FLAG ETIQUETTE

When entering the territorial waters of a foreign nation you should be flying the national (or maritime) ensign of your country of registry. Fly it at the stern, or a sailing vessel may fly it from 2/3 of the way up the backstay or the leech of the aftermost sail. Fly the yellow International code flag “Quebec” close up on your starboard yard or spreader. Continue to fly “Q” until you have completed the check in process with Customs and Immigration, then and only then replace the “Q” with a flag of the country you just cleared into. Do not fly both “Q” and the courtesy flag at the same time. Generally, only one flag or burgee is flown on a single hoist. In foreign waters, flags should be limited to the ensign, courtesy flag, and a single club burgee. SSCA members may choose to fly the SSCA burgee in lieu of their yacht club burgee. Continue to fly your national ensign and the courtesy flag as long as you are underway, anchored, moored, berthed, or otherwise afloat in that nations waters. It is not necessary to fly flags while on-the-hard, but if you do, please do so correctly. Unless there is a reason to half-staff any flag, all flags and burgees should be at full staff or close up to the spreader tip on their hoist. The display of a state, province, or locality flag is generally inappropriate in foreign waters. In any event, these should never be substituted for the correct national flag of your country of registry. The USA yacht ensign, (an anchor surrounded by stars), is not appropriate outside US waters. Similarly, it is very disrespectful to fly and flag that is discolored, frayed, tattered, or beyond it’s useful life. Do not use flag-like representations made from plastic, paper, decals, or other improper materials. Flying comic, novelty, or potentially offensive flags is never in good taste. If you sew your own flags, make certain the colors are correct. Unless you are underway, it is not necessary to fly the flags 24 hours a day; you may display them from 0800 to sunset. If in doubt about what is proper, seek the advice of your local Customs and Excise authorities. Proper flag display can spare you a visit and potentially large fine from customs or law enforcement officials. Flags: fly them bright and fly them right.