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US Navy Battle Flags: A Visual Guide

When it comes to national pride, there's nothing more American than baseball and apple pie -- and, in the case of the U.S. Navy , the intimidating sight of a battle flag flapping in the wind.

Battle flags have been a fixture of the Navy since the earliest days of the Revolutionary War, when Continental Army Gen. George Washington in October 1775 commissioned a half-dozen frigates flying white flags featuring a green pine tree and the slogan "An Appeal to Heaven" emblazoned across the bottom. Since World War II, naval battle ensigns have traditionally flown while a warship is entering or exiting a friendly port, during exercises or during " special ship evolutions " such as holidays. Regardless of the circumstances, battle flags are a welcome sight to most naval observers, markers of the history and heritage that define each American warship as it sails into the vastness of the world's oceans.

Below, you'll find an alphabetical guide to some of the best-known modern Navy battle flags. Because the Navy has no comprehensive database of battle flags, this list was compiled based on images in the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), social media and other online repositories.

Don't see your ship's battle flag here? Did we get some details wrong? Send a note to [email protected] with recommendations and help expand our list.

USS America

Of all the battle flags in the U.S. Navy, the USS America's may be among the most patriotic. The service's lead America-class amphibious assault ship, the America was spotted flying a blue flag emblazoned with the iconic shield of legendary Marvel Comics character Captain America during an exercise with the Royal Thai Navy in the Gulf of Thailand in February 2020. Although it's unclear when the America, which was commissioned in 2014, began flying the battle flag, it was spotted flying from the ship's island superstructure as early as 2019 while arriving in Sasebo , Japan, according to DVIDS.

Named for the beachhead invasion of Italy by Allied troops during World War II, the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Anzio flies what's known as the Anzio Beachhead Flag, which features a map of the Anzio beachhead overlaid on a white skull against a red-and-blue background with "Veterans of World War II" emblazoned below it. According to the Navy, the skull represents Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's promise to "turn the Anzio beach head into 'death's head,'" while the diagonal line dividing the red and blue fields represents the "Gustav Line" that divided occupied Italy. The blue, representing the ocean, is filled with sunken aircraft and warships, which represents "that massive loss of these American, British, and Canadian assets of war" during the invasion, which claimed the lives of more than 28,000 Allied service members.

The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan is named to commemorate the valiant resistance of U.S. and Filipino troops to Japanese forces on the Bataan Peninsula from December 1941 to April 1942,  according to the Navy. The Bataan’s battle flag consists of the number 5 emblazoned in white across a red field with the words “Battling Bastards” -– a tribute to the “Battling Bastards of Bataan” -– above it. The red field represents courage and sacrifice, while the white letters denote integrity,  per the service .

USS Benfold

Named for Navy hospital corpsman third class Edward Clyde Benfold, who was killed in action during the Korean War in 1952 and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor , the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Benfold boasts a relatively simple battle flag. The battle ensign features a golden lion with a red cross on a white shield against a red-above-blue background and the ship's motto "Onward With Valor" emblazoned across the top. The lion "embodies valor and strength, symbolizing Hospitalman Benfold's courage and gallantry," according to the Navy, while the red cross and white shield represent Benfold's "medical service and personal sacrifice in saving the lives of others."

USS Bunker Hill

It's unclear exactly how a Disney character ended up on the battle flag of the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill. The ship's flag features what appears to be Donald Duck decked out in Revolutionary War gear on a field of red and white stripes with the ship's motto of "Determination, Deterrence" emblazoned beneath it. The Donald Duck pattern has been a fixture of the Bunker Hill since at least World War II, when the name belonged to an Essex-class aircraft carrier that saw action in the South Pacific.

USS Carl M Levin

One of the newest Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to join the fleet, the USS Carl M. Levin's battle flag was designed with one purpose in mind: to be " badass ." Named for the late Michigan senator, the Levin's battle flag was designed by one of the ship's crew and portrays a mythical kraken sea creature splitting a pirate ship into two pieces as a phoenix rises over the wreck. Levin's service in Congress is represented by an ivory gavel in the flag's lower left corner, while the Michigan flag appears in the lower right-hand corner as a tribute to the late senator's home state.

Named for Adm. Robert Carney, the chief of naval operations under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's battle flag features the ship's crest on a field of vertical white and red stripes. The Viking helmet overlaid on a gold cross is meant to represent "ancestral Viking and Celtic ferocity in combat," and the Navy Cross that Carney earned during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in World War II, respectively, according to the service. The origin of the bird in the upper left corner is unclear, but according to some observers , it's a Norse raven, which matches the other Norse symbolism apparent in the Carney's crest.

The USS Chafee's battle flag is one of many in the fleet that pays tribute to a particular unit. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's battle ensign features the divisional insignia of the 1st Marine Division emblazoned across a red field, an homage to the oldest and largest active-duty division in the Corps and the very unit to which the ship's namesake, former senator and Navy Secretary John Chafee, belonged to when he fought on the island of Guadalcanal during World War II.

The USS Cole's battle flag, like the Chafee's, is a simple design meant to pay tribute to its namesake's unit. A yellow number four inside a red diamond against a yellow background, the flag is a homage to the company flag of Marine Sgt. Darrell Cole, a member of the Fourth Marine Division who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his valor and gallantry during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, according to one of the ship's sailors.

USS Chung-Hoon

Named for the legendary late Rear Adm. Gordon Paiʻea Chung-Hoon, a Navy Cross and Silver Star recipient and the service's first Asian-American flag officer, the USS Chung-Hoon's battle flag is designed to embody its namesake's Hawaiian heritage. It features the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's crest -- a Hawaiian warrior helmet that "emphasizes the fighting spirit" of the ship and anchor wrapped in palm wreaths that "symbolize[s] victory and the triumph of the human spirit," according to the Navy -- against a light blue background, with the ship's motto of "Imua e na Koa Kai" (Hawaiian for "Go Forward Sea Warriors") emblazoned beneath it.

USS Daniel Inouye

The USS Daniel Inouye is named for the late Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, an Army veteran, World War II Medal of Honor recipient and the first Japanese-American elected to Congress. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's battle flag features a hand grasping a torch and the motto "Go For Broke," both of which are meant as a tribute to the decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team, with which Inouye served. The flag's vibrant blue background also incorporates "authentic 'ohe kapala (bamboo stamping pattern) designed for us by a Native Hawaiian artist," according to the Daniel K. Inouye Institute's website.

USS Decatur

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, named for legendary Revolutionary War naval officer Commodore Stephen Decatur, features a perfect battle flag to honor its swashbuckling namesake: a pair of crossed swords and a red crown with the words "Bold and Daring" emblazoned across the bottom. According to a Navy spokesman, the red crown symbolizes the ship's anti-air warfare capabilities, while the five stars above it represent the five ships that once bore Decatur's name. As for "bold and daring": They are the exact same words British Royal Navy Adm. Horatio Nelson used to describe Commodore Decatur's legendary 1804 raid on the U.S. Navy frigate Philadelphia in Tripoli.

The USS Dewey's flag is simple, featuring the word "Fight" in blue emblazoned across a yellow field with four white stars inside a blue stripe beneath it. The "fight" in the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's battle flag is a reference to the ship's slogan of "Dynamis Ex Cardias," or "The Will to Fight from the Heart," while the four stars are a reference to namesake Adm. George Dewey's status as the first Navy admiral to hold the rank of "Admiral of the Navy," the highest possible rank in the service (which uses four-star symbology despite its equivalent to at least a five-star role).

USS George HW Bush

The aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush's battle flag pays tribute to both the late president and the history of naval aviation. The ensign is bordered with what appears to be a ring of 41 stars for Bush's time as the United States' 41st president, with a white "77” dead center to note the warship's hull classification of CVN-77 and featuring the motto "Freedom at Work” along the flag's edge, a reference to Bush's 1989 inaugural speech, per Task & Purpose . The flag also features three aircraft against a yellow path in the flag's center to represent the "past, present, and future" of naval aviation: a TBM Avenger bomber (which Bush operated during World War II), an F/A-18 Hornet fighter and the F-35C Lightning II .

USS George Washington

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington's battle flag is a fitting tribute to its namesake. The warship often flies the so-called "Betsy Ross flag," which features 13 white stars arranged in a blue field in the upper left corner contrasted against red and white stripes. It was among the first flags flown by the nascent United States of America during the Revolutionary War. While the Ross family claims that the seamstress created the first American flag for then-Gen. George Washington during the beginning of the war, the origins of the flag and Ross' relationship to Washington remained shrouded in mystery .

USS Gerald R Ford

The newest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the Navy's fleet, the USS Gerald R Ford's battle flag, like most others, pays tribute to its namesake. The core blue and yellow color scheme represents the 38th president's undergraduate years at the University of Michigan, per Task & Purpose, while the nautical compass topped with a fleur-de-lis honors both Ford's service in the Navy during World War II and his "distinction as the only president who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout," according to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. And while the ship's motto is "Integrity at the Helm," the flag merely reads "Victory" with a 78 to represent the carrier's hull classification of CVN-78.

USS Gonzalez

Despite the fact that the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gonzalez seems like the perfect candidate to fly the beloved "Come and Take It" cannon flag that came out of the Battle of Gonzalez, the ship's battle flag is simple instead. Named for Marine Sgt. Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez, a Medal of Honor recipient in the Vietnam War, the ship flies the flag of the state of Texas as a tribute to its namesake's home state -- an interesting choice given that Texas does not show up in the ship's crest whatsoever.

USS Gridley

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gridley's battle flag may not look like much at first glance, but it contains one of the most badass quotes in U.S. military history . Above the rendering of the cracked Liberty Bell flanked by the American flag and Jack of the United States rests a simple line of "fire when ready." The slogan is a clear tribute to the order "You may fire when ready, Gridley," which Adm. George Dewey gave to Capt. Charles Gridley in 1898 at Manilla Bay during the Spanish-American War, according to the Navy .

