but, nonetheless, you should be aware of it – even if you then decide to ignore it.

The dictionary description is along the lines of: The customary code of polite behaviour among members of a particular group.

Photo: iWebbtravel/Alamy

In other words, in this context, it is ‘what most people do’ when afloat in their boats. To add confusion to this somewhat prickly subject, boat etiquette is continually changing.

When I started sailing yachts in the late 1960s it was de rigueur to conduct Colours and Sunset, with due ceremony, when in harbour.

Many a snooty look would be directed at a yacht who was two minutes late or whose crew was not smartly turned out. Nowadays, the custom has all but disappeared.

Some etiquette is founded on tradition, but most is based on practicalities which, if observed by the majority, just makes life afloat even more agreeable.

Boats under 7m LOA are not allowed to wear special ensigns. Photo: Peter Alvey/Alamy

At one end of the scale you will meet yachtsmen or women who are sticklers for what they regard as inflexible etiquette.

If you don’t conform they will glower at you from under the peaks of their yachting caps and splutter into their gin.

At the other extreme are those who are quite content for their boats to resemble Steptoe’s yard while they themselves ignore all around them. Most fall somewhere in between.

Boat flag etiquette explained

Few topics generate more discussion, irascibility and confusion than boat flag etiquette. As far as I can determine, only one boat flag (the ensign) is governed by the rule of law; if you get it wrong, you could be prosecuted.

The flying of all others is either the subject of well-founded recommendations – usually for safety reasons or to avoid confusion – or simply by what has become common practice.

This is the flag you must get right. Almost every boat which puts to sea wears an ensign. The rules are strict and enforceable under the Merchant Shipping Act: the law requires that only the relevant national ensign may be worn, in the right position.

The law also requires the ensign to be worn on certain specific occasions, such as entering a foreign port or when asked to do so by a warship.

You would be breaking the law by hoisting any boat flag other than a national ensign at the ensign staff or other authorised position.

boat-flag-etiquette.cruiser_b5r1cp_alamy

River Class Will O’ The Wisp with ensign on the Norfolk Broads. Photo: Anglia Images /Alamy

By all means fly regional flags elsewhere in the rigging. It is a nice custom, for example, to fly the Cornish flag in Cornwall or the Breton flag in Brittany – usually at the port spreader.

Should you hoist your ensign in the morning and lower it at night? This is not compulsory and most people now do not.

Theories abound about the origins of Colours and Sunset, the most likely being that all boat flags, not only ensigns, were taken in at night for two very logical reasons: no one could see them, and it saved bunting.

This then developed into the ceremonies of Morning Colours (usually at 0800 in the summer and 0900 in the winter) and Sunset (referred to as Evening Colours when conducted at 2100 if sunset is later).

Traditionally, an ensign is ‘worn’ while all other flags are ‘flown’. Photo: Stuart Pearce/Alamy

I can find no evidence to support the various beliefs that these ceremonies show veneration for those who have lost their lives at sea or that they demonstrate respect for the monarch.

However, etiquette also comes into play. Many yacht clubs conduct Colours and Sunset, and require their members to do so.

So if you find yourself berthed for the night in sight of such a club, or in the company of its members, boat flag etiquette suggests that you should follow their lead.

Similarly, it would be remiss of you not to lower your ensign at the same time as a nearby warship.

Lowering or hoisting the ensign on a short staff is not really practicable, so it is widely accepted that the staff may be removed, with the ensign attached, and stowed for the night.

Avoid wrapping the ensign round the staff and leaving it in situ; it looks scruffy and is neither one thing nor the other.

Most other boat flags demand no such angst, but the burgee comes a close second. If you are entitled to wear a ‘special ensign’ i.e. white, blue (plain or defaced) or red (defaced), your permit will dictate that the relevant burgee must be flown at the same time.

If this applies to you, you will know all about it. If not, don’t worry. Some clubs insist their members fly the burgee at the masthead. Otherwise, the starboard spreader is an acceptable alternative.

A defaced blue ensign

Courtesy flags

Standard practice is to fly a courtesy flag when in the territorial waters of another nation, usually hoisted at the starboard spreader (never at the masthead). Some countries require a courtesy flag to be worn, and you could cause considerable offence if you do not comply.

A tricky situation arises if you normally fly a burgee at the starboard spreader, as a courtesy flag should take precedence. A solution is to transfer the burgee to the port spreader.

If the country you are visiting also requires you to fly a Q flag, your problems just get worse. There doesn’t seem to be much agreement on this but I suggest you should leave the courtesy flag on its own to starboard, and fly the Q flag below the burgee to port.

The situation will resolve itself as soon as you have been cleared by customs and can put the Q flag away.

Other flags

Basically, you can do what you like but common sense indicates that you should not fly any boat flags which could be misinterpreted.

For example, almost all the International Code Flags (A-Z and 0-9) have specific meanings. If you decide to fly flag Juliet because its blue and white stripes match your topsides, you will also be signalling ‘On fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep well clear of me’.

For much the same reason, there is a recommended order for boat flags when dressing overall. If you follow it, not only will the flags give a pleasing appearance, you can also be sure that you do not unintentionally spell anything which you may regret.

You often see boats flying all sorts of bunting. A common boat flag is the Jolly Roger (also known as the Skull and Crossbones), or those with young children may be seen flying a kite in the form of a fish from the backstay.

Does it matter? Not really, but boat flag etiquette suggests that too many flags is a bit sloppy and makes your boat look like a fairground.

As for burgees (again), I see no reason not to fly more than one (being careful to obey the special ensign rules if relevant), but too many could imply that you are either showing off or indecisive.

You can read more boat flag etiquette guidance on the official Royal Yachting Association website .

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Yacht Flag Etiquette: How To Fly Flags on a Boat

Long before phones and radios became the norm, boats of all shapes and sizes relied on flags to communicate with other boats and port authorities. Today, flags are obviously no longer the main method of communication for sailors, but they’re still important for any boat on the water. Given the history and significance of most flags, one must follow certain etiquette when flying them. We’ll go over some yacht flag etiquette and how to fly flags on boats so that you can avoid any unpleasant incidents.

The National Ensign

The national ensign is considered the most important flag to fly on a vessel. For the United States, the “stars and stripes” serves as the national ensign. This flag should fly the farthest aft of any other flag, as that is the position of honor. In most cases, the national ensign should also be the largest flag you fly aboard your vessel. Important things to remember about flying the national ensign include:

It shouldn’t be too big or small. The ideal size for the national ensign should be one inch of fly (or length) for each foot of boat length. The hoist should be two-thirds of the fly.
Only fly the American national ensign during daylight hours. 0800 hours is the earliest you can fly the national ensign, and you should take it down when the sun sets.
Positioning is important. You shouldn’t fly the national ensign at the top of the mast; rather, it should be in the furthest aft position that you can manage for your boat.
Always fly the national ensign in international waters.

The US Yacht Ensign

Many American yachts choose to fly the US yacht ensign instead of the national ensign. Originally, you needed a special license to fly the US yacht ensign, but nowadays, any vessel—whether professional or recreational—can fly the yacht ensign. You can fly either the yacht ensign or the national ensign, but never both at the same time.

