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Saltwater Suzi and Cap'n Larry's advice for the cash-starved boater
Ensigns
Ensigns, also called burgees, flags or pennants traditionally are used for identifying a vessel, signaling, identifying organizations or clubs to which the owner belongs, identifying the country of origin of the vessel, state of origin of the vessel, owner aboard, owner absent, diver down, and many 'just for fun' ensigns.
While there are no laws, at least in the U.S. that we are aware of, there are customs, protocols, and in some cases, just plain manners which prescribe or proscribe when and where to fly each ensign.
For instance, at the stern of each boat is flown your national flag, on a flagpole or 2/3 the way up the leech of the aftermost sail. Some sailboats also fly their national ensign 2/3 the way up the back stay if the backstay is on center. A yacht ensign is also acceptable or if a member of the United States Power Squadron, the power squadron ensign may be flown.
The U.S. Union Jack is traditionally flown only when not underway at the stern of yachts with more than one mast, and only on Sundays, holidays, or when dressing ship.
While there are no laws, at least in the U.S. that we are aware of, there are customs, protocols, and in some cases, just plain manners which prescribe or proscribe when and where to fly each ensign.
For instance, at the stern of each boat is flown your national flag, on a flagpole or 2/3 the way up the leech of the aftermost sail. Some sailboats also fly their national ensign 2/3 the way up the back stay if the backstay is on center. A yacht ensign is also acceptable or if a member of the United States Power Squadron, the power squadron ensign may be flown.
The U.S. Union Jack is traditionally flown only when not underway at the stern of yachts with more than one mast, and only on Sundays, holidays, or when dressing ship.
As a general rule, the size of the long dimension of the National ensign is approximately 1" for every foot of boat length. In other words, if you have a forty foot boat, your national ensign, flown from the stern, should be approximately forty inches in length. Round up to the next com-mercially available size.
On Memorial day, the national ensign is properly flown at half-staff until noon. Flying a flag at half-staff traditionally involves raising to full height and then ceremoniously lowering to half staff. At sundown, the flag is first raised to full height again before lowering it .
On Memorial day, the national ensign is properly flown at half-staff until noon. Flying a flag at half-staff traditionally involves raising to full height and then ceremoniously lowering to half staff. At sundown, the flag is first raised to full height again before lowering it .
Your State flag, if flown, is generally flown from the main mast on a sailboat. On a mastless power boat, it is flown from the bow staff.
Okay, how is this going to save you money, in keeping with the philosophy of this website? Well, you have to fly flags. Which means you have to buy them. If you click on any of the ensigns, you will be directed to a site which sells the ensign you want for the best price we can find on the internet for what we consider to be a quality product. We will review our selection from time to time and update as needs be. If you have a less expensive source with a quality product, please let us know and we'll update our information.
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
International Signal Flags
A - Alpha
Diver Down*
Diver Down*
B - Bravo
Dangerous Cargo
Dangerous Cargo
C - Charlie
Yes
Yes
D - Delta
Keep Clear
Keep Clear
E - Echo
Altering course to Starboard
Altering course to Starboard
F - Foxtrot
Disabled
Disabled
G - Golf
Want a pilot
Want a pilot
H - Hotel
Pilot on Board
Pilot on Board
I - India
Altering Course to Port
Altering Course to Port
J - Juliett
On Fire -
Keep Clear
On Fire -
Keep Clear
K - Kilo
Desire to Communicate
Desire to Communicate
L - Lima
Stop Instantly
Stop Instantly
M - Mike
I am stopped*
I am stopped*
N - November
No
No
O - Oscar
Man Overboard
Man Overboard
P - Papa
About to sail - (a.k.a. the Blue Peter)
About to sail - (a.k.a. the Blue Peter)
Q - Quebec
Request Practique*
Request Practique*
R - Romeo
S - Sierra
Engines Going Astern
Engines Going Astern
T - Tango
Keep Clear of me
Keep Clear of me
U - Uniform
Standing into Danger
Standing into Danger
V - Victor
Require Assistance
Require Assistance
W - Whiskey
Require Medical Assistance
Require Medical Assistance
X - X-ray
Stop your Intention
Stop your Intention
Y - Yankee
Am Dragging Anchor
Am Dragging Anchor
Z - Zulu
Require a Tug
Require a Tug
* A- Alpha - Diver down is displayed on the boat which has a diver down. In the water, on a float, a different flag is flown - see here.
* M - Mike Also (not officially, but common) means 'Doctor on Board'
* Q - Quebec - Request Practique - a.k.a. Quarantine Flag is used in foreign ports before clearing in to customs. It is flown from the starboard spreader on boats with masts or from the bow of a boat which has no mast. After clearing, the Q flag comes down and the nation's flag you are visiting is flown.