USS Harry S Truman

Like other battle ensigns, the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman's battle flag is a clear tribute to its namesake's Army service. The flag is a modified version of the crossed cannon flag carried by the 129th Field Artillery Regiment, 35th Division, whose D battery Truman commanded during World War I, according to the USS Harry S. Truman Foundation. The flag’s scarlet background represents "the price Americans have paid for freedom" throughout the country's history. The "give 'em hell" motto, unfortunately, is not from Truman's World War I service but a tribute to a moment during his 1948 presidential reelection campaign when a particularly zealous supporter yelled "Give 'em hell, Harry'' at a campaign rally, per the foundation.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Howard's battle flag is one of several across the fleet that features a mythical creature. The bright red flag features an Asian-style dragon emblazoned across it with the word "Victory" in yellow in the corner, the latter of which is a clear reference to the ship's motto of "Ready for Victory." The dragon itself, according to the Army's Institute of Heraldry, denotes service in the Pacific and the fighting spirit demonstrated by the platoon under the leadership" of the ship's namesake, Medal of Honor recipient Marine Corps First Sgt. Jimmie E. Howard.

USS John Finn

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John Finn is named for Chief Petty Officer John William Finn, who received the first Medal of Honor of World War II for fighting off Japanese warplanes during the attack on Pearl Harbor despite his injuries. The ship's battle flag features the initials "S.F.A.F,." which stands for the ship's motto of "Status Et Pugno," or "Stand Fast and Fight," while the number “1941” appears beneath the letters as a reminder of Finn's courage and gallantry during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

USS John S McCain

The USS John S. McCain was named for legendary Navy Adms. John S. McCain Sr. and John S. McCain Jr., who commanded an aircraft carrier and two submarines during World War II, respectively. The flag features the ship's nickname "Big Bad John" encircling a golden lion clutching a submarine and an aircraft with five stars on each side against a blue background. The symbolism of the stars, lion, sub and aircraft are unclear, as they do not appear on the ship's crest .

The USS Kidd's battle flag may be the simplest, yet most badass in the Navy. It’s named for Rear Adm. Isaac C. Kidd, the first American flag officer to die in World War II when he was killed aboard the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer boasts a classic "Jolly Roger" pirate flag as its battle ensign, an honor for which Kidd's widow Inez explicitly lobbied the Navy when a Fletcher-class destroyer was named in honor of the admiral in 1943. While the Kidd isn't the only warship to ever fly the Jolly Roger , it's currently the only one in the Navy explicitly authorized to do so.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Laboon's battle flag is relatively straightforward. Named for John Francis Laboon Jr., a World War II submariner and Vietnam War chaplain who swam through mine-filled waters to rescue a downed aviator, the warship's battle ensign consists of the ship's motto of "Without Fear" emblazoned in yellow above a trident. The trident is purportedly meant to represent the ship's vertical launch capabilities at sea, with the three tines representing "anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare," according to the Navy. The ship's motto is a tribute to Laboon's heroism. The service says : "Just as Capt. John Francis Laboon showed no fear in rescuing the downed aviator, [USS] Laboon meets all the challenges, milestones, and obstacles."

USS Lake Champlain

Decommissioned in September 2023 after 35 years of service, the Ticonderoga-class, guided-missile destroyer USS Champlain previously flew a variation of the "War of 1812" or "Battle of Plattsburgh" flag that commemorates the pivotal Battle of Lake Champlain during that conflict. The flag contains several delightful features, including a coiled snake with the traditional "Don't Tread on Me" language above it, and a skull and crossbones with "Thy Will Be Done" inscribed beneath it. The flag also features a field of 13 stars in the corner to represent the number of states in the Union at the time of the conflict.

USS Makin Island

Named for the raid executed by Marine Raiders on Japanese-held Makin Island in August 1942, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island has been spotted flying the Marine Raider flag, with its battle ensign featuring a white skull in a red diamond surrounded by five white stars arrayed in a "southern cross" against a blue field. Interestingly, Marine Forces Special Operations Command has explicitly shied away from incorporating the iconic skull logo into its modern imagery, according to Marine Corps Times.

Named in honor of the primarily African American crew of the World War II destroyer escort USS Mason, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's battle ensign closely resembles the ship's crest, with two blue lion heads flanking a crossed sword and cutlass and a centered trident above the ship's motto of "Proudly We Serve." According to the Navy, the lions' heads represent the Pacific and Atlantic campaigns of WWII. The left-facing lion symbolizes "the service and sacrifice" of original USS Mason's namesake Ensign Newton Henry Mason in the Battle of the Coral Sea. The right-facing lion "symbolizes the crew's courageous actions in the North Atlantic during Convoy NY 119 in the ship bearing Ensign Mason's name." The trident symbolizes the modern Arleigh Burke class' suite of capabilities that contribute to its dominance at sea.

USS Michael Murphy

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Michael Murphy holds the distinct pleasure of flying two battle flags, often at the same time: a gargantuan American flag and a giant "bone frog” flag to commemorate its namesake, Medal of Honor recipient Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, according to The War Zone.

The bone frog is generally considered a symbol of Navy SEALs who have paid the ultimate price in the service of the nation, a title that applies to Lt. Murphy's heroic actions during 2005's Operation Red Wings during the War in Afghanistan.

USS Monterey

Decommissioned in 2022, the Ticonderoga-class guided missile destroyer was the fourth Navy warship named for the Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War. According to the Navy, the flag's central shield represents the Aegis , "the impenetrable defensive shield of the Greek god Zeus" that's the namesake of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's combat system. The red arrows stand in for the Navy's Surface Warfare logo, while the elongated octagon "is familiar to all who view the modern warship's sophisticated radar array" and the dark blue anchor represents "seapower, strength, and Navy tradition," according to the service.

USS Mount Whitney

One of two Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ships in the Navy's fleet, the USS Mount Whitney is named for the highest summit in the contiguous United States. The ship's unofficial slogan, " Our Comms are Bombs ," is emblazoned across the ship's battle flag instead of its official motto of "The Voice of The Sea," likely as a tribute to the ship's unique command and control capabilities.

Named for the Mustin family of sailors that has fought in five wars over more than a century of service to the Navy, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's battle ensign features a series of four crossed naval officer swords and gold stars against a blue field with the ship's motto of "Toujours L'Audace" ("Always Be Bold") emblazoned across the bottom. According to the Navy, the four crossed swords symbolize "the commissioned service of each of the Mustins honored in the naming and commissioning" of the ship: "The Father of Naval Aviation," Capt. Henry C. Mustin; World War II-era Vice Adm. Lloyd M. Mustin; Vietnam War-era Vice Adm. Henry C. Mustin; and Lt. Cmdr. Thomas M. Mustin.

The Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, named for World War II Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, features a battle flag that honors the service of its namesake. The flag consists of a horizontal trident with labels on the three tines: "Ohio," for Nimitz's service aboard the battleship USS Ohio; "CINCPAC" for his role as commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II; and what appears to be "CNO" for his post-war service as chief of naval operations. The number 68 represents the carrier's hull number, while the five stars represent the rank of fleet admiral, which Nimitz was one of four Navy officers to achieve in the history of the service.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Nitze boasts an uncomplicated battle flag. Named for former Navy Secretary Paul Nitze, the battle ensign features a representation of an eagle with wings outstretched across a shield of stars and stripes against a dark blue background. The world "NITZE” appears emblazoned in green across the bottom of the flag.

USS Normandy

The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy is named for the Battle of Normandy during World War II, which saw the Allies launch a massive invasion of France. The ship's motto of "Vanguard of Victory" appears emblazoned across a yellow flag with a sword and shield above it. The ship's motto "underscore[s] the Battle of Normandy as the spearhead of the Allied defense which turned the tide of war in Europe," according to the Navy. The sword and shield are in fact the insignia for the  Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces (SHAEF) , which was then-Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's command starting in 1943 and whose staff was responsible for planning Operation Overlord.

Commissioned in 1998, the USS O'Kane was named for Rear Adm. Richard O'Kane, who received the Medal of Honor for commanding the Balao-class submarine USS Tang to the most successful record of any submarine in history during World War II. As a result, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer flies a replica of the "Battle Cat" war flag -- a black "battle cat" bursting from the middle of a rising sun -- that the Tang flew during its successful wartime patrols, complete with distinct victory markings that denote the submarine's record 33 kills against Japanese vessels during the conflict.

USS Paul Hamilton

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Paul Hamilton is known for its distinct "Moultrie Flag," which features a white crescent with the word "LIBERTY' emblazoned across a blue background. The flag was designed by South Carolina state militia commander Col. William Moultrie, who gained fame across the nascent United States in 1776 for successfully defending the strategically important Sullivan's Island during a 10-hour siege by the British Royal Navy. Moultrie would present his flag to Gen. Nathanael Greene as "the first American Flag displayed in the South" during the liberation of Charleston in 1782, according to historians, and a version of the banner would go on to become the official state flag of South Carolina.

USS Paul Ignatius

The USS Paul Ignatius is one of the Navy's newest destroyers, and its battle flag is relatively spartan -- sort of. Named for former secretary of the Navy (and World War II lieutenant) Paul Ignatius, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's battle ensign features a black silhouette of the Spartan warrior. Although the significance of the symbol is unclear, it may be a tribute to the "Trojans" of Ignatius' alma mater, the University of Southern California,  which also inspired the ship’s crest .

The USS Preble's battle ensign is as simple as it gets, featuring the slogan "READY TO FIGHT, READY TO WIN" emblazoned across red and yellow horizontal stripes with the ship's crest in the dead center of the banner. Named for Revolutionary War naval officer Commodore Edward Preble, it's worth noting that the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's motto is actually "Intrepid Patriot," so it's unclear where the "Ready to Fight, Ready to Win" slogan originated.

USS Rafael Peralta

Named for Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who gave his life to save his fellow Marines by jumping on a grenade during the Second Battle of Fallujah during the Iraq War, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer flies a unique red battle flag in honor of its namesake. The flag features an Aztec war eagle as a tribute to Peralta's Aztec heritage and the words "LAVA DOGS'' emblazoned across the top to represent the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, to which Peralta belonged.

USS Ralph Johnson

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Ralph Johnson's battle flag centers on what the Navy describes as a "Vietnamese dragon" against a field of white below a single golden star. The dragon "is associated with water and is considered to have authority over life and death. Dragons are responsible for rain, without which life could not continue," according to the service's description of the symbol in the ship's crest, noting that the star "signifies the life [Marine Pfc.] Ralph Johnson saved that earned him the Medal of Honor" during the Vietnam War.

