Maritime flag

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Maritime flag

A maritime flag, or naval flag, is a flag used on ships, boats, and other watercraft. It shows a ship’s country of registration and follows specific rules about when and where flags are flown. Flags are a key part of naval tradition and communication at sea.

Types of flag

Ensigns
- The national flag flown on ships to show their country. It is raised for sailing in foreign waters and when entering or leaving harbour, and during certain signals. Ensigns come from sailing traditions, and flag etiquette (like flag dipping) is still observed. Warships usually wear their ensign when underway and at all times in battle.

Jacks
- Flown on the bow from a jackstaff, used when the vessel is in harbour or dressed on special occasions. Jacks are not flown when the ship is underway. In some cases, a merchant ship’s jack may be the same as its ensign.

Distinctive marks
- Some ships fly a special flag to identify a distinctive mark or affiliation. For example, NOAA ships use a distinctive NOAA flag, and U.S. Coast Guard or other services may fly their own markings in addition to the national ensign.

Rank flags
- A flag worn by a senior officer on their flagship or headquarters. It signals the ship that holds the highest level of command and can trigger naval honours. In groups of ships, only the senior officer’s flag is flown.

Pennants
- Long, narrow flags used for various purposes. Examples:
- Commissioning pennant (masthead): shows the captain’s commission.
- Church pennant: used during religious services on some fleets.
- Gin pennant: a small signaling pennant used historically to invite officers for drinks.
- Broad pennant: a standard pennant used by certain senior officers.
Pennants can indicate status, tradition, or invitation and are often flown in specific places on the mast.

House flag
- A merchant ship’s flag identifying the owning company. It’s usually flown from the jackstaff or main mast.

Private signal
- Flags designed by private owners to identify a vessel.

Yacht club burgee
- A club flag flown by members of a yacht club. It can be flown while underway or at anchor.

Unit citations
- Some warships receive unit citations. In port, they may fly a special burgee to show the citation.

Signal flags
- A system of flags for each letter of the alphabet and for numbers. Each flag has its own meaning, and different combinations convey other messages.

Courtesy flag
- Visiting ships fly a small flag of the host country as a sign of respect. It is usually flown from the foremast area or jackstaff and can vary by country.

Flag etiquette

- The stern (rear) of the ship is the position of honour. Ensigns are typically flown from a staff at the stern.
- The highest flag on a ship’s mast or rig is placed in a position of precedence, but the stern flag is always considered most prominent.
- Flag placement depends on the vessel’s rig (sloops, ketches, schooners, etc.). House flags, burgees, and other flags have designated places on different masts.
- In harbour, merchant ships dip their ensigns as a sign of salute to warships; warships dip back in acknowledgment.
- Displaying two flags from the same staff can signal that the ship has been captured or is surrendering.

Dressing overall

- For celebrations, ships in harbour may “dress overall,” displaying many flags along the hull and masts.

See also

- Flags and etiquette are part of a long maritime tradition, with many country-specific rules and crafts that govern what flags are flown and where they are placed on ships.