Club Burgees

Many yacht and sailing clubs have their own burgees, which are pennant-shaped flags used to identify a vessel as part of that club. If you’re part of a yacht or sailing club, make sure you proudly fly your club’s burgee from your ship’s masthead. Burgees usually come with membership to one of these clubs.

Courtesy Flags

Another piece of important yacht flag etiquette you should know regards flying courtesy flags. If you enter another nation’s waters, it’s appropriate to fly their flag to show respect after the nation’s authorities have given you clearance. Flying the yellow Q flag first will signal that you’re seeking clearance from the authorities.

Part of good flag etiquette aboard a boat is keeping your flags in good condition. A yacht flagpole from Innovative Marine group can help you fly the right flags and show proper respect to them as well.

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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: 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.

Ensign incorrectly flown at top of mizzen

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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Flag etiquette for sailing holidays and clearing customs.

National flags or ensigns.

The vessel's national flag – not necessarily the same nationality as the skipper or owner – should be displayed at the stern of the yacht; however on traditional yachts, placement on the main leech or gaff is historically more correct. If the crew's nationality differs from that of the yacht, the crew's national flag can be flown under the courtesy flag at the starboard spreader. Likewise the nationality of an important guest on board is displayed this way. Note that the European flag should not be used, since it doesn't refer to a nation. Flag and ensign are synonymous. The name ensign is derived from the French enseigne and Latin plural insignia .

Courtesy flags

The yellow Q flag should be flown instead of the courtesy ensign until the yacht is properly cleared by customs and immigration , after which the Q flag is replaced by the courtesy flag.

The – often triangular – burgee from the skipper's yacht club or sailing organisation is also hoisted at the starboard spreader , but below the courtesy flag. International yacht club burgees are often hoisted above the nationality flags of crew or guests. Yet, purists will say that also crew national flags should be hoisted above any burgee. Too avoid possible insult it is therefore best to fly your burgee below all national flags! The burgee may be flown day and night.

International code of signals

First drafted in 1855, this visual system was first published internationally in 1857 and gradually adopted by most seafaring nations. The 1932 modernisation allowed for new situations like a medical distress call involving radiation casualties (AN 2). Some other interesting examples: (IT): I am on fire; (US 4): Nothing can be done until weather moderates; (GM): I cannot save my vessel; (NC No and Yes) is used as a distress signal.

Another useful flag

Though, in nearly all countries the white & blue A flag is used as the diver's flag, which is only technically correct if the divers are physically connected to the vessel with an “umbilical cord”, preventing the vessel from manoeuvring. The red flag with the white stripe is only official in Canada, Italy and some states of the USA, but since it aims to protect the divers below instead of the vessel, many divers choose wisely to hoist both flags.

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 .

Flag Etiquette

Flag etiquette has been passed down to us by generations of mariners. It is often totally lacking or incorrectly displayed on pleasure yachts, in particular charter yachts.

We are not totally fanatical about flag etiquette, but we like to observe at least the minimum requirements of this age old tradition and basic rules.

First, Some History

The earliest use of flags to communicate between vessels in ancient marine fleets. The very limited expressions were mainly used to rally a convention of the sailors to discuss a decision or course of action. As shipping commerce and naval wars became commonplace in the 18th century, the use of flag display on vessels was rapidly adopted and frequently improved.

In 1738, Mahé de la Bourdonniase, a French naval officer, created the first numerical flag codes that greatly increased the number of communications as a mere 3 flags offered 1,000 combinations and later served as the basis for flag-hoisting signaling. The beginning of the more complex system we follow today began in the mid-1700s during the Anglo-Dutch naval wars. The formalization of the new flag communication methods that offered 45 mixed messages using 11 flags was called “ Royal Navy’s Permanent Fighting Instructions “. Interesting side note: Rudyard Kipling (the famous poet) had a fascination with all things naval and was actually an advisor for the development of this publication.

In 1783, Richard Earl Howe, First Lord of the Admiralty, recast the French system by adding repeater pennants and control flags. These modifications led to publication of the “ 1799 Signal Book for Ships of War “. The Royal Navy used its individual flag designs through the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1912. Popham’s Telegraphic Signals or Marine Vocabulary further expanded the signaling to include 6,000 phrases and 60,000 words.

At the same time, the United States was innovating its maritime communications. In 1797, the US published its first numerical code system entitled “Instructions, Signals, and Explanations Ordered for the United States Fleet”. Followed in 1817 by the first commercial book of signals, “Code of Signals for the Merchant Service” authored by Captain Frederick Marryat of the Royal Navy. The American government published J.R. Parker’s “American Signal Book for the Use of Vessels Employed in the United States Naval, Revenue, and Merchant Service” for use in non-tactical communications and it was in use until 1856, when it was rendered obsolete by technological advances. The British Board of Trade took up creating an improved code that later became the International Code of Signals .

The first International Code of Signals was created by the British Board of Trade in 1855 and published in 1857. It contained 70,000 signals and 17,000 messages using 18 flags. During the International Radiotelegraph Conference of Madrid in 1932, the code was revised with 6 more flags for different languages including French, Italian, German, Japanese, Norwegian, and Spanish. In 1947, the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMO) began governing the Code. In 1969, more flags were added to accommodate the Greek and Russian languages and each alpha-numeric signal flag was assigned meaning.

As you can see the code can be quite complex but there are only a few that are important to recreational sailors.

The Ensign: Boats Should Fly “Country of Origin” or National Flag

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.
or the 50-star flag “Old Glory” you are all familiar with.

The appropriate time to fly the ensign is from sunrise to sunset, except when racing. However, whenever a boat is taken into international or foreign waters, the 50-star U.S. national flag is the proper flag to fly and the yacht ensign should not 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 Yacht Ensign from the stern, which provides the best visibility or at the lower third of your mizzen sail (generally from the mizzen’s topping lift). 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.

Courtesy Flag & “Q” (Quarantine) Flag

If you are preparing to clear customs while returning from foreign waters, the “Q” flag should be flown on your starboard spreader, below the country’s courtesy flag. Once formalities are taken care of, immediately remove the “Q” flag.

All charter boats should carry the national flags of neighboring islands as well as the yellow “Q” flag in case charterers want to visit those islands. 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. So check your flags before setting off to another country to ensure the flags look good enough to display!

It may be flown day and night. Many 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.

Note that when you visit a foreign port, that’s where you 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

A private signal is a small, custom-designed and custom-made flag that carries symbols for/about the owner of the flag and can basically be anything. The signal may be flown day or night, but is not displayed when another skipper 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.

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. This flag/flags should be flown on the port spreader lower than the courtesy flag as a sign of respect for the host country.

Flag Dimensions

Although flags come in standardized sizes, there are guidelines to help you 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 nearest larger 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. which about 3.5 ft or 1 meter.

Other flags, such as club burgees, private signals and courtesy flags for use 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. i.e. about 2 ft. The shape and proportions of pennants and burgees will be prescribed by the organization which they relate to.

Raising and Lowering Flags

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.