The USS Ramage is named for Vice Adm. Lawson "Red" Ramage, the noted World War II submarine commander. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's battle ensign consists of a red lion across a gray field, a symbol borrowed from the ship's crest.

USS Ronald Reagan

Named for the beloved former president, the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier's battle flag features twin sabers crossed over the number 76 on a red-and-white field, as well as the letter B and the number 322. According to the Navy, the twin sabers represent Reagan's cavalry experience, while the B and 322 stand for Troop B, 322nd Cavalry, the unit which Reagan called his own when he enlisted in the Army in 1937. The golden 76, of course, refers to the carrier's hull number.

Named for Medal of Honor recipient Donald K. Ross, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Ross flies a battle flag featuring a golden griffin clasping a trident against a field of blue, a symbol pulled directly from the ship's crest. "The griffin, noted for vigilance, intelligence and valor, reflects the versatility of Ross' operating capabilities," according to the Navy. "It holds a trident denoting the range of Ross' offensive equipment and outstanding firepower."

USS Spruance

Named for World War II-era Adm. Raymond A. Spruance, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's battle flag features a simple phrase: "Launch the Attack." According to the Navy, this was the order Spruance issued to sailors when the storied Task Force 16 under his command located its first Japanese aircraft carriers on the morning of the Battle of Midway in June 1942. The three numerals in the center of the flag represent the ship's hull number, 111; it's unclear exactly what the four stars represent, other than Spruance's status as a four-star admiral during the war. Interestingly, this isn't the only "Launch the Attack" flag in the warship's inventory , according to DVIDS.

USS Sterett

The USS Sterett's battle flag is, apart from the USS Carl M. Levin, the second-known Navy battle flag to feature a phoenix, which appears in a plume of red, orange and yellow flames against a dark blue background. Named for legendary Master Commandant Andrew Sterett, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is the fourth Navy warship to bear the name, following a tradition of warships that saw action in World Wars I and II, as well as the Vietnam War. "In ancient Greek folklore, the phoenix is a bird that cyclically regenerates or is born again. A phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor," according to the Navy. "Due to [the] Sterett’s rich warfighting history of resiliency and perseverance under fire, this image of a phoenix was created to properly capture these sentiments and honor the former crews of their namesake."

USS Stockdale

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Stockdale may have one of the newer (and cooler) battle flags in the fleet. Named for Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale, the warship was recently spotted flying a "007" flag as a clear tribute to the "Bond" in its namesake's full name. The Stockdale had previously flown the POW/MIA flag at sea to honor Vice Adm. Stockdale's time as the most senior naval officer held captive in North Vietnam during the course of that conflict.

USS The Sullivans

Named for the five brothers who were killed in action together aboard the light cruiser USS Juneau during World War II, the battle flag for the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS The Sullivans features five gold stars against a white background with a red border. The red in particular is "emblematic of courage and sacrifice," according to the Navy.

USS Wayne E Meyer

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer flies a simple blue battle flag with the letters "FOA" emblazoned on it in white. Those letters stand for " Father of Aegis ," a title bestowed on ship namesake Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer for spending years midwifing the vaunted Aegis Combat System that's a fixture of the Navy's current surface fleet.

USS Wichita

The third ship in the Navy named for the largest city in Kansas, the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Wichita boasts its namesake city’s official flag as its battle ensign.

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Understanding the Nautical Flags, Sailing Flags, & the Nautical Alphabet

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Last Updated on June 9, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Just as the marine electronics and lights on a boat help you communicate with your fellow cruisers, nautical flags and sailing flags are a language of sorts, too. They help alert others to maneuvers you’re making, for example, or an emergency. In certain combinations, they warn of bad weather. It all depends upon which flag—or flags—you see.

Here’s how to make sense of the nautical flag alphabet. This way, you understand the situation at hand when you’re next out on the water.

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6 Tips for Identifying Nautical Flags

1. pay attention to the flag’s shape..

Most nautical flags are squares. Additionally, you’ll find some resembling triangles but with flat tips—a.k.a. pendants. These two shapes are the most common.

2. Learn the nautical flag alphabet.

Conveniently, for every letter of the alphabet, there’s an equivalent square nautical flag. Well, more accurately, each flag represents international code words like Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc., which correspond to alphabetical letters. The full list and their meanings:

• A – Alpha – diver down; keep clear
• B – Bravo – carrying dangerous cargo
• C – Charlie – affirmative (yes)
• D – Delta – keep clear, I am maneuvering with difficulty
• E – Echo – altering course to starboard
• F – Foxtrot – I am disabled, communicate with me
• G – Golf – I want a pilot
• H – Hotel – a pilot is onboard
• I – India – I am altering my course to port
• J – Juliet – vessel on fire, keep clear
• K – Kilo – I want to communicate with you
• L – Lima – stop your vessel instantly, I have something important to communicate
• M – Mike – my vessel is stopped and making no way through the water
• N – November – negative (no)
• O – Oscar – man overboard
• P – Papa – about to sail (when flown in port; at sea, fishing vessels use it to mean their nets are caught on an obstruction)
• Q – Quebec – I request free pratique (clearance to enter port due to no disease onboard)
• R – Romeo – reverse course
• S – Sierra – engines are going astern
• T – Tango – keep clear, I am engaged in trawling (if a fishing vessel; if a naval ship is flying this flag, it means do not pass ahead)
• U – Uniform – you are heading into danger
• V – Victor – I require assistance
• W – Whiskey – I require medical assistance
• X – X-ray – stop your intention
• Y – Yankee – I am dragging anchor
• Z – Zulu – I require a tug

3. Remember that the numbers on nautical flags have meanings, too.

When it comes to numbers, boaters use pendants. Ten different pendants represent the numbers zero through nine. A combination of flags denotes the numbers 10 and up.

4. Consider the color of the flag.

Nautical flags only use five colors:

Not coincidentally, each of these stands out against the sky, easily seen through binoculars or with the naked eye. You might see a solid-color flag or one with a combination of colors. For example, two red pendants means there’s a small-craft advisory.

5. Tally the total.

Boats can fly up to seven flags in a row to convey certain messages.

• Solo flags are the previously mentioned international code words (Alpha for diver down, for instance).
• Two nautical flags flown together typically indicate distress or a maneuvering problem. A good example: Oscar and Whiskey flown together mean someone fell overboard and needs medical assistance.
• Three-flag signals can mean the points of the compass, among other things. Four-flag signals are ship names, while five are time and position. Six-flag signals indicate latitude and longitude, while seven mean longitude with more than 100 degrees.

6. Keep in mind that special languages exist.

Sometimes, the nautical flag alphabet is unique to certain situations. Regattas assign different meanings to a few flags, so that racers understand what’s happening. NATO and even the U.S. Navy do, too, with only their personnel knowing the meanings.

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A journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, Diane M. Byrne is the owner of MegayachtNews.com, a daily website educating American superyacht owners, buyers, and their circles of influence about the leading builders, designers, cruising destinations, and more. She founded the website in 2007 as the first, and still the only, American-focused online media outlet exclusively covering this market. It features all-original content, for real stories of real interest.

Diane is additionally one of the most-sought-after journalists for expert editorial coverage and commentary about not only superyachts, but also general boating and yachting. Her byline appears in Boatsetter.com, DiscoverBoating.com, and the magazines Luxury Guide, Ocean, Yachting, and Yachts International.

Additionally, Diane is the Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association, having been on the Board of Directors since 2015. Outside of yachting, she’s a trustee of Sempre Avanti, a non-profit resource supporting Italian and Italian-American individuals, businesses, and organizations in the United States and Italy.

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Nautical Flags: Origins, Meanings, and Resources

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Learn To Sail , Nautical Trivia , Sailing History

Nautical flags fly high above anchorages in every popular spot in the Caribbean. Every person who charters a boat has also decided to get a custom burgee to explain that they have arrived. In all honesty, American Sailing has a few nice burgees that I have hoisted, so I am one of those people as well.  

However, what do these flags mean, and where did they evolve from?

Nautical Flag Origins and History

Nautical flags have a rich history, and their evolution over time has been fascinating. Nautical flags have been used for centuries to communicate between ships at sea. They are essential tools for sailors to convey important information without the need for modern communication technologies. 

The use of flags for communication between ships dates back to the 17th century. Back then, ships would use flags to signal their identities, affiliations, and intentions. Nautical flags were initially used in ancient military encounters to signal actions to other fleet members. In the past, flag communication was limited, and the primary use was to signal the need for a conference where more detailed instructions could be given. The Royal Navy’s Permanent Fighting Instructions, which comprised 45 mixed messages using 11 flags, directly resulted from signals developed during the Anglo-Dutch naval wars of the mid-1700s.

The use of nautical flags evolved, with new flags being introduced to communicate more specific information.

In the 19th century, the International Code of Signals was established to standardize the use of nautical flags. This code uses a combination of signal flags, alphabet flags, and numeral pennants to convey messages. Each flag represents a letter or a number, and the messages are spelled out by stringing together the appropriate flags.

Today, nautical flags are still used for communication between ships, but their use has expanded to include decoration and identification. For example, yacht clubs often use burgee flags to identify themselves, and boats may fly a particular flag to indicate their nationality or affiliation.

Nautical flags come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, each with a specific meaning.

Nautical Flag Uses and Meanings

• Communication – Nautical flags are used to communicate between ships, especially when modern communication technologies are unavailable or have failed. The International Code of Signals is a standardized system that uses nautical flags to communicate messages between ships. This system uses a combination of signal flags, alphabet flags, and numeral pennants to convey messages. Each flag represents a letter or a number, and the messages are spelled out by stringing together the appropriate flags.
• Decoration – Nautical flags are used for decoration, particularly in yacht clubs and marinas. Burgee flags are small triangular flags used to identify a particular yacht club or organization. They are typically flown from the masthead of a yacht or displayed in a prominent location. Many yacht clubs have their unique burgee design, often based on the club’s logo or emblem.
• Identification – Nautical flags are used for identification purposes. For example, the national flag of a particular country is often flown on ships registered in that country. This helps other ships identify the nationality of a particular vessel. Similarly, boats may fly a specific flag to indicate their affiliation or membership in a respective organization or group.
• Competitive Sailing – In competitive sailing, nautical flags communicate information to the sailors. For example, the race committee uses flags to signal the start and finish lines, any changes to the course, and penalties for rule violations. Sailors must understand the meaning of each flag to ensure they comply with the race rules.
• Tradition – Nautical flags are an important part of maritime tradition. For example, the practice of flying a flag at half-mast to honor a shipmate who has died dates back to the 17th century. Similarly, the tradition of saluting a passing ship by dipping your flag or burgee has been a part of nautical culture for centuries

Curious to study more about flags and their meanings?