* M - Mike Also (not officially, but common) means 'Doctor on Board'
* Q - Quebec - Request Practique - a.k.a. Quarantine Flag is used in foreign ports before clearing in to customs. It is flown from the starboard spreader on boats with masts or from the bow of a boat which has no mast. After clearing, the Q flag comes down and the nation's flag you are visiting is flown.
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Weather Warning Signals
While the National Weather Service no longer uses these Weather Warning Flags, you still may see them here and there.
While the National Weather Service no longer uses these Weather Warning Flags, you still may see them here and there.
Small Craft Warning
Winds to 38 MPH (~33 knots) and / or sea conditions dangerous to small craft are forecast.
Winds to 38 MPH (~33 knots) and / or sea conditions dangerous to small craft are forecast.
Gale Warning
Winds 39 to 54 MPH (~34 to 47 Knots) and seas are forecast.
Winds 39 to 54 MPH (~34 to 47 Knots) and seas are forecast.
Storm Warning
Winds above 55 MPH ~(48 knots) are forecast.
Winds above 55 MPH ~(48 knots) are forecast.
Hurricane Warning
Winds above 74 MPH (~64 knots) are forecast.
Winds above 74 MPH (~64 knots) are forecast.
Buying a Flag
We have spent a considerable amount of time researching the internet, corresponding with various dealers and manufacturers of flags.
We have discovered that most make no mention of any sort of guarantee. In asking the various dealers we either received no response, or a response such as this:
We have spent a considerable amount of time researching the internet, corresponding with various dealers and manufacturers of flags.
We have discovered that most make no mention of any sort of guarantee. In asking the various dealers we either received no response, or a response such as this:
"We do not have warranties on our flags, as for due to the fact of the weather can be unpredictable. But if something happens with in month of the flag, we usually ask you to send it back for inspection in case of a defect. If it is from a defect then we replace the flag for you."
All of the flags we have pictured have direct links to the dealer whom we deem to have the best product. It may not be the lowest price. "Cheap ain't necesarily frugal." We have purchased many flags for our boat over the years. Some have lasted as little as a month or six weeks. The company we are recommending, Flagstuff.com, has a 1 year warranty on their smaller flags (up to 3'x5' - all the bigger most boats would ever need) and six months on their larger flags. The warranty includes WEAR AND TEAR, not just manufacturer's defects. Further, they will pay shipping both ways. Read their warranty information here. All made in the U.S.A.
Traveling to a Foreign Country
If you are planning to travel to a foreign country, there are several things of which you should be aware.
1. The flag you fly from your stern should be the American Flag, not the Yacht Ensign or the U.S. Power Squadron ensign which are all permissible in the U.S.
2. Once you enter foriegn waters, the "Q" flag (see above) should be flown from your starboard mainmast's spreader if your vessel has masts, otherwise it must be flown from the bow.
3. The "Q" flag will be flown until you have cleared customs. It is usually required that upon entering a foreign country no passenger shall leave the boat until all have been cleared in. The protocol is that the vessel will dock and the Captain, and only the Captain, will take all the papers necessary (including ships documentation / registration; all passenger's and crew's passports; evidence of all shots of any pets which may be on board). Please consult the cruising guide for the country you intend to enter for more complete instructions.
4. Once the vessel and passengers have been cleared in, the 'Q' flag shall be lowered and replaced with the local nation's flag. If is probably not good manners to fly flags other than your national flag and the local country's national flag. This is especially true for novelty flags such as "Jolly Rogers" or the First Mate's panties.
5. When you have returned to your own nation's waters, do not fly the foreign nation's flag, even to show that you've been there. It is Okay to fly the First Mate's panties, unless, of course, she is wearing them.
If you are planning to travel to a foreign country, there are several things of which you should be aware.
1. The flag you fly from your stern should be the American Flag, not the Yacht Ensign or the U.S. Power Squadron ensign which are all permissible in the U.S.
2. Once you enter foriegn waters, the "Q" flag (see above) should be flown from your starboard mainmast's spreader if your vessel has masts, otherwise it must be flown from the bow.
3. The "Q" flag will be flown until you have cleared customs. It is usually required that upon entering a foreign country no passenger shall leave the boat until all have been cleared in. The protocol is that the vessel will dock and the Captain, and only the Captain, will take all the papers necessary (including ships documentation / registration; all passenger's and crew's passports; evidence of all shots of any pets which may be on board). Please consult the cruising guide for the country you intend to enter for more complete instructions.