Signal Flag Meanings

Today, even with modern communications, signal flags are used whether the vessel is a Navy boat, sailboat, or fishing vessel. Each signal flag has its own unique meaning that is affected by context The meaning can differ depending if you’re in a sailing reggata or if you’re in the Navy.

The point of using the flags is to clear up the communication path between sailors. People use nautical flags to express a status, warning or a need.to neighboring vessels without a chance of misinterpretation.

Each flag does have its own letter, but it is rarely used for spelling as used of words is less effective when there are language barriers. The flags are useful because each one has its unique meaning.

Download the International Code flags and their meanings .

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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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Flag Etiquette

Proper respect and guidelines for displaying the U.S. flag is governed by the United States Flag Code, USC Title 4, Chapter 1 . The United States Power Squadron, the worlds largest boating educational organization, developed an updated code for displaying flags on boats, which eliminates confusion and will help you show proper respect for each flag and pennant you fly. Here are some basic guidelines on flag etiquette: The U.S. national ensign is the proper and preferred flag for all U.S. vessels. Your boat should wear it from 0800 until sunset, and when you enter or leave port during daylight or at night, weather and rig permitting. The yacht club burgee contains a unique design symbolic of the organization represented. If your boat is a mastless or single-masted yacht, fly your burgee from the bow staff. Boats without a bow staff should wear a burgee at the truck (cap for the top of the mast) of a single-masted yacht. On the other hand, if the truck is occupied with instruments or other gear, a pigstick can be affixed to a halyard so as to carry a flag above the truck. Alternatively, the burgee may be worn at a spreader halyard. If your boat has two or more masts, fly your burgee at the truck of the forward mast. Colors are made each morning at 0800; as mentioned, at yacht club and similar organization docks or anchorages, this may be signaled by a morning gun. The national ensign or yacht ensign is hoisted at the stern (or set in place on its staff). This is followed, as applicable, by a foreign ensign (courtesy flag), a club or squadron burgee, organizational flags, an officer flag or private signal and then by any other signals not already fling, such as a guest flag. At sunset, colors not properly flown on a day-and-night basis should be lowered in reverse sequence, the ensign at the stern always being the last to be secured. Dressing Ship: On national holidays, at regattas, and on other special occasions, yachts often "dress ship" with International Code of Signal flags. The ship is dressed at 0800, and remains so dressed until evening colors (while at anchor only, except for a vessel's maiden and final voyages, and participation in a marine parade or other unique situation). In dressing ship, the national ensign is hoisted at the stern staff and a rainbow of flags of the International Code is arranged, reaching from the water line forward to the water line aft, by way of the bowsprit end (or stem if there's no bowsprit) and the masthead(s). Flags and pennants are bent on alternately, rather than in any indiscriminate manner. Since there are twice as many letter flags as numeral pennants, it is good practice, as in the Navy, to follow a sequence of two flags, one pennant, two flags, one pennant, throughout. Here's the recommended sequence: Starting from forward: AB2, UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater. Half-Staffing Flags: The only authorities who may direct that all national ensigns be flown at half-staff (sometimes called "half-mast) are the President of the United States or the governor of a state. The length of time at which the ensign is to be flown at half-staff is determined by the deceased person's position and the directive of the president or governor. A commodore, commander, civic association president, or corresponding official of a similar organization may order his organization's flag flown at half-staff to honor a member who has died. On Memorial day, the national ensign is properly flown at half-staff until 1200. When you fly your national ensign at half-mast, hoist it smartly as high as you can (sometimes referred to as "chock-a-blocked") or "two-blocked"). Then lower it ceremoniously to the half-mast position. When you are taking it down at the end of the day, smartly two-block it again and then lower it ceremoniously from there. U.S. Flag The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations. The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. Fold in the traditional triangle for stowage, never wadded up. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, with the exception of an all-weather flag designed for inclement weather use.

See these sources for additional information: United States Flag Code, USC Title 4, Chapter 1 United States Power Squadron

Sailing Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts

Sailing is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of nature and explore the open waters. However, it’s important to remember that sailing etiquette plays a crucial role in ensuring everyone’s safety and enjoyment on board. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a beginner, understanding and following proper yachting etiquette is essential.

Yacht clubs and sailing organizations often have their own specific codes of conduct that members are expected to follow. These rules may include things like wearing appropriate clothing while on board or refraining from certain behaviors while docked at marinas.

Learning good yachting etiquette isn’t just about following rules; it’s also about building a sense of community among boaters. By treating others with respect and consideration while out on the water, we can all contribute to a positive experience for everyone involved.

The Importance of Sailing Etiquette

Communicate Effectively and Avoid Collisions Sailing etiquette is essential for any sailor, whether you are a seasoned veteran or a beginner. It helps sailors communicate effectively and avoid collisions on the water. Proper communication between boats can prevent accidents, especially in crowded waters.
Respect for Other Sailors Following proper sailing etiquette shows respect for other sailors. When sailing in a group, it is vital to be aware of other boats around you and give them enough space to maneuver safely. Also, be mindful of how your actions may affect others’ enjoyment of their sailing holiday.
Prevent Damage to Boats and Equipment Practicing good sailing etiquette can prevent damage to boats and equipment. For instance, when docking or anchoring your boat, be careful not to damage other boats or structures nearby. Also, make sure that all equipment on board is secure before setting sail. Loose items such as ropes or sails can become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Protect Marine Life Sailing etiquette also includes protecting marine life by avoiding sensitive areas such as coral reefs or seagrass beds. These areas are home to many species of marine life that are easily damaged by anchors or propellers. It is essential to anchor only in designated areas where there is little chance of damaging the marine ecosystem.
Create a Positive and Welcoming Community on the Wate r By practicing good sailing etiquette, sailors can create a positive and welcoming community on the water. When everyone follows proper sailing etiquette, it creates a safer and more enjoyable experience for all of us. It also fosters a sense of camaraderie among sailors, which can lead to lasting friendships.

Before Departure

Check the Weather Forecast Before Departure Before embarking on a voyage, it is crucial to check the weather forecast . The weather can change quickly and unexpectedly, so it’s essential to stay informed about any potential changes that may occur during your trip. By checking the forecast ahead of time, you can prepare for any adverse conditions that may arise and ensure a safe and smooth voyage.
Make Sure All Necessary Safety Equipment is On Board Safety should always be a top priority when sailing. Before leaving shore, make sure all necessary safety equipment is on board. This includes life jackets for every member of your group, flares in case of an emergency or distress signal, and a radio for communication with other boaters or emergency assistance.
Properly Secure All Items on Deck and Below To prevent collisions or damage during your trip, it’s essential to secure all items on deck and below properly. Loose items can become dangerous projectiles in rough waters or high winds, causing injury or damage to your boat. Take the time to stow away any loose gear before setting sail.
Allow Enough Space at the Ramp When Launching or Retrieving When launching or retrieving your boat at the ramp, it’s crucial to allow enough space between your vessel and others around you. Crowded ramps can lead to accidents if boats are too close together during launch or retrieval. Give yourself plenty of room to maneuver safely.
Ensure Proper Placement of Flags Flags are an important part of sailing etiquette as they indicate your boat’s status and intentions to other boaters. Make sure you know which flags are appropriate for different situations before setting sail. Proper placement of flags ensures clear communication with other vessels.