Check out our Nautical Flags and Knots to Know – Laminated Chart. The ASA laminated flags and knots chart is a handy reference guide for any sailor. 8 1/2″ x 11″ laminated card stock.

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Boating flag traditions and etiquette.

Information on Boating Flag Traditions and Etiquette

Back in the days before radio and other communications devices, flags were the primary means for communicating on the seas. As a result, strict protocol was adapted to ensure accurate communication and avoid misinterpretation of signalling intentions. Today, the tradition has much less significance because of modern electronics but those electronics can and do fail. Knowing how to follow acceptable protocol, and signals could save you in an emergency situation.

Text from Chapman's The following text was scanned and edited from the 61st addition of "Chapman Piloting Seamanship & Small Boat Handling", Elbert S. Maloney, Hearst Marine Books, New York, 1995. Graphics Restrictions Note, flags, ensigns, pennants, or burgee may not be drawn to exact scale. In many cases, it was necessary to compromise their scale in order to meet the restrictions of the media. Contents of this page

• United States Ensign
• United States Yacht Ensign
• United States Power Squadrons® Ensign
• Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons Ensign
• United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Ensign
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Operational Ensign
• Yacht Club Burgee
• USPS Squadron Burgee
• Owner's Private Signal
• USPS Officer Flags
• USCG Auxiliary Officer Flags
• Size of Flags
• Raising and Lowering Flags

Dressing Ship

• Honoring Other National Flags
• Half-Masting Flags

Shop United States Ensign flags here

Shop United States Yacht Ensign flags here

Shop United States Power Squadron Ensign flags here

Shop United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Ensign flags here

USPS Squadron Burgee A distinguishing USPS Squadron burgee which has been authorized by USPS may be flown in lieu of a club burgeeand from the same positions. This burgee may be flown by day only, or both day and night. Get a free quote online now for custom club burgees.

Owner's Private Signal This is generally swallow-tailed in shape, but may be rectangular or pennant-shaped. It is flown from the masthead of a single-masted motorboat or sailboat, or from the aftermost mast of motor or sailing vessels with two or more masts. It may be flown by day only, or day and night. A mastless motorboat may fly this signal from the bow staff in place of a club burgee. Get a free quote online now for custom owner's private signal flags.

Officer Flags Flags designating yacht club or USPS officers are rectangular in shape, blue (with white design) for senior officers; red for next lower in rank; and white (with blue design) for lower ranks. Other officer flags may be swallow-tailed or triangular in shape. An officer flag is flown in place of the owner's private signal on all rigs of motor and sailing vessels except single-masted sailboats, when it is flown in place of the club burgee at the masthead. On smaller motor boats without a signal mast, a USPS officer flag may be flown from a radio antenna, preferably to starboard, either singly or beneath the USPS ensign.

USCG Auxiliary Officer Flags The flag of a USCG Auxiliary officer flies day and night when the officer is on board. On a vessel without a mast, it is flown at the bow staff in place of the USCG Auxiliary ensign; on a vessel with a mast, it is flown at the starboard spreader. Past officer burgees are displayed in the same manner. Only one officers pennant may be flown at a time, and an incumbent officers pennant invariably takes precedence. When the Auxiliary ensign is displayed, it is considered improper to hoist a guest, owner absent, meal, cocktail, or novelty flag.

Shop Union Jack flags here

Size of Flags Although flags come in a fixed, standardized series of sizes, there are guidelines which will help in selecting the proper size for your boat. Keeping in mind that flags are more often too small than too large, use the rules given below, and round upward to the nearest larger standard size. The flag at the stern of your boat-U.S. ensign, yacht ensign, or USPS ensign-should be one inch on the fly for each foot of overall length. The hoist will normally be two-thirds of the fly, but some flags such as the USCG Auxiliary ensign have different proportions. Other flags such as club burgees, officer flags, and private signals for use on sailboats should be approximately 1/2 inch on the fly for each foot of the highest mast above the water. For flying on powerboats, these flags should be roughly 5/8 inch on the fly for each foot of overall length. The shape and proportions of pennants and burgees will be prescribed by the organization to which they relate. A union jack should be the same size as the corresponding portion of the national ensign.

Here is a handy chart to help you find what size flag you need for your vessel.

A handy guide to flying the U.S. flag on a boat can be found on our flag etiquette page.

Raising and Lowering Flags "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 by the USPS ensign at the starboard spreader (if not already flying on a day-and-night basis) provided the skipper is an active member of USPS. Then comes the club burgee or Squadron burgee at the bow, and the private signal at the masthead. (An officer flag, if flown in place of a private signal, would be flown continuously.) If the boat bears a valid USCG Auxiliary Facility decal, it would be flying the Auxiliary ensign at the masthead day and night. The USCG Auxiliary officers pennant or burgee may be flown day or night. On smaller craft, the same sequence should be followed, with the flags on their staff being set in the appropriate locations. 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.

On national holidays, at regattas, and on other special occasions, yachts often "dress ship" with International Code 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). We sell a string pennant set of signal flags that are great for easily dressing ship for parades and regattas. In dressing ship, the yacht ensign is hoisted at the stern staff, and the Union Jack may be displayed at the jack (bow) staff. 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.

The sequence recommended here provides a harmonious color pattern throughout: Starting from forward: AB2, UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater.

Honoring Other National Flags As a matter of courtesy, it is proper 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, and consequently when a flag of another nation is flown, it usually must displace one of the flags commonly displayed in home waters. It is not hoisted until clearance has been completed and the yellow "Q" flag has been removed, and the vessel has been granted pratique by the appropriate authorities. The following are general guidelines to follow regarding courtesy flags:

• On a mastless powerboat, the courtesy flag of another nation replaces any flag that is normally flown at the bow of the boat.
• When a motorboat has a mast with spreaders, the courtesy flag is flown at the starboard spreader.
• On a two-masted motorboat, the courtesy flag displaces any flag normally flown at the forward starboard spreader.
• On a sailboat, 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.

Although these points serve as protocol in most waters, keep in mind that customs observed in various foreign waters differ from one another; in case of doubt, inquire locally or observe other craft from your country. As noted previously, U.S. vessels while in international or foreign waters must fly the U.S. ensign (50-star flag) at the stern or gaff or leech, rather than the USPS ensign or the yacht ensign. When the starboard spreader is used for the "courtesy ensign" of the foreign country, the USPS ensign or similar flag may be flown from the port spreader; if the vessel has multiple flag halyards on the starboard spreader, the USPS ensign is flown there, inboard from the courtesy ensign. The U.S. ensign, club burgee, officer flag, and private signal are flown as in home waters. Don't fly a foreign courtesy ensign after you have returned to U.S. waters. Although this may show that you've "been there," it is not proper flag etiquette.

Half-Masting Flags A flag is flown at half-mast (or half-staff) in respect for a deceased person. Although there are no laws governing the half-masting of flags on private vessels, or at private homes and clubs, most citizens follow the flag display customs that are used on U.S. Government buildings and ships. The only authorities who can direct that the U.S. ensign be flown at half-mast are the President and the governor of a state, territory or possession. The duration varies from a day or so up to 30 days, determined by the deceased person's position. It is not correct for a yacht club commodore, or official of a similar organization, to order the U.S. ensign to be flown at half-mast to honor a deceased member -- only the burgee or organization flag may be half-masted. On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag is flown at half-mast until 1220, the time of the final gun of the traditional 21-gun salute commencing at noon. On a simple flagstaff-as at the stern of a vessel or a flagpole ashore-the "half-mast" position is approximately three/fourths the way up to the top. If the flagpole has a yardarm, or yardarm and gaff, the half-mast position is that which is level with the yardarm. When the U.S. flag is displayed at half-mast on a vessel, other flags remain at their normal position. When it is half-masted ashore, fly only a private signal or club burgee at masthead of a gaff-rigged mast with it. When the U.S. ensign is to be flown at half-mast, it should be hoisted fully and smartly, then lowered ceremoniously to the half-mast position. Before lowering, it is again raised to full height and lowered from there. Some yacht clubs follow the practice of flying the burgee at half-mast for a period of mourning on the death of a club member. A private signal may be flown at half-mast on the death of the owner of that vessel.

You can learn even more about flag etiquette for boating at United States Power Squadrons . This group the world's largest recreational boating organization with more than 35,000 members and they teach boating courses for those just getting into power boating or sailing or anyone needing a brush up course after time away from the sport.

International Signal Flags The International Code of Signals is a system of internationally recognized alphabetical and numerical flags and pennants that can be used to communicate on the open water. The set is also known as International Code Signal and the nautical flag alphabet. Boat enthusiasts also use the flags and pennants in fun ways to decorate their homes and boats. We sell 3 varieties of these flags plus a full set of string pennants that are perfect for dressing ship. Our flags come either with grommets, rope and snap hook or rope and toggle for the traditionalists. Full kits or individual flags are available.

Signal Flags And Their Meanings

Last Updated by

Capt Chris German

June 15, 2022

Signal flags harken back to a bygone era before VHF and cell phones. At one time, flags were the cornerstone of every well operated ship or military unit’s communication system, signaling maneuvers, emergencies and other general information for crew and comrades to receive with fear and trepidation.

All too often now, signal flags are reserved for senior citizen sailors with their weekend power squadron exercises and colorful adornment for the local Yacht Club Martini Mixer.

But deep in the annals of the internet, I found several uses for signal flags that have otherwise been forgotten and it is because they have been forgotten by the masses that their function is brought into question.

After all, a signal or message is only useful if someone is there to understand it. Much like fog signals, if a horn blows and no one knows what it means, is it really a signal or just noise pollution?

If a flag that is flown without anyone's understanding is it a useful flag?

One of the most recognizable flags we have is Old Glory and the only reason she is so revered is because we all think we know what she stands for.

