Flag Etiquette

Technically, only U.S. Coast Guard-documented or federally registered vessels, and foreign vessels, are legally required to fly flags in U.S. waters. However, customs have developed over the years which have established guidelines for the types and sizes of flags to be flown, and when they are to be flown.

The U.S. Ensign

This is the standard “Old Glory” with 50 stars and 13 stripes. As a rule of thumb, the size of the ensign should be in the area of one inch on the fly (the horizontal dimension) for each foot of the vessel’s overall length. More often than not, boaters tend to fly a flag that is undersized for their boat, so round up to the next largest size when using this rule. For example, a 30 to 35-foot boat should fly a 2’ x 3’ ensign while a 40 to 50-foot boat should use a 3’ x 5’. The ensign is flown from a flag staff on the stern of the vessel, although sailing vessels, under sail, may follow the older practice of flying it from the leech of the aftermost sail. The flag should be flown from 0800 to sunset.

The U.S. Yacht Ensign

This is the 13-star flag with the fouled anchor, also known as the “Betsy Ross” flag. It may be flown by U.S. vessels in place of the national flag. Whenever the boat sails into foreign waters, however, the 50-star U.S. ensign must be flown instead.

The “Q” Flag

Upon entering the waters of a foreign country, other than Canada, or returning to U.S. waters from a foreign cruise, the “Q” or Quarantine flag is to be flown from the starboard spreader of boats having masts and spreaders, or from the bow of a mastless boat. It signals that the vessel is “healthy” and requests clearance into port. It is taken down after customs and immigration formalities have been completed, and is replaced by the courtesy flag of the country.

Courtesy Flags

After clearance into most foreign ports, the “Q” flag should be replaced by the flag of the foreign nation, which is to be flown from the starboard spreader and above any other flag. Some countries, though, expect you to fly their national flag upon entering their waters, so as a general practice you should probably display the courtesy flag along with the “Q” flag when crossing into the country’s waters (within 12 miles). There is no consistent rule on the size of courtesy flags but a prudent skipper will ensure that it is of sufficient size (and condition) not to insult the host nation. Common sizes are 2’ x 3’ and 3’ x 5’. Courtesy flags are usually flown from 0800 to sunset, but the practice will vary from country to country. Foreign courtesy flags are available for over 150 countriesin a variety of sizes. Call or email us regarding price and availablity.