General Rules On-Board

Follow the Captain’s Instructions and Respect Their Authority on Board When you’re on a sailboat, the captain is in charge. They are responsible for everyone’s safety, and their instructions should be followed at all times. Whether it’s hoisting sails or navigating through tricky waters, the captain knows best. It’s important to respect their authority and not question their decisions.
Keep the Deck Clear and Organized to Avoid Tripping Hazards A cluttered deck can be dangerous, especially when you’re sailing in rough waters. Make sure that everything has its place and that there are no tripping hazards around. Secure loose items before setting sail, so they don’t go flying off during your journey.
Properly disposing of trash and waste Littering not only harms the environment but can also be hazardous for wildlife. Be sure to bring along appropriate containers for garbage and dispose of them properly once back on land.
Living in Close Quarters Means You’ll Be Sharing Everything with Your Fellow Sailors When you’re out at sea, you’ll be living in close quarters with your fellow sailors. This means sharing everything from food to sleeping quarters. Be mindful of others’ personal space and keep common areas clean and tidy.
Fresh Water Is a Precious Commodity on Board Freshwater is scarce when sailing long distances, so it’s essential to conserve water whenever possible. Take quick showers instead of long ones, use seawater for washing dishes whenever possible, and avoid wasting water by turning off taps when not in use.
Don’t Waste Electricity While Sailing: It’s Not Endless! Electricity is limited when sailing because most boats rely on batteries charged by solar panels or generators. So make sure to turn off lights and other electrical appliances when not in use to conserve energy.

Sailing Etiquette on the Water

Common Sense is Key While there are specific rules that must be followed when boating, common sense is also key if you see another boat heading towards you at a high speed, it’s probably best to move out of their way rather than trying to assert your right of way.
Be Aware of Other Boaters and Their Movements When out on the water, it’s important to keep an eye out for other boats in your vicinity. This means being aware of their movements and making sure you’re not getting too close. If you’re passing another boat, make sure you do so at a safe distance.
Wind Direction Determines Right of Way In sailing, wind direction plays a crucial role in determining right of way between boats. The boat with the wind coming from its starboard side has the right of way over the boat with the wind coming from its port side. If two boats have the wind coming from different directions, the boat with the wind on its starboard side should give way to the other boat.
Show Respect for Other Boats and Their Occupants Showing respect for other boats and their occupants is an essential part of boating etiquette. This means avoiding excessive noise or wake near anchored boats or shorelines where others may be enjoying peace and quiet. It also means being mindful of littering or throwing trash into the water.
Lend a hand to your fellow sailors If you see a fellow sailor struggling, don’t be a sourpuss, lend a hand! But don’t forget to keep your own boat and crew safe too. Remember, we’re all in the same storm here!

Sailing Etiquette in Port

Arranging for a Mooring Berth in Advance Before arriving at the harbor, it’s always best to arrange for a mooring berth in advance. This can save you from complications or delays that may arise from not having a place to dock your vessel. Make sure to provide accurate information about your vessel’s size and type so they can allocate the appropriate space for you.
Displaying the Correct Flag When Entering a Foreign Port When entering a foreign port, it’s essential to display the correct flag as per local customs and regulations. The flag indicates your vessel’s nationality and shows respect for local traditions and laws. Failing to fly the right flag could result in penalties or fines.
Being Mindful of Noise Levels It’s important always to be mindful of noise levels when sailing in ports. Loud music or excessive noise can disturb other vessels in the harbor and cause unnecessary tension between sailors. Keep conversations low-key and avoid shouting across docks or decks. If you have guests onboard who are prone to being loud or boisterous, remind them of proper etiquette before docking at any port.
Using Oars Instead of Outboard Motor When Using Dinghy at Night If you plan on using your dinghy at night, it’s best to use oars instead of an outboard motor. The sound of the engine can be disturbing to other sailors who are trying to sleep or relax in their vessels. It’s also essential to ensure that your dinghy has proper lighting when navigating at night.
Keeping the Area Around Your Slip or Mooring Clean Always ensure that the area around your slip or mooring is kept clean. This includes disposing of any trash properly and avoiding throwing anything overboard.

Sailing Etiquette on Anchor

Choosing the Right Anchorage Location Before you drop anchor , it is important to choose an appropriate anchorage location. Look for a spot that is not too crowded and has enough space for your boat. Dropping anchor in a congested area can lead to collisions with other boats or obstruct the passage of other vessels. Make sure there is enough room for your boat to swing without hitting any other boats nearby.
Using Proper Anchor Lights at Night When anchoring at night, it is important to use proper anchor lights to indicate the position of your boat to other sailors. This will help prevent collisions and ensure that other boaters can see where you are anchored. Make sure your anchor light is bright enough and positioned high enough so that it can be seen from all angles.
Respecting Other Boaters’ Privacy Respect the privacy of other boaters by keeping a safe distance and avoiding shining bright lights towards their boats. Loud noises or playing loud music can also disturb other boaters in the anchorage, so keep noise levels down as much as possible.
First Come, First Get The first boat in the anchorage has the right to decide on the swing radius, so make sure you give them plenty of space. If there are already boats anchored nearby, try to drop anchor far enough away so that everyone has plenty of room.
Being Mindful of the Environment When choosing an anchorage location, be mindful of the environment and avoid dropping anchor on coral reefs or seagrass beds. These delicate ecosystems can be easily damaged by anchors and chains dragging along the bottom.
Beware of Anchor Drag Anchor drag is a common problem when anchoring in windy conditions or strong currents. To prevent this from happening, make sure your anchor is set properly before leaving your boat unattended. Check on it periodically throughout your stay in case it needs resetting.

Summing Up Sailing Etiquette

In conclusion, sailing etiquette is crucial for a safe and enjoyable sailing experience. By following basic tips and rules, you can ensure that you are being respectful to other sailors on the water, in port, and at anchor.

Before departing, make sure that your boat is properly equipped with safety gear and that you have a plan in case of an emergency. On-board, be mindful of others by keeping noise levels down. When on the water, remember to give way to vessels on your starboard side and avoid creating large wakes that could damage other boats or harm wildlife. In port, be considerate by keeping your music volume low and not blocking access to other boats. At anchor, be aware of how much space you are taking up and try not to infringe on other boats’ personal space. Keep noise levels down during quiet hours so everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

By following these basic rules of sailing etiquette, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself as well as others around you. Remember to always be respectful and courteous towards fellow sailors on the water. So next time you set sail, keep these key points in mind to ensure a smooth journey. Happy sailing!

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Flag Etiquette

Flag etiquette is a matter of law, custom, and the rules of the Club. The law requires that a private pleasure yacht should display its nationality, if required, by wearing ‘proper national colours’ (Merchant Shipping Act 1995 s.2). In the case of a British registered vessel or a vessel under 24 metres which would be entitled to be a British registered vessel if the owner(s) chose to register, ‘proper national colours’ is the red ensign.