What if, like the rotary dial phone, all the Millennials all stopped knowing what Old Glory stood for, would we still have a reason to fly it?

I was talking with my father-in-law, an Annapolis Grad (class of ‘69) and long time Navy Pilot who flew with the fleet from New Zealand to New York and everywhere in between. If anyone was supposed to know what a “Zulu” flag looked like, it was him.

But alas his Navy training failed him when we started to quiz him on the signal flag alphabet one afternoon last Christmas. Blame it on the wassail if you will, but when the Captain forgets a flag, one must begin to question it’s efficacy as a universally understood signal.

If you want to join the sailing nerd and sea scouts and memorize the entire alphabet and number system of signal flags for posterity, perhaps you would like to know some of the other uses signal flags might offer to common (or not so common) sailors.

Table of contents

Racing Signals

First up, its racing signals. Spend enough time in the beer can races and you're bound to see a committee boat sporting a few signal flags every once in a while.

They are used to indicate info about races and course changes to a fleet. They are far more functional than a radio in a dinghy race, as lasers tend to flip and vhfs tend to sink.

So using a signal flag for all to see is much more effective and certainly a ton more salty. I sourced this description of racing meanings from sailing flags here .

Most big name yacht clubs and racing syndicates use flags and horns in a regatta to some degree or another, but only the most preeminent do so with any kind of standardized manner.

Generally speaking the more hoity toity the yacht club, the more they use flags in their races because they want to (a) be elitist and (b) can afford to buy the flags which retail for big bucks.

But if you find yourself aboard a committee boat in South Africa you best review the flags at the link above - but for everyone else, here’s a sample:

Common Flags

While the racing world has co-opt the use of flags for regattas, there remains other uses for signal flags which if your savvy can be quite useful when cruising to strange International ports of call or miraculously time travel to the decks of a World War II aircraft carrier.

These uses have included the most commonly known flags such as the diver down flag or Alpha flag and the courtesy flags which don’t seem to have any standardized meaning at all but are used in all sorts of ports from Berma to Bimini.

And in this day and age, international cruisers are well aware of the ‘Q” flag which is used to indicate that a newly arrived vessel is free of disease.

In other times this flag meant a “quarantine” was in effect for your boat when arriving in new ports of call but that signal has been replaced by the Lima Flag indicating that one is to stop all operations immediately.  

If you aim to island hop in the little latitudes you would be well to understand and commit these most commonly used flags to memory, but just in case, hang on to the others in the back of your mind.

You can get a great run down of the flags by looking at any Sea Scouting Manual or by going here .

Buying Signal Flags

If you want to run out and get yourself a set of signal flags, be aware that there are lots of cheap knock offs and many that aren’t worth the $300 price tag they soak you for at your local marina.

Signal flags should be made of durable canvas or nylon. Brass grommets and sturdy cotton lines should be part of the package and make sure they are large enough to be seen from a distance.

Those little 6 inch jobs don’t cut it from a mile and half off though sea spray and blowing sand. Mine are at least 36” long and can be seen from Space if Google ever decides to look my way again.

I must admit I love my flags. I inherited an almost complete set from a boat that I dreamed of restoring that was raced in the Washington DC area for 20 years.

When I pulled them out the stink-drenched hull, they smelled like diesel and were coated with black mold. But a soak in laundry detergent and an airing in a stiff Carolina breeze on a sunny day and they were much more tolerable.

So much so that my wife didn’t make me throw them out. I used them to celebrate the holidays by dressing ship in my Hunter at Cape Lookout on the 4rth of July and Labor Day and as a marketing ploy to get people to want to take sailing lessons from me on the waterfront of Beaufort.

I dreamed of stringing them up the front and down to the stern in my 42’ endeavour but alas Hurricane Florence took her before I could ever dress her up, so I stuck them in storage in a laundry basket and will use them once I acquire my dream boat, a 60 foot catamaran from Australia.

Given that they are so expensive, $315 for a small set from Landfall Navigation I would suggest reading the manufacturer’s methods on care.

Caring For Your Flags

Make sure you let them dry out before packing them away, even on a sunny day. The mere fact that they are flown by the water means they will acquire moisture that will rot them in a matter of days if packed away wet.

I would also suggest you treat them as you would your sails.

• A gentle detergent and lots of fresh water every spring and fall.
• Fly them regularly to make sure they don’t get stiff or dry rot.
• Pack them in a waterproof bag or tote and if you can find them, throw in a few packs of those silica desiccants to dry up any ambient moisture and keep them fresh.
• You can also treat them with tea tree oil to inhibit mold and mildew growth and slow down fading.

Dressing Ship

Now let’s talk about “dressing ship”. There is a way to do it and a way not to do it.

Too many lines and halyards can create havoc on a windy day and the worst is if one comes undone and you fly your halyard.

My recommendation is use your jib halyard and attach it to the middle of the string of flags and pull the flags up that way, fore and aft.

You can run one string up the forestay with the jib halyard and one up the back stay with the main halyard but then you have no main halyard to fly Old Glory off the back stay and double your chances of flying your halyard if something goes wrong.

Some say you should alternate number pennants and letter flags, but I say use what you got and fly em proudly.

If you’re on the dock, prep your flags on the dock or in a grassy area, but if you have to do it on the deck of your boat, watch out so that they don’t blow overboard.

Most of the time I have used them, they attach one to the other with a loop and wooden slug. You slide the loop of one over the slug of the next and continue with the same pattern until you have enough to reach from your bow to mast top to stem. Make sure the first one is right side up and all the others should be right.

Run the flags, up to your mast and then down to your stern. If your boat has a lot of freeboard and you have a lot of flags, you might even attach a sinker to the loose end of the bottom flag at your stern and bow. It's kind of a show off thing to do and people might look at you with a bit of envy or disgust depending on your zip code, but this way you can show how big your boat is and how much money you have.

Just make sure you cleat off the string of flags that is up the mast before you hang one to the waterline or the whole string will fly up in a breeze and wrap around your mast.

When To Dress Ship

Now when to dress ship? Basically whenever you want to wear a dress or tie, you should dress your ship too.

Ties are rarely welcome on a sailboat and dresses are only welcome if they are flowy and can blow up at the right moments - so instead of getting dressed up, why don’t you dress your ship instead?

I think any federal holiday is a good time and every high holiday as well. Stick em up at Thanksgiving and don’t take em down until New Years Day and you’ll cover all the cultural bases with minimal work.

Birthdays and Anniversaries are always a great time to do it and if you have the flags, spell out your hubby’s name or the name of the birthday celebrator in flags.

Just make sure you tell everyone that is what you did, because most people don’t know what they mean.

One of my favorite Jimmy Buffet lyrics is when he is talking about the birth of his father in Havana Harbor and all the ships celebrate his birth by dressing ship.

In his song “False Echoes” he writes,

“On the old Chicamauga the Signal Jacks flew And the message they spelled out caused a great ballyhoo Every ship in Havana then hoisted away All the pennants were 'a flyin' on my dad's first birthday”

Man I was born at the wrong time.

So that’s my take on signal flags and the sailor. If you got ‘em, fly ‘em and have fun with them. They do have meanings and if you decide to wander to St. Somewhere or aim to be the next Dennis Conner, you should probably know what they mean.

But for the rest of us here in mainland America, they are a breathtaking sight to behold when flown on someone’s birthday or to celebrate the birth of our Nation.

They are expensive and prone to mold and dry rot, so take care of them with regular washing and lots of fresh air.

Now that you know what they are and how to fly them, I hope to see lots of photos of boats dressed to the nines. Send them to us at LifeofSailing.com if you think of it, or share on Facebook and tag us in the photo so we can see how you dress your ship.

Thanks for reading and remember, do good, have fun and sail far.

Related Articles

Capt Chris German is a life long sailor and licensed captain who has taught thousands to sail over the last 20 years. In 2007, he founded a US Sailing-based community sailing school in Bridgeport, CT for inner city youth and families. When Hurricane Sandy forced him to abandon those efforts, he moved to North Carolina where he set out to share this love for broadcasting and sailing with a growing web-based television audience through The Charted Life Television Network.

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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 Racing Flags and Signals

Are you ready to hit the open water and expe­ri­ence the exhil­a­rat­ing world of sail­boat rac­ing? Before you set sail, it’s cru­cial to under­stand the mean­ing behind the var­i­ous flags and sig­nals used dur­ing races . In this arti­cle, we’ll dive into the Inter­na­tion­al Code of Sig­nals, explore prepara­to­ry, course, protest, aban­don­ment, penal­ty, safe­ty, and emer­gency sig­nals.

Get ready to nav­i­gate the rac­ing scene with con­fi­dence and sail towards vic­to­ry!

Key Take­aways:

• The Inter­na­tion­al Code of Sig­nals con­sists of 26 flags and 10 numer­al pen­nants , which are used for safe­ty and com­mu­ni­ca­tion on the water.
• Prepara­to­ry flags and sig­nals such as the ‘P’ flag, ‘I’ flag, ‘S’ flag, and ‘X’ flag are cru­cial for sailors to under­stand and respond to, as they indi­cate impor­tant instruc­tions and changes in the race .
• Course and mark sig­nals pro­vide infor­ma­tion about the direc­tion to sail and the marks them­selves, help­ing sailors nav­i­gate the race­course effec­tive­ly and make informed deci­sions.
• Protest flags and sig­nals, includ­ing the red flag with a white cross, blue flag, yel­low flag, and red flag, are impor­tant for ensur­ing fair com­pe­ti­tion and resolv­ing dis­putes between boats.

Table of Con­tents

The International Code of Signals

You should learn the Inter­na­tion­al Code of Sig­nals, as it con­sists of 26 flags and 10 numer­al pen­nants that can con­vey impor­tant mes­sages while sail­ing. These sig­nals are essen­tial for main­tain­ing safe­ty and com­mu­ni­ca­tion on the water. By famil­iar­iz­ing your­self with this code, you can ensure that you’re pre­pared for any sit­u­a­tion that may arise while sail­ing.

The Inter­na­tion­al Code of Sig­nals is a uni­ver­sal sys­tem used by sailors around the world . Its sim­plic­i­ty and effec­tive­ness make it a valu­able tool for com­mu­ni­ca­tion at sea. Each flag and pen­nant rep­re­sents a spe­cif­ic mes­sage or instruc­tion , allow­ing sailors to con­vey impor­tant infor­ma­tion with­out rely­ing on ver­bal com­mu­ni­ca­tion.

