Flags are an essential component for all mariners and your boat will display your maritime knowledge to the world when it is properly outfitted with the appropriate flags.

Long used to signal other ships via a special semaphore code that is unique to the nautical maritime environment, they are now used primarily to signal the country of origin of the vessel, and as a courtesy when visiting a foreign port of call.

The country flag is meant to be flown proudly on the vessel and indicates the country of origin of the vessel itself, but it is not used to display the country of origin of any crew member.

There are no US domestic laws that specify how to display flags on board a boat, but instead they are flown according to long-standing customs and traditions, which are often disputed and arguments frequently arise as to the proper display of flags aboard vessels at sea. As a general rule, however, the US flag is always flown at a point above other flags that may be flown. The main area of dispute seems to come from the use of gaff rigs, where the US flag is typically flown from the peak of the gaff, rather than the masthead of a sailboat. For this reason, the US flag may be sewn to the trailing edge of a mainsail on a modern sailboat at about the point where the peak of a gaff would be.

A US Power squadron ensign or sailboat ensign may be flown instead of the US flag in domestic waters, but only a proper US flag is accepted in International waters, so if you are planning to enter a foreign port, you should buy a US flag and learn how to properly display it. The United States Power Squadron is a great source for the proper display of flags aboard boats, so you should use them as a reference.

Some foreign countries actually do have laws on record that specify the display of their own country flags, and even though we may call them courtesy flags, it is always advisable to check first before entering a foreign port.

And, if you do not see a flag that you need listed here, we can get it for you, so please contact us right away if you need any help or have any questions.

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