Any flag other than a red ensign (or blue ensign in the circumstances set out above) is not proper national colours and wearing such a flag as a national ensign may be a criminal offence.

On a sloop the ensign is worn at the stern of the vessel (with variations for ketches, yawls and gaff rig). This is the senior position. The second most senior is the masthead, traditionally the place for the burgee, after which is the starboard crosstrees (spreader), and finally the port crosstrees.

House flags (e.g. the RNLI flag or the RYA member’s flag) may be hoisted on the port crosstrees flag halyard.

Union Flags have no place at sea (except by commissioned warships and submarines of the Royal Navy when in use as a Jack in the bows of the vessel). Neither has the Scottish Saltire (except as code flag M) nor St Patrick’s flag (except as code flag V). St George’s Cross is the flag of an Admiral. The use of the Euro flag is similarly deprecated. And, please, no skull and crossbones ‘pirate’ flags. When dressing the vessel overall use signal flags.

The ensign and any other distinguishing flags are collectively referred to as ‘colours’. Colours are raised at sea (unless racing), and in harbour from the hours of 0800 (0900 in the winter months from 1 November to 14 February inclusive). Colours are struck (lowered) at sunset or 2100 if earlier. If you are going ashore and are not likely to return before the relevant time you should adopt the practice of ‘early colours’ and strike the ensign and burgee when you leave the vessel. Nothing should be left flying on an unattended vessel.

Flag Officer’s broad pennants

Flag officers broad pennants are akin to commissioning pennants and are worn day and night whenever the Flag Officer in question is in effective command of the vessel. Other colours worn on a Flag Officer’s yacht are subject to the normal rules.

It is customary for yachts to salute Royal Yachts and warships both British and foreign. They will usually respond. Flag Officers of a yacht club may be saluted by members’ yachts, but this is not compulsory and should be restricted to special occasions such as a meeting at sea away from home waters or a Commodore’s sail past.

A flag salute consists of dipping the ensign, by lowering it by one third of the ensign staff. If that is impractical hold the ensign staff in a horizontal position. The dip should be maintained until the other vessel responds by dipping its ensign, when both vessels should hoist their ensigns close up. Don’t worry about being a nuisance to warships. They are aware of the custom. If they do not respond it will be for operational reasons.

Racing yachts traditionally do not wear either an ensign or burgee, although they may wear a square racing flag. A yacht while racing is subject to the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) but that does not exonerate her from complying with COLREGs. Wearing a burgee and ensign signifies that the yacht is not racing, or has retired from the race.

Going foreign

The custom is to wear the maritime colours of the country being visited, known as a ‘courtesy flag’, close up to the starboard cross trees. No other flag should be in a superior position to the courtesy flag, so if that is where you normally fly the club burgee you will need to find somewhere else for it.

The courtesy flag for visitors to the UK is the Red Ensign, no matter which part of the UK you are visiting.

Ensigns should be half masted for the day of the death of the member (or at the Flag Officer’s discretion the next following day) until the next time of striking colours. They should not be half masted again until the day of the funeral when they are raised at the time of the internment or cremation.

Half masting for the whole period between death and funeral is reserved for the death of the Sovereign.

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Flag Etiquette

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The Royal Engineer Yacht Club Which Flags should I fly? Guidance on Flag Etiquette.

Introduction ..

All users of REYC yachts are to fly the correct Ensign and a Club Burgee, and REYC Members should fly the correct flags when sailing on their own and other yachts. Flying flags incorrectly can upset the traditionally minded, and in theory constitutes an offence under Section 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act and is liable to a fine. In practice it is unheard of for yachts in UK waters to be prosecuted for a flag offence, however flying flags incorrectly in foreign countries can not only cause offence but also lead to difficulties either when clearing in or clearing out, or when a yacht is approached by police or other maritime officials.

All REYC yachts should have both a Red and a Blue Ensign on board of the correct size. They should also carry an in-date Blue Ensign Permit.

Size Yachts between 21-27 ft should fly a ¾-yard ensign (680x340mm), those between 27-34 ft a 1-yard ensign (910x450mm), those between 35-42 ft a 1¼-yard ensign (1140x560mm) and those up to 50ft a 1½-yard ensign (1370x680mm).

Position . Ensigns should be flown on an Ensign Staff at the stern of the yacht. Particularly when at sea, yawls and ketches may fly their ensigns at the top of the mizzen mast, but see the note on Burgees below.

Red or Blue? On Club-owned yachts, if there is a Full, Honorary or Associate Member of the REYC on board, the yacht should fly the Blue Ensign. At any other time, even if the skipper is a member of another Blue Ensign Yacht Club, the Red Ensign must be flown.

When Flown:

At Sea . At sea, the ensign is normally flown constantly, though legally it only needs to be flown for the purpose of identification (ie if in sight of another vessel or land).

In Harbour . In harbour, the ensign should be raised at Sunrise (0800 local time or 0900 1 Nov 14 Feb) and lowered at Sunset (or 2100 local time even if the sun is still up). If in a naval port or a naval vessel is nearby, their timings should be followed.

Windy Conditions . In order to save wear and tear, in winds above F7 Club boats should remove their ensigns, burgees and other flags (except when racing).

Racing . When racing, the Ensign should be removed and a Class Flag flown from the 5 minute gun. The Ensign should be re-hoisted having finished or on retirement.

When on-board or nearby their own yachts, Full, Honorary and Associate REYC Members may fly a Blue Ensign provided they have an in-date Ensign Permit, available for a small fee from the Honorary Secretary. The Permit is for the yacht, and does not entitle a Member to fly a Blue Ensign on any other vessel. When used by other than the Owner, an owner's yacht is not entitled to fly the Blue Ensign.

Burgees . The REYC Burgee must always be flown by a Club-owned yacht, either on one of the spreaders or at the masthead (the latter is the most senior position). For Members' own yachts, when flying the Blue Ensign, the Club Burgee must also be flown, and particularly owners of Yawls and Ketches should note that the Burgee should be flown above the Ensign (ie, at the main-masthead if the Ensign is atop the mizzen-mast).

Special Flags . Flag Officers and holders of Special Flags may substitute their flags for the Burgee on the spreaders. Strictly speaking, it is preferable also to fly a Club Burgee at the masthead as well as the flag on the spreaders.

Courtesy Flags . An appropriate courtesy flag should be flown when in a foreign port or when in the vicinity of official vessels whilst in foreign waters. In practice, courtesy flags are normally flown at all times when within the territorial waters of another country. The courtesy flag should be flown in the senior position but not at the masthead, ie on the Starboard Spreader. If the Club Burgee is being flown on the Starboard Spreader, it must be moved to the Port Spreader when a courtesy flag is flown.

Q Flags . Flag Q should be flown when arriving into or from a foreign port that is (presently) outside the EU. Technically a Q Flag should also be flown if arriving in or from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man directly from an EU Country, although this is virtually never done. When clearing into or from a foreign port, the Q Flag ought to be removed as soon as the yacht has been cleared in by Immigration Officials; technically no-one may go ashore until this has been done.