Learn­ing the Inter­na­tion­al Code of Sig­nals is par­tic­u­lar­ly impor­tant for those who desire free­dom on the water. By under­stand­ing and using these sig­nals, you can com­mu­ni­cate with oth­er boats, request assis­tance, or inform oth­ers of poten­tial dan­gers. This knowl­edge empow­ers you to nav­i­gate the open seas con­fi­dent­ly and inde­pen­dent­ly.

In addi­tion to enhanc­ing your safe­ty, know­ing the Inter­na­tion­al Code of Sig­nals also allows you to ful­ly immerse your­self in the sail­ing com­mu­ni­ty. It’s a lan­guage shared by sailors world­wide, con­nect­ing you to a glob­al net­work of adven­tur­ers who share your love for the sea.

Preparatory Flags and Signals

Make sure to brush up on the mean­ing of the prepara­to­ry flags and sig­nals before your next sail, as they can indi­cate impor­tant infor­ma­tion about the race or event. These flags and sig­nals are essen­tial for every sailor who desires the free­dom to com­pete in sail­boat rac­ing.

When you see the prepara­to­ry flag ‘P,’ it sig­nals that the race is about to start, and you should be ready to go . Anoth­er impor­tant sig­nal is the ‘I’ flag, which indi­cates a change in the start­ing line . Pay atten­tion to this flag, as it could affect your strat­e­gy and give you a com­pet­i­tive advan­tage.

Dur­ing the race, you may encounter the ‘S’ flag, which means you must take a penal­ty for a rule infringe­ment . Don’t ignore this flag, as it could cost you valu­able time and posi­tion. Addi­tion­al­ly, the ‘X’ flag indi­cates that the race has been aban­doned or post­poned . If you see this flag, be pre­pared to fol­low the instruc­tions giv­en by the race com­mit­tee.

Under­stand­ing and respond­ing to these prepara­to­ry flags and sig­nals is cru­cial for any sailor who val­ues their free­dom to com­pete in sail­boat rac­ing. So, take the time to famil­iar­ize your­self with them and be ready to nav­i­gate the race­course with con­fi­dence and skill.

Course and Mark Signals

When approach­ing a mark, be sure to keep an eye out for the appro­pri­ate course and mark sig­nals to nav­i­gate the race­course effec­tive­ly. These sig­nals are cru­cial for your suc­cess as a sailor. Free­dom is at the core of sail­boat rac­ing, and under­stand­ing these sig­nals will give you the free­dom to make informed deci­sions on the water.

As you approach a mark, look for the course sig­nal dis­played by the race com­mit­tee . This sig­nal indi­cates the direc­tion you need to sail after round­ing the mark. It could be a sim­ple arrow point­ing left or right, or it may con­sist of mul­ti­ple arrows indi­cat­ing a more com­plex course. Pay atten­tion to this sig­nal to ensure you take the cor­rect path and stay on course.

In addi­tion to the course sig­nal, keep an eye out for mark sig­nals . These sig­nals pro­vide impor­tant infor­ma­tion about the mark itself. They can indi­cate a change in the mark’s posi­tion, a change in the round­ing direc­tion, or even a change in the mark itself . Under­stand­ing these sig­nals will help you antic­i­pate any changes in the race­course and adjust your strat­e­gy accord­ing­ly.

Protest Flags and Signals

When you see a protest flag in sail­boat rac­ing, it’s impor­tant to under­stand its mean­ing. The most com­mon protest flag is a red flag with a white cross, indi­cat­ing that a boat is protest­ing anoth­er boat for a rule vio­la­tion.

If you find your­self in a protest sit­u­a­tion, it’s cru­cial to know how to resolve it prop­er­ly to ensure fair com­pe­ti­tion.

Meaning of Protest Flags

You should famil­iar­ize your­self with the mean­ing of protest flags before par­tic­i­pat­ing in sail­boat rac­ing. Under­stand­ing these flags is essen­tial to ensure fair com­pe­ti­tion and main­tain the free­dom that rac­ing rep­re­sents.

Here are three impor­tant protest flags and their mean­ings:

• Blue Flag : This flag indi­cates that a boat intends to protest anoth­er boat for break­ing a rule. It’s impor­tant to keep a close eye on this flag, as it sig­ni­fies a poten­tial dis­pute between com­peti­tors.
• Yel­low Flag : When this flag is dis­played, it means that a protest hear­ing is being held. This flag warns all par­tic­i­pants to be cau­tious and respect­ful dur­ing the hear­ing process.
• Red Flag : The red flag is raised when a protest has been with­drawn. It sig­ni­fies that the dis­pute has been resolved or aban­doned.

Common Protest Signal

Don’t under­es­ti­mate the sig­nif­i­cance of famil­iar­iz­ing your­self with the com­mon protest sig­nal dur­ing sail­boat rac­ing. It’s cru­cial to under­stand this sig­nal as it can great­ly impact your race and the free­dom you desire on the open water.

When you see a boat rais­ing a protest flag, typ­i­cal­ly a red flag, it means that they believe anoth­er boat has vio­lat­ed a rac­ing rule. This sig­nal sig­ni­fies their inten­tion to file a protest against the oth­er boat’s actions.

As a sailor, know­ing this sig­nal allows you to be proac­tive in avoid­ing poten­tial con­flicts and ensur­ing fair com­pe­ti­tion. By being aware of the com­mon protest sig­nal, you can nav­i­gate the race­course with con­fi­dence, know­ing that you’re respect­ing the rules and uphold­ing the free­dom that sail­boat rac­ing rep­re­sents.

Resolving Protest Situations

To effec­tive­ly resolve protest sit­u­a­tions dur­ing sail­boat rac­ing, it’s impor­tant that you remain calm and coop­er­ate with the race offi­cials. Remem­ber, your free­dom to enjoy the race depends on your abil­i­ty to han­dle these sit­u­a­tions with grace and respect.

Here are three key points to keep in mind:

• Com­mu­ni­cate clear­ly: When pre­sent­ing your protest, make sure your mes­sage is con­cise and eas­i­ly under­stood. Use sim­ple lan­guage and avoid any unnec­es­sary aggres­sion or hos­til­i­ty.
• Fol­low pro­ce­dures: Famil­iar­ize your­self with the rules and reg­u­la­tions of the race. Under­stand the prop­er steps to take when fil­ing a protest and be pre­pared to pro­vide any evi­dence or wit­ness­es that sup­port your case.
• Be open to com­pro­mise: Some­times, find­ing a mid­dle ground is the best way to resolve a protest sit­u­a­tion. Lis­ten to the oth­er par­ty’s per­spec­tive and be will­ing to nego­ti­ate a solu­tion that’s fair for every­one involved.

Abandonment Flags and Signals

Grab the binoc­u­lars and look for any aban­don­ment flags or sig­nals on near­by boats. As a sailor who desires free­dom, you under­stand the impor­tance of being aware of poten­tial dan­gers on the water. Aban­don­ment flags and sig­nals are cru­cial in ensur­ing the safe­ty of all sailors. These flags and sig­nals indi­cate that a boat or its crew may require assis­tance or are in need of imme­di­ate res­cue. By spot­ting these flags or sig­nals, you can take action and pro­vide the nec­es­sary help, ensur­ing that every­one can con­tin­ue enjoy­ing the free­dom of sail­ing.

To help you bet­ter under­stand the var­i­ous aban­don­ment flags and sig­nals, here is a table high­light­ing some of the most com­mon­ly used ones:

Penalty Flags and Signals

Keep an eye out for any penal­ty flags or sig­nals, as they can indi­cate rule vio­la­tions and affect the out­come of the race. In sail­boat rac­ing, it’s cru­cial to under­stand the mean­ing behind these flags and sig­nals to ensure fair com­pe­ti­tion and main­tain the spir­it of free­dom on the water. Here are three key points to con­sid­er:

• Penal­ty flags: These flags are raised by race offi­cials to indi­cate a rule vio­la­tion by a boat. The flags come in dif­fer­ent col­ors, such as yel­low or blue, and are typ­i­cal­ly dis­played along­side a num­ber, rep­re­sent­ing the spe­cif­ic rule bro­ken. Be vig­i­lant in spot­ting these flags, as they can result in time penal­ties or dis­qual­i­fi­ca­tion.
• Sig­nals from oth­er boats: Pay atten­tion to the actions of oth­er boats around you. If a com­peti­tor rais­es a flag or makes a spe­cif­ic hand sig­nal, it could be a warn­ing that you have vio­lat­ed a rule. Keep an open mind and be ready to adjust your tac­tics to avoid penal­ties.
• Com­mu­ni­ca­tion with race offi­cials: If you have any doubts or con­cerns about a poten­tial rule vio­la­tion, don’t hes­i­tate to con­tact the race com­mit­tee. They’re there to ensure fair­ness and resolve any dis­putes that arise dur­ing the race. Main­tain a respect­ful and open line of com­mu­ni­ca­tion to uphold the prin­ci­ples of free­dom and fair play.

Safety and Emergency Signals

If you encounter any safe­ty or emer­gency sig­nals dur­ing the race, please fol­low the instruc­tions pro­vid­ed and ensure the well-being of your­self and oth­ers. Your safe­ty is of utmost impor­tance, and it is cru­cial to under­stand the mean­ing behind these sig­nals. To help you nav­i­gate the race course, here is a table out­lin­ing some com­mon safe­ty and emer­gency sig­nals you may encounter:

So, now you know the var­i­ous sail­boat rac­ing flags and sig­nals used in com­pe­ti­tions. The Inter­na­tion­al Code of Sig­nals pro­vides a stan­dard­ized sys­tem for com­mu­ni­ca­tion on the water.

From prepara­to­ry flags to protest flags, each sig­nal plays a vital role in ensur­ing fair and safe races. Under­stand­ing these sig­nals is cru­cial for all sailors and race offi­cials.

By fol­low­ing the cor­rect flags and sig­nals, par­tic­i­pants can nav­i­gate the race­course effec­tive­ly and respond appro­pri­ate­ly to any emer­gen­cies or penal­ties that may arise.