4. Once the vessel and passengers have been cleared in, the 'Q' flag shall be lowered and replaced with the local nation's flag. If is probably not good manners to fly flags other than your national flag and the local country's national flag. This is especially true for novelty flags such as "Jolly Rogers" or the First Mate's panties.
5. When you have returned to your own nation's waters, do not fly the foreign nation's flag, even to show that you've been there. It is Okay to fly the First Mate's panties, unless, of course, she is wearing them.
International Flags
Below are depicted many of the flags of countries you may want to visit. When you arrive, you'll need their flag. Click on the Country name to be taken to Flagstuff.com to purchase.
Below are depicted many of the flags of countries you may want to visit. When you arrive, you'll need their flag. Click on the Country name to be taken to Flagstuff.com to purchase.
Occasionnally, you will see sailboats, particularly more traditionally rigged schooners, adorned with burgees from the waterline at the bow up the stays to the masts and back down to the stern and to the waterline. The Yacht Ensign is flown from the stern staff and the U.S. Union Jack may be displayed at the bow staff. The order of the flags is arbitrary but a pleasing color arrangement may be as follows:
AB2,UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater.
This is known as "Dressing Ship." It is done only with the International Code Flags shown above.
The tradition holds that, except for the maiden or final voyage, a vessel is dressed only at anchor from eight A.M. until sunset.
AB2,UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater.
This is known as "Dressing Ship." It is done only with the International Code Flags shown above.
The tradition holds that, except for the maiden or final voyage, a vessel is dressed only at anchor from eight A.M. until sunset.
Jump to:
State Flags
Signal Flags
International Flags
Weather Flags
Dressing Ship
Diver Flags
Fun Flags
State Flags
Signal Flags
International Flags
Weather Flags
Dressing Ship
Diver Flags
Fun Flags
First Repeater
Second Repeater
Third Repeater
Fourth Repeater
Code and Answering Pennant
(Decimal Point)
(Decimal Point)
Two Letter Signals
Certain combinations of Signal Flags have specific meanings
Certain combinations of Signal Flags have specific meanings
AC - I am abandoning my vessel
AN - I need a doctor
BR - I require a helicopter
CD - I require immediate assistance
DV - I am drifting
EF - SOS/MAYDAY has been canceled
FA - Will you give me my position?
GW - Man overboard. Please take action to pick him up.
JL - You are running the risk of going aground
LO - I am not in my correct position: used by a light vessel
NC - I am in distress and require immediate assistance.
PD - Your navigation lights are not visible
PP - Keep well clear of me
QD - I am going ahead
QT - I am going astern
QQ - I require health clearance
QU - Anchoring is prohibited
QX - I request permission to anchor
RU - Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty
SO - You should stop your vessel instantly
UM - The Harbour is closed to traffic
UP - Permission to enter Harbour is urgently requested. I have an emergency
YU - I am going to communicate with your station by means of the International Code of Signals
ZD1 - Please report me to the Coast Guard, New York
ZD2 - Please report me to Lloyds, London
ZL - Your signal has been received but not understood
AN - I need a doctor
BR - I require a helicopter
CD - I require immediate assistance
DV - I am drifting
EF - SOS/MAYDAY has been canceled
FA - Will you give me my position?
GW - Man overboard. Please take action to pick him up.
JL - You are running the risk of going aground
LO - I am not in my correct position: used by a light vessel
NC - I am in distress and require immediate assistance.
PD - Your navigation lights are not visible
PP - Keep well clear of me
QD - I am going ahead
QT - I am going astern
QQ - I require health clearance
QU - Anchoring is prohibited
QX - I request permission to anchor
RU - Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty
SO - You should stop your vessel instantly
UM - The Harbour is closed to traffic
UP - Permission to enter Harbour is urgently requested. I have an emergency
YU - I am going to communicate with your station by means of the International Code of Signals
ZD1 - Please report me to the Coast Guard, New York
ZD2 - Please report me to Lloyds, London
ZL - Your signal has been received but not understood
Dressing Ship
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Diver Down Flags
In addition to the Alpha Flag, usually flown on the diver boat, indicating there is a diver in the water, there is also a Diver Down Flag placed on a tethered float in the water near where the divers are swimming. If you see either of these flags give them a very wide berth. It could be me.
(usually flown on float near diver location)
(flown on the divers' vessel)
Novelty Flags, or Fun Flags have no official protocol that we can find. we wouldn't fly them in foreign waters. There are many, and there are sites where you can have custom flags made, just for your yacht, or Yacht Club or Boating Organization.
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