Dressing Overall . When dressing overall, the following is the normal order for stringing the International Code Flags (from Stemhead/Pulpit) Top of Mast(s) Stern/Pushpit). For a sloop:

(Pulpit) E, Q, P3, G, p8, Z, p4, W, p6, P, p1, I, AP, T, Y, B, X, 1st, H, 3rd (Masthead) (Masthead) D, F, 2nd, U, A, O, M, R, p2, J, pO, N, p9, K, p7, V, p5, L, C, S (Stern)

The official days for dressing overall are: Accession Day (6 Feb); Coronation Day (2 Jun); HM The Queen's Birthday (21 Apr); Commonwealth Day (2nd Mon in Mar); HM The Queen's Official Birthday (usually first Sat in Jun); and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's Birthday (10 Jun). In practice, REYC yachts should dress overall if they are being used on the Queen's Official Birthday and the Duke of Edinburgh's Birthday (he is the Club's Patron), and members are asked to follow suit if on-board their own yachts. When abroad, yachts should follow local customs. Of course an owner or skipper can dress their yacht overall for any good reason.

Saluting . Members should salute warships of any nationality, and by custom the Club Flag Officers (ie any yacht that is flying a REYC Flag Officer's Flag), by dipping their ensign as they pass. When saluting, the ensign should be lowered 2/3 of the way down its staff and not re-hoisted until the vessel being saluted has acknowledged the salute by lowering and raising its ensign.

Unofficial Flags . In Port, House Flags may be flown from anywhere where it is convenient. Whilst it is not customary, when on REYC yachts members of other yacht clubs may wish to fly their own burgee below that of the REYC's. And if a foreign national is crewing on a Club yacht, they may wish to fly a small courtesy flag of their own nation on the port-hand spreader below the Club's Burgee.

Further Reading . More comprehensive guides to Flag Etiquette may be found in the following sources: 1. The RYA Flag Etiquette Book (C1/104 available free on line to RYA members) 2. Naval Flags an Ensigns A note by the Naval Staff Directorate (possibly available on MoDWeb or see: http://luxe-motor-kei.co.uk/documents/NavalFlagsandEnsigns.pdf) 3. Reeds Nautical Almanac

Last updated 12:22 on 2 April 2024

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What is proper boat etiquette.

Knowing local boating laws is essential before heading out for a fun day of fishing, cruising, and watersports. However, it's also important to understand the unwritten rules of boating. Following these rules for proper boating etiquette can ensure that you and your guests stay safe, remain courteous to other boaters, and comply with boating regulations when visiting distant places.

Boat Flag Etiquette

One of the unspoken rules of boating is flying the appropriate flags. As a nod to mariners of old, displaying the correct flags lets you honor boating history and communicate effectively while on the water. There are four basic flag types to choose from:

Ensign Flags

Burgee Flags

Private Signal Flags

Courtesy Flags

Each flag has a specific purpose that signifies when their display is appropriate.

Flag Sizes Each nautical flag's size should be proportional to the vessel itself.

In general, an ensign flag should be about one inch long for each foot of a yacht's overall length. Other flag sizes are based on the distance between the highest mast and the water.

Burgees, signals, and courtesy flags are roughly ½ inch long for each foot of the mast's length.

Flag Condition In some cultures, flying a damaged or faded flag indicates disrespect, so it's important to keep your flags in good condition. Though you can remove flags to protect them when out alone on open water, be sure to raise them when entering or leaving port. Courtesy flags, in particular, should remain clearly visible, even at night.

Ensign Flag

An ensign flag is the national flag of a vessel's origin point. In the United States, pleasure boaters can choose between the traditional 50-star flag or the yacht ensign, which features a fouled anchor over a circle of 13 stars. However, boaters should opt for the traditional flag rather than the yacht ensign when in foreign waters.

Most often, yacht owners fly their ensign flag from the stern, though you can also display the ensign from the leech of the most aftersail. When mounting a flagpole on the stern, locate it near the vessel's starboard side. Make sure the staff is sufficiently long and angled to keep it clear of any exhaust or rigging.

Flight times for ensign flags are reserved to the hours between 8:00 AM and sunset. Be sure to take it down if your craft is docked or unmanned before then. You should also remove the ensign during races to alert other boaters that you're engaged in that activity.

This small flag displays the logo of a particular sailing organization or yacht club. Traditionally, boaters fly the burgee as a symbol of honor on the starboard rigging. However, many people place it lower in the rig on a thin halyard near the lowest starboard spreader. While you typically fly this flag both day and night, you may need to remove it to show respect when sailing into a foreign port.

A private signal flag is specific to a yacht's captain and is often custom-made. Each private signal flag corresponds to a particular person rather than the boat and should only be flown when the vessel is under that person's command. Fly these flags day or night from the head of the aftmost mast or from the starboard rigging on a sloop.

When entering foreign waters or approaching national boundaries, it is proper boating etiquette to display that country's flag on the boat's starboard spreader. If your yacht has more than one mast, choose the starboard spreader of the forwardmost mast, even if it means temporarily displacing another flag for a time.

Before obtaining clearance from local authorities, all vessels should hoist a yellow "Q" flag to indicate a request for permission to enter. After receiving clearance, you can replace the "Q" flag with the appropriate national flag. If you are traveling to multiple locations, such as island nations, be sure to bring along a flag for each place you intend to visit.

Etiquette at the Marina

Around a marina slip, safety and cleanliness are the hallmarks of boating etiquette. Be considerate of others by keeping dock lines, cables and gear stowed neatly away when not in use. When fueling or loading up supplies, move as quickly as possible so as not to block another boater's access. Keep noise levels appropriate and closely supervise any children so that others can enjoy their experience.

Boating Etiquette on the Water

Practicing proper boating etiquette on the water means understanding and obeying the rules regarding boating right of way and passing. When two boats come head-on, each vessel should turn starboard and pass port to port. If a boat approaches you from the right, they are the "stand-on vessel" with the right of way, while you are the "give-way vessel" and must accommodate them.

Boating right of way rules can sometimes change depending on the type of vessel you have and the types of vessels you encounter while on the water. For example:

Sailboats under sail have the right of way over powerboats. A sailboat that runs on an engine is considered a powerboat whether its sails are up or down.
In an encounter between two sailboats under sail, the one on the starboard tack has the right of way over the vessel on the port tack. If both boats are on the same tack, the leeward vessel has the right of way.
Human-powered vessels such as kayaks and canoes always have the right of way over other vessels, even sailboats.
Vessels with limited maneuvering abilities due to draft, size, or other reasons have the right of way, while other boats must accommodate them.

All boaters should know and obey these guidelines for boat passing etiquette. However, avoiding collisions and maintaining safety is the main priority, regardless of which vessel technically has the right of way. If another boat is overtaking you, maintain course and speed if you can do so safely. Otherwise, slow down and allow the other vessel to pass.

Boat Docking Etiquette

When entering the marina or approaching a slip, slow your speed to six knots or less for safety. Though the goal is to get situated as quickly as possible, this will give you more time to react to other boaters and help minimize noise levels. If you're boating at a new location, watch a few other boaters before you approach to gauge the traffic flow.