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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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• Sailing Anarchy

Battle Flag Etiquette

• Thread starter SailingTips.Ca
• Start date Mar 16, 2021

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Super Anarchist

• Mar 16, 2021

So no boat can "win" a race or regatta without the crew.  There are good crews that win regattas with Boat X, and not as good crews that don't win regattas with the same kind of boat.  Brag flags go with the owner/crew, not the boat IMHO.  That said, really good crews don't need any brag flags, they just go out an win the next regatta, and everyone knows them... Battle flags go on the owner's "I love me" wall...or can be the backdrop of the trophy case for all the trophies you won with the old boat if that's your thing...  

I never knew that if you win a race they give you a flag...  

sledracr said: I like 'em.  Makes it much easier to find my boat in the marina after libations.... Click to expand...

• Mar 17, 2021

LB 15 said: I never knew that if you win a race they give you a flag... Click to expand...

TUBBY said: Been a while since you went to Hobart? Or maybe haven't been arriving until the winners have left?  (Not surprising with the Line Honours winner,  I've been passed by one heading north outside Tasman, & we finished on the 30th!) Click to expand...

Never sell the boat. We are on season #50; some of the older brag flags are getting a little tired.   

VWAP said: Retire your flags, It's over Click to expand...

LionessRacing

Back in the day, when the plastic boats would start hoisting their paltry brag strings, the R boats would put up 50 yrs of flags. They belong to the boat, if it’s sold and sailed under the continuing name. Just as the boats name gets engraved on the silver.   

Give away fleet win flag for Chi-Mac?  What owner would do that?  Keep it!  

Hazard to Navigation

Is that an Anglo-American thing? That last time a boat was given a flag for winning a race over here must have been at Kiel week 1899 or so...   

Seems like if it is a boat with some legacy, selling them with the boat would be cool so they stay connected.  Write your name or sign them to mark your place in history. If they aren't going to be used by the new owner of the old boat, you should keep them and fly them on the new boat.  But pick out the best of the best ones that you have memories of winning, and mark on the flags that they are from the old boat.  And then as they get tired or as you win new ones you can replace them with new regatta flags.  Say every time you get a new flag that you won with the new boat, you retire an old one.  Hang it up in your garage/shop or give it a viking funeral by burning with rum.... I grew up racing on Lake Ontario and it was impressive to see some of the successful racers and all the regatta flags they had up the forestay and down the backstay!!  Some even only flew their 1st place flags...  

10thTonner said: Is that an Anglo-American thing? That last time a boat was given a flag for winning a race over here must have been at Kiel week 1899 or so...  Click to expand...

• Mar 18, 2021

LionessRacing said: Back in the day, when the plastic boats would start hoisting their paltry brag strings, the R boats would put up 50 yrs of flags. They belong to the boat, if it’s sold and sailed under the continuing name. Just as the boats name gets engraved on the silver.  Click to expand...

fastyacht said: There used to be R at Rocky River. Click to expand...

Pog said: by burning with rum.... I grew up racing on Lake Ontario and it was impressive to see some of the successful racers and all the regatta flags they had up the forestay and down the backstay!!  Some even only flew their 1st place flags... Click to expand...

Cristoforo said: The 'brag'  flags of a sold boat go with the seller to a box in his attic. The new boat didn't win those flags.   The battle flag - seller would keep to hang behind his bar in his basement. Or use on new boat.  New trophies can go on the main floor of the house   Its all in here chapter 12       Click to expand...

LB 15 said: No just trying to inject a little self depreciating humor into a rather pointless topic.  Click to expand...

Battle flag is the boats name/logo stays with boat, the boats calling card on display. brag flag is the races won, etc stays with owner, you dont give your trophys to the new owner do you?  

The nearest thing to a battle flag I've ever seen is a race plaque, issued for fitting to any boat completing the race. Some boats have many as the race is having its 60th event this year. The plaque is about 4inches by 1inch. https://images.app.goo.gl/9F2Lr7f4ACCRQkqJ8  

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Sailing Anarchy Podcast with Scot Tempesta

Naval Action

Maritime flags, naval action maritime nations and flags.

Greetings, Dear Maritime Enthusiast! On this page you can find maritime, nautical flags and battle ensigns commonly used in the Age of Sail. You can sail under all these flags on your maritime adventure in Naval Action participate in epic naval combat against other nations and players. Currently there are 12 nations and more than 160 flags available in the game.

GREAT BRITAIN

Great Britain, together with Spain, is one of the largest empires on the Earth. Despite few unsuccessful attempts to establish colonies in the Americas, in the early seventeenth century the first successful colonies were finally settled on the Chesapeake Bay and gave birth to a new nation a century and a half later. Further colonial settlements were established on Bermuda, Barbados and Jamaica islands. Colonial government is present on Jamaica island. New Captains start their journey from Kingston / Port Royal, Jamaica.

France has established a large colonial empire in the Americas, comparable to its main rivals in the region. In 1534 Jacques Cartier, during his first expedition, claimed Canada for France, nevertheless the first successful colonies were established only 75 years later. Colonial government is present on Martinique and nearby islands. New Captains start their journey from Fort-Royal, Martinique.

Spain is one of the largest empires both in the Old and New Worlds. Colonization of the Americas was started in 1492 when Christopher Columbus visited the Caribbeans and claimed it for Spain. During the following centuries more and more territories in the Americas fell under the control of Spanish Crown. Colonial government is present in the northern part of Cuba. New Captains start their journey from Havana, Cuba.

Netherlands

The United Provinces of the Netherlands established control over world trade after the independence from Spain and started to form its own colonial empire, although not as large one as English or Spanish ones. Overseas territories in the Americas are mostly located on the Lesser Antilles and South America coast, and controlled by the officials from the Island of Curacao. New Captains start their journey from Willemstad, Curacao.

Piracy in the Americas originated shortly after discovery of the New World. Famous Spanish treasure fleets and wealth of cities on the Spanish Main attracted lots of experienced sailors and adventurers to try their luck and escape from tough life in the Old World. The most fortified cities are located on the island of Inagua in The Bahamas. New Captains start their journey from Mortimer Town, Inagua.

Denmark-Norway

Denmark-Norway tried to settle a colony in the Americas in the early seventeenth century, but, unfortunately, due to wars in Europe these attempts were not successful. Only about 50 years after that, in 1672, Denmark-Norway eventually established the first colony on one of the Virgin Islands and later proceeded on nearby islands. New Captains start their journey from Christiansted, Virgin Islands.

Settlers from Sweden established the first colonies in the Americas along the Delaware River - so called New Sweden - in the first part of the seventeenth century. More than a century after that, in 1784 year, France sold Saint Barthelemy island to Sweden, so Swedish colonies were also established on the Lesser Antilles. New Captains start their journey from Gustavia, Saint Barthelemy.

United States

The United States of America is the first country to proclaim its independence from the metropolis in the Americas. Once the Revolutionary War was over and the country was recognized in the whole world, American settlers started to expand towards the western part of North America. Meanwhile naval presence was also vital for the young nation and ports in North and South Carolina played a significant role in trading with the Old World. New Captains start their journey from Charleston, South Carolina.

Russian Empire

Russian Empire established overseas territory in the New World in a special way. Once the conquest of Siberia was over Russian explorers reached the coast of North Pacific on the Far East and eventually claimed North Pacific territories in the Americas during the eighteenth century. The most southward colony of Russian Empire was established in the Northern California area. New Captains start their journey from Shroud Cay - a free port accepting all emigrants from the Old World.

Kingdom of Prussia

Germans from the Holy Roman Empire began to colonize the Americas in the first half of the sixteenth century and controlled a large overseas territory around the Maracaibo lake since 1534 - so called Little Venice. A century and a half later, in 1685, Brandenburg also settled some colonies in the Virgin Islands. New Captains start their journey from Shroud Cay - a free port accepting all emigrants from the Old World.

The Commonwealth of Poland is one of the main land forces in Europe far from the routes of the New World, however during the seventeenth century Commonwealth of Poland established a few overseas colonies on Trinidad and Tobago islands through its vassal - Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. New Captains start their journey from Shroud Cay - a free port accepting all emigrants from the Old World.

Trade connections between China and Europe were significantly increased in the second half of the eighteenth century and it led to a few immigrant waves from China to the Americas, mostly on Trinidad island and nearby coast of South America. People were tempted to see the New World and amass a fortune there. New Captains start their journey from Shroud Cay - a free port accepting all emigrants from the Old World.

Set Sail to Victory: Mastering Sailboat Racing Flags and Signals

Sailboat racing is a thrilling and challenging sport that requires skill, strategy, and knowledge of sailing rules and regulations. One of the essential components of sailboat racing is the use of flags and signals to communicate important information to the sailors.

Sailboat racing flags and signals are a standardized system used to convey messages about the course, starting times, penalties, and other critical information. In this article, we will explore the various sailboat racing flags and signals and their importance in the sport.

The Importance of Sailboat Racing Flags and Signals

Sailboat racing flags and signals are a set of visual cues used to communicate important information to sailors during a race. These signals can indicate the start and end of a race, changes in wind direction, or other important information that can affect a sailor’s strategy.

Understanding these signals is critical for any sailor who wants to compete in a sailboat race. Some common sailboat racing flags and signals include the “preparatory” flag, which indicates the start of the race is imminent, and the “postponement” flag, which indicates a delay in the start of the race.

Sailboat racing flags and signals are essential to the smooth and safe conduct of sailboat races. Without these flags and signals, sailors would be unable to navigate the race course safely or understand the starting times, course changes, or penalties.

Flags and signals provide a standardized system of communication that ensures that all sailors have the same information at the same time. This, in turn, promotes fair competition and ensures that all sailors have an equal opportunity to win.

The Basic Sailboat Racing Flags and Signals

The World Sailing ( WS ) is the world governing body for the sport of sailing (until 14 November 2015 named as International Sailing Federation or ISAF) has established a standardized system of sailboat racing flags and signals that are used worldwide. These flags and signals communicate essential information about the race, such as the starting times , course changes , penalties , and finish line . Below are the most common sailboat racing flags and signals:

The Preparatory Signal

The preparatory signal is the first signal made before the start of a sailboat race. This signal indicates that the race is about to start and that the boats should be prepared to start racing. The preparatory signal is usually made 5 to 10 minutes before the start of the race, depending on the size and type of race.

