Annin International Signal Flag Set - 256000

International Courtesy Flags are a must when entering foreign ports. International Courtesy Flags Show pride in your heritage or honor to the ports that you visit with Annin's International Courtesy Flags. All designs of UN members' flags have been approved by the United Nations Department of Protocol. 12 x 18 inch size.

Features:

• 12" x 18"
• For outdoor display
• Nyl-glo 100% heavy weight nylon
• Specially treated to minimize sun and chemical deterioration
• Extremely durable and fast drying
• Brilliant colors.
• Engineered to resist damage from the sun's UV rays
• Finished with strong canvas headings and large grommets

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 United States Power Squadron ensign or the yacht ensign. When the starboard spreader is used for the "courtesy ensign" of the foreign country, the United States Power Squadron ensign or similar flag may be flown from the port spreader; if the vessel has multiple flag halyards on the starboard spreader, the US Postal Service 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.

Flag Etiquette Guide