When it's your turn, enlist a friend to help so the process goes as smoothly as possible. Move as quickly as possible to secure your boat and avoid causing damage to it or the dock. Once you've secured your vessel, rather than immediately unloading your extra fuel and equipment, move away from the ramp to give other boaters room.

Boat Etiquette for Guests

Like the captain and crew, guests must practice proper boating etiquette to ensure everyone stays safe and has a good time. If you receive a boating invitation, ask if there is anything the host would like for you to bring (food, drinks, sunscreen, extra towels, etc.). Or, offer to chip in on expenses like food, fuel, or boating fees.

On the day of the boating trip, be sure to arrive at the docks on time to ensure that everything remains on schedule. Volunteer to help out with the boat prep, loading, and launching processes however you can and perform whatever tasks the host gives you to the best of your ability. Before boarding, remove your shoes to avoid damaging or scuffing the vessel.

Since the captain is responsible for the safety of everyone aboard the boat, following their instructions is essential once you're out on the water. Ask your host if you have any questions, and avoid the following actions:

Standing while the vessel is in motion
Distracting the captain
Touching any of the controls
Smoking (unless the captain permits it)
Throwing anything (garbage, cigarette butts, etc.) into the water

If the captain asks, assist with boat retrieval at the end of the trip. Help unload the vessel once you return to the staging area, remembering to clean up any messes and take all your personal items with you when you disembark. Lastly, be sure to thank the captain or host for inviting you onto their boat and showing you a good time.

Prioritize Safety and Maintain Courtesy

Again, safety and courtesy are the key tenets of proper boating etiquette. Follow all written regulations for your yachting or boating location, and use these tips on launching, passing, boating right of way, boat docking, and guest etiquette to ensure that your day on the water is fun and accident-free.

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Who was onboard tech mogul Mike Lynch's Bayesian yacht?

Topic: Disasters, Accidents and Emergency Incidents

Six people are missing, including a man dubbed the British Bill Gates, after a luxury yacht sank off the Sicilian coast.

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch — freshly acquitted from a decade-long trial — had invited his work colleagues aboard a trip through the Mediterranean coast when a freak storm saw the yacht sink within moments.

Fifteen people escaped from the sinking vessel. The search for the missing continues.

Here's what we know so far:

What happened?

The Italian coastguard said the yacht — the Bayesian — was anchored off the shore of port city Porticello, near the Sicilian capital Palermo, when it was hit by bad weather sometime after 4am on Monday, local time.

Eyewitnesses said it vanished quickly beneath the waves shortly before dawn.

Managers of the sailing vessel Bayesian, Camper & Nicholsons, confirmed to the ABC that the Bayesian encountered severe weather and subsequently sank.

"Our priority is assisting with the ongoing search and providing all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew," they said.

"The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude," a coastguard official told Reuters.

Sicily's civil protection agency head, Salvo Cocina, said a waterspout — a tornado over the water — could have struck the yacht.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," Mr Cocina added.

Storms and heavy rainfall had swept down Italy in recent days after weeks of scorching heat, lifting the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea to record levels and raising the risk of extreme weather conditions, experts told Reuters.

"The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius, which is almost 3 degrees more than normal. This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms," meteorologist Luca Mercalli said.

A group of rescuers gather around a stretcher

Rescuers recover the body of one of the people aboard the Bayesian. ( AP: Lucio Ganci )

Captain Karsten Borner of the Sir Robert Baden Powell vessel told journalists he noticed the Bayesian nearby during the storm, but after it calmed he saw a red flare and realised the ship had simply disappeared.

Mr Borner said he and a crew member boarded their tender and found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of them injured, who they then took aboard and alerted the coast guard.

Search crews, including helicopters and divers, are continuing to search the wreckage, lying at a depth of 49 metres.

Specialist divers reached the ship on Monday but access was limited due to objects in the way, the fire brigade said.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was "providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families".

Sicilian prosecutors have also opened an investigation into the event.

Who is missing?

Lawyer Chris Morvillo (left), entrepreneur Mike Lynch, and Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer are among the missing.

There were 12 passengers and 10 crew members aboard the yacht.

Mr Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries, including Britain, the United States, Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain.

Of the 22, one man is confirmed dead and another six people are still missing.

They are believed to be inside the hull, fire rescue spokesperson Luca Cari said.

Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman who said he responded to a flare from the vessel but found it sunk, said he stayed at the site for three hours without finding anyone.

"I think they are inside, all the missing people," he said.

Rescue teams recovered the body of the yacht's onboard chef on Monday, identified as Antiguan citizen Ricardo Thomas.

The still missing people include:

Mr Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah
Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of global financial services company Morgan Stanley International
Chris Morvillo , a lawyer at the British multinational law firm Clifford Chance. He worked on Mr Lynch's lawsuit against Hewlett-Packard
The identities of the remaining two missing are still unconfirmed

Who was rescued?

Fifteen people escaped from the sinking ship.

Eight have been hospitalised and others were taken to a nearby hotel.

Charlotte Golunski was among those rescued, recalling the harrowing moments she held her child Sofia above the waves. ( Supplied: Facebook )

Among those rescued were:

Mr Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, who was the owner of the yacht
Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter, Sofia. Ms Golunski is a partner at Mr Lynch's firm, Invoke Capital. She says she momentarily lost hold of Sofia in the water but managed to hold her up above the waves until the lifeboat was inflated
Ms Golunski's husband James Emslie
New Zealand captain of the yacht James Catfield. He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica the crew didn't see the storm coming
A lone Dutch citizen was identified by the Dutch foreign ministry as being rescued, but was not identified

Who is Mike Lynch?

Mr Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was recently freed from a Silicon Valley lawsuit that tarnished his legacy.

The 59-year-old Cambridge-educated mathematician created Autonomy , a search engine that could pore through emails and other internal business documents to help companies find vital information more quickly.

He received the OBE for his innovation in 2006.

He then sold the software to Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $US11 billion ($16 billion) in 2011, with Mr Lynch personally netting $US800 million.

HP valued Autonomy at $US46 billion ($68 billion) in the months leading up to the deal.

Mike Lynch in 2019 leaving the High Court in London. ( Reuters: Henry Nicholls/File Photo )

But the deal quickly turned sour after he was accused of forging the software's financial records to make the sale.

As part of a decades-long legal battle against HP, Mr Lynch was extradited to the UK on criminal fraud charges.

He steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was being made a scapegoat for HP's own bungling.

He was eventually cleared of all charges in June this year.

Although he avoided a possible prison sentence, Lynch still faced a bill from a civil case in London that HP mostly won during 2022. Damages haven't been determined in that case, but HP is seeking $US4 billion.

Following the San Francisco trial, Mr Lynch said he would return to the UK and do what he loved most: "[being with] my family and innovating in my field."

The holiday appeared to be something of a celebration after Mr Lynch's acquittal, with guests including some of the people who had stood by Lynch throughout the ordeal.

This picture shows the rescue operations off the Sicilian coast. ( AP: Italian Coast Guard )

In a separate act of tragedy, Mr Lynch's co-defendant in the trial, Stephen Chamberlain, died on Monday, after a road accident left him critically injured.