During the preparatory signal, the race committee displays the preparatory flag, which is a solid white flag with a blue horizontal stripe. The preparatory flag is displayed until the starting signal is made. Boats that cross the starting line before the starting signal is made are considered to have started early and may be penalized.

The Starting Signal

The starting signal is the second signal made in a sailboat race. This signal indicates that the race has officially started, and the boats can begin racing. The starting signal is usually made immediately after the preparatory signal, although there may be a delay if conditions are not suitable for racing.

The starting signal is made using the starting gun or horn. Boats must cross the starting line after the starting signal is made, or they will be considered to have started late and may lose valuable time.

The General Recall Signal

The general recall signal is made when the race committee determines that the starting sequence has not been fair or equal for all boats. This signal indicates that the race will be restarted.

During the general recall signal, the race committee displays the first substitute flag, which is a blue and white flag with a blue square in the center. Boats must return to the starting line and prepare to start again.

The Individual Recall Signal

The individual recall signal is made when a specific boat is identified as starting early. This signal indicates that the identified boat must return to the starting line and start again.

During the individual recall signal, the race committee displays the X flag, which is a black flag with a white square in the center. The identified boat must return to the starting line and start again after all other boats have started.

The Postponement Signal

The postponement signal is made when conditions are not suitable for racing. This signal indicates that the start of the race will be delayed until conditions improve.

During the postponement signal, the race committee displays the AP flag, which is a solid blue flag. Boats must return to the starting area and wait for further instructions.

The Abandonment Signal

The abandonment signal is made when conditions become too dangerous for racing. This signal indicates that the race will be abandoned, and all boats must return to shore.

During the abandonment signal, the race committee displays the N flag, which is a solid black flag. Boats must stop racing and return to shore immediately.

The Shortened Course Signal

The shortened course signal is made when conditions are not suitable for completing the full race course. This signal indicates that the race course will be shortened to ensure the safety of the boats and sailors.

During the shortened course signal, the race committee displays the S flag, which is a solid white flag with a blue square in the center. Boats must complete the shortened course and cross the finish line.

The Finish Signal

The finish signal is the final signal made in a sailboat race. This signal indicates that the race is over, and the boats have completed the race course. The finish signal is usually made when the boats cross the finish line.

During the finish signal, the race committee displays the finishing flag, which is a solid white flag with a blue vertical stripe. Boats must cross the finish line and complete the race. The boats are then ranked based on the order in

Additional Sailboat Racing Flags and Signals

In addition to the basic sailboat racing flags and signals, there are other flags and signals used in sailboat racing. These flags and signals communicate additional information about the race, such as penalties and rule enforcement. Below are some additional sailboat racing flags and signals:

The Penalty System

In sailboat racing, the penalty system is an important mechanism to ensure fair play and discourage cheating. The penalty system involves the use of penalty turns, which is a requirement for a boat to make a 360-degree turn as a result of committing a rule violation. The penalty turns must be completed as soon as possible, and failure to do so will result in further penalties.

The penalty system is signaled by the display of the “yellow flag” by the race committee boat. This flag is accompanied by a horn blast, which signifies that a penalty has been given to a boat. If a boat receives a penalty, it must complete the penalty turns as soon as possible.

The Black Flag Rule

The black flag rule is a sailing rule that is used to discourage boats from starting too early. Under this rule, if a boat is over the starting line when the starting signal is given, it is disqualified from the race.

The black flag is signaled by displaying a black flag with a white square in the middle. This flag is displayed with the one-minute signal before the start of the race. If a boat is over the starting line when the race starts, and the black flag is displayed, the boat is disqualified.

The Blue Flag Rule

The blue flag rule is used to indicate that a boat is in danger and requires assistance. The blue flag is displayed by a boat that requires assistance, and this signal must be acknowledged by other boats in the race.

The blue flag is displayed by a boat in distress or requiring assistance, and other boats must immediately make way for the distressed boat. If a boat fails to acknowledge the blue flag signal, it may be subject to penalties.

The Red Flag Rule

The red flag rule is used to s ignal that a race has been stopped due to an emergency situation . The red flag is displayed by the race committee boat, and all boats must immediately stop racing.

If the red flag is displayed, all boats must immediately stop racing and proceed to the designated area. The race will be restarted once the emergency situation has been resolved.

Sailboat racing flags and signals are a crucial part of the sport of sailboat racing. They provide a standardized system of communication that ensures fair competition and safe racing. Understanding these flags and signals is essential for all sailors who want to compete in sailboat racing.

What happens if a boat does not follow the sailboat racing flags and signals?

If a boat does not follow the sailboat racing flags and signals, it may be penalized or disqualified from the race.

Are sailboat racing flags and signals the same worldwide?

Yes, sailboat racing flags and signals are standardized worldwide by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

What is the penalty for starting early in sailboat racing?

The penalty for starting early in sailboat racing is usually a 360-degree turn penalty.

How are safety rules enforced in sailboat racing?

Safety rules are enforced in sailboat racing using the red flag rule. If a boat is identified as posing a safety risk, it will be disqualified from the race.

Can sailboat racing flags and signals change during a race?

Yes, sailboat racing flags and signals can change during a race due to weather conditions or other safety concerns.

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Next time you’re dockside at a regatta, be the team with a brag flag that is worthy of your efforts.  North Graphics can reproduce any image you want for your battle or brag flag on material that’s vibrant and durable.  After a long race, sit back and see your team colors sway proudly above the rest.

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This method involves sewing fabric onto fabric, to produce a high quality, long lasting product. In most instances, the back is cut away to reveal the sewn image on the both sides. Flag Nylon™ is available in a full array of colors.

This printing method allows you to have as much detail as you like. Even a photographic or shaded image can be transferred to cloth. This process only applies the image to one side of the fabric, but when flown, it is virtually impossible to tell which side of the flag is printed.

This is an ideal method when quantity is involved. If you need more than a few flags, then screen-printing might be the choice for you. Let us know your requirements and we will be happy to help select just the right process to produce high quality affordable flags.

Use any of the previously mentioned construction methods to produce club or personal burgees. Great for private signals and house flags, as well.

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Computer cut graphics are applied to banners of various weights and colors. From light weight 10oz. to heavy duty 18oz. vinyl, banner material is available in a wide range of colors. For short term or extended use, there is a vinyl banner that just right for your application.

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Have a number of similar banners to display? This is the production method that we recommend. Let us know your quantity needs and we will produce a great looking banner that you will be proud to display.

Hoist your brand proudly on custom flags and banners!

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How Georgia's Gun Laws Compare to Other States

The devastating shooting which left four people dead at a school in Winder, Georgia, is prompting a look at the state's gun laws and how they compare to other parts of the country.

Two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and two teachers, Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie, were killed when Colt Gray, also 14, opened fire at Apalachee High School, in Barrow County, on Wednesday.

At least nine other people, including eight students and one teacher, were injured.

Gray was taken into custody and is expected to be charged with murder and tried as an adult. Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, said at a news conference that the gun used at the school was an "AR-platform-style weapon."

Georgia has often backed gun rights, and firearms magazine Guns & Ammo ranked it 13th in a list of the best states for gun owners, looking at "how well each state upheld the Second Amendment in 2023."

Gun control advocacy organization Everytown frames this differently, ranking Georgia 46th for gun law strength and calling its gun laws "some of the weakest in the country."

Both sides referenced Georgia's decision to implement permitless carry in 2022, revoking the requirement for gun owners to get permission to carry their firearms in public.

Folks in Georgia do not need to undergo a background check, they do not need a permit to purchase rifles, shotguns or handguns, they do not need to register these firearms with the government and they do not need a permit to carry them, according to Everytown .

Georgia also does not have any extreme risk/red flag law, which allows law enforcement, and sometimes family members, to petition for a court order to remove someone's access to guns – often by taking them away.

The Constitutional Carry bill, which received the backing of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp , allows any adult who can legally own a firearm to bypass any additional paperwork in order to carry it in public. However, those who do want to obtain a permit can still do so, and the bill still means it is illegal to carry a firearm in institutions such as schools and government buildings.

The law does excludes those banned from owning a handgun under criteria including being a minor and convicted felons whose civil rights have not been restored.

For comparison, Wyoming, the state listed as number one on the Guns & Ammo list, is ranked 44th by Everytown, "with some of the weakest gun laws and high household firearm ownership," the site says.

It has several identical "foundational laws" to Georgia, in the sense that it does not require background checks, a permit to purchase, firearms to be registered or a permit to carry. It also has no extreme risk/red flag law.

After Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah and North Dakota make up the top five on Guns and Ammo's list, and at the bottom of Everytown's list , which classes Wyoming, Idaho and Montana as "national failures" and Utah and North Dakota as "weak systems."

Like Georgia and Wyoming, none of these states require permits or background checks and none of them have extreme risk/red flag laws.

Conversely, Guns & Ammo lists New York as the worst state for gun rights, while Everytown ranks it as second in its list of "national leaders" in gun safety laws.

Unlike Georgia, New York requires a background check, a purchase permit and a concealed carry permit. This is the same in California, which tops Everytown's list and comes in at 48 on the Guns & Ammo list.

New York and California are two of several states which allow law enforcement, immediate family members, employers, coworkers, teachers, roommates, people with a child in common or who have a dating relationship to apply for an order to remove someone's access from guns.

Debates on gun laws constantly focus on whether more permissive access to weapons can be linked to mass killings.

A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2019 found that "states with more permissive gun laws and greater gun ownership had higher rates of mass shootings."

But, as senior behavioral scientist Terry Schell told KRCC at the time, this could be a chicken-and-egg situation.

He said: "It could be that the rate of gun ownership in a state determines the number of gun restrictions that will be passed into law, but those gun laws have no effect on either firearms suicides or mass shootings."

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About the writer

Jordan King is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on human interest-stories in Africa and the Middle East. She has covered the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, police brutality and poverty in South Africa and world-wide gender-based violence extensively. Jordan joined Newsweek in 2024 from The Evening Standard and had previously worked at Metro.co.uk . She is a graduate of Kingston University and has also worked on documentaries. You can get in touch with Jordan by emailing [email protected] . Languages: English.

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