Mr Chamberlain — Autonomy's former vice-president of finance alongside Mr Lynch — was hit by a car in Cambridgeshire on Saturday morning and had been placed on life support.

What is the Bayesian?

The luxury yacht is 56m long sailboat, with a 75m mast labelled as the tallest aluminium mast in the world.

It was previously named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites and a crew of 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. It was last refitted in 2020.

Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $AU 321,000) a week.

This picture taken on Sunday shows the Bayesian (left) and the Duch sailboat Sir Robert Baden Powell anchored off the coast line. ( AP: Fabio La Bianca/Baia Santa Nicolicchia )

The ship also won a string of awards for its design.

Ms Golunski said the yacht had travelled through the Aeolian Islands, Milazzo and Cefalù before sinking.

It is likely the yacht's name would resonate with Mr Lynch because his PhD thesis and the software that made his fortune was based on Bayesian theory.

Mike Lynch and daughter among missing after yacht sinks: What we know about disaster - and 'alarming' potential cause

The British-flagged luxury vessel named Bayesian was carrying 22 people when it got into difficulty off the coast of Sicily. Seven bodies have now been recovered from the wreckage.

News reporter @samuelosborne93

Friday 23 August 2024 12:24, UK

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Seven bodies have been found after a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily.

Twenty-two people were on board the vessel named Bayesian when it got into difficulty in the early hours of Monday, with 15 people rescued.

Here's what we know about the sinking of the luxury vessel so far.

Follow latest updates on the superyacht sinking

Seven people missing after British-flagged yacht capsizes in tornado off coast of Italy

What might have caused the sinking?

The British-flagged luxury vessel, named Bayesian, capsized at around 4.30am local time on Monday morning off Palermo, according to ship-tracking site Marine Traffic.

It sank in as little as 60 seconds with 22 people on board, 12 passengers and a crew of 10, according to the Italian coastguard.

Waterspouts, essentially tornados that form over water, were seen as powerful winds battered the area overnight, local media said.

The yacht may have sunk faster with all the doors open due to the hot weather, Sailing Today magazine editor Sam Jefferson has said.

"I imagine all the doors were open because it was hot, so there were enough hatches and doors open that it filled with water very quickly and sank like that," he said.

Official pictures show air conditioning units in several of the rooms, however, which could counter the suggestion open windows caused the vessel to sink faster.

The huge mast is also likely to have played a role, he added.

What are waterspouts?

Waterspouts typically occur during thunderstorms and can develop very rapidly, within minutes.

Their spin generally reaches wind speeds between 75-200mph, but can reach as high as 300mph.

A waterspout is formed during a storm in the Mediterranean Sea, October 1, 2018. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

They can travel at about 10-20mph typically but can reach greater speeds, making them difficult to avoid - especially in something as slow-moving as a yacht.

Matthew Schanck, chair of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, called the reports of a tornado or waterspout "rare" and "quite alarming".

"The vessel was at anchor in a recognised anchorage," Mr Schanck said.

"Depending on wind direction and the state of the sea, this informs the captain whether it is a safe area to anchor or not. There was nothing that was too concerning, for my eye. All in all, the captain used the information they had to make a safe call."

Who owns the yacht?

The yacht belonged to the family of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch. He was confirmed to have died after rescuers found his body on Thursday. Mr Lynch was on holiday with his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, who is still missing, and his wife Angela Bacares, who was rescued.

Mr Lynch, 59, was known as the " British Bill Gates " and has been in the headlines in recent months over a high-profile fraud case.

In June, a US jury cleared him of all charges, which were related to the 2011 sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP). The yacht trip is believed to have been a celebration of the end of Mr Lynch's legal troubles.

HP accused him of deliberately overstating the value of the company before it was acquired by the American tech giant.

Mr Lynch was extradited to the US to face trial in May last year and spent 13 months under house arrest in San Francisco as he awaited trial on 17 charges of conspiracy and wire fraud brought by the US Department of Justice - which were later reduced to 15 charges. He always denied any wrongdoing and was acquitted.

Read more: Lynch's co-defendant dies days before yacht sinking

CCTV shows storm which capsized superyacht, killing one

Who was on board when the boat sank?

The passengers were largely British and American, with crew members were from New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada.

Charlotte Golunski was among the Britons rescued. Her LinkedIn profile says she is a partner at Mr Lynch's firm Invoke Capital and has worked there since 2012.

Speaking after the ordeal, Ms Golunski told Italian media that she lost her daughter Sofia for "two seconds" amid the "fury" of the sea but was able to retrieve her. She said she held the infant above the waves until the lifeboat was ready.

"Many people screamed. Luckily the lifeboat inflated and 11 of us were able to get on board," she told ANSA.

The girl's father James Emsley also survived, according to Sicily's civil protection agency.

Also on board were Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of investment bank Morgan Stanley, his wife Judy Bloomer, a top US lawyer Chris Morvillo, who worked on Mr Lynch's criminal case, and his wife Neda Morvillo. Divers confirmed on Thursday that their bodies had been recovered.

The yacht's captain James Cutfield survived, along with South African crew members Leah Randall and Katja Chicken.

Jonathan Bloomer is the chairman of Morgan Stanley Pic: Hiscox/ Linkedin

Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian-Antiguan chef who was working on the boat, was the first to be found dead, the Italian Coastguard confirmed to Sky News.

During rescue efforts, divers saw "corpses through the portholes" of the wreck as they recovered the body of a man at a depth of 50m (164ft), according to Salvo Cocina, the head of the Civil Protection of Sicily.

What do we know about the vessel?

The Bayesian is owned by a company controlled by Mr Lynch's wife.

It was known for its unusual 72.3m (246ft) single mast - one of the world's tallest made of aluminium - and shared its name with the statistical method Mr Lynch's Autonomy software was based on.

It was built by Italian company Perini Navi in 2008 and last refitted in 2020.

It was listed for rent for up to €195,000 (£166,000) a week, according to online charter sites.

The luxury vessel , which was managed by yachting company Camper & Nicholsons, could accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites.

It won a string of awards for its design, according to online specialist yacht sites.

Mr Schanck, of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, said the vessel would have been equipped with "high standard" life-saving appliances and radio communications.

He added the yacht would have met all international standards and UK Maritime Coastguard Agency regulations before its voyage.

It was previously named Salute, or "health" in Italian, when it flew under a Dutch flag. Its minimalist interior featured light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions on charter sites.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

What were its last movements?

The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on 14 August and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, with a navigation status of "at anchor", according to vessel tracking site VesselFinder.

The Bayesian previously travelled to other parts of Sicily before its last sighting off the coast of the port of Porticello.

The path of the last 24 hours of the Bayesian. Pic: MarineTraffic

On Sunday, the boat was seen off the coast of Cefalu before it travelled towards Porticello, MarineTraffic data shows.

In the days before, the yacht travelled around four of the Aeolian islands, just north of Sicily.

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Prosecutors in the nearby town of Termini Imerese have opened an investigation into the sinking.

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Understanding Nautical Flag Etiquettes

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