Proper Flag Etiquette

CoralReefer

CoralReefer

New Member
Mar 26, 2008
685
Nashville, TN
Boat Info
1987 250 Sundancer
Engines
260 Mercruiser w/Alpha I
Before I hit the lake tomorrow I want to make sure that I am practicing proper flag etiquette. I have an american flag on the bow and a fun flag on the stern. Is this correct or do I need to swap? I know this may be a dumb question but I want to make sure I'm practicing proper flag etiquette.
 
American flag from the stern , preferably starboard side.
 
I think I have it right but I want to make sure.

Ensign-Stern
Club Burgee-Bow
US Marine Corp Flag-Bimini Mount???? (My lake buddy is ex Marine)

I want to make sure I get it right and not to dishonor. I'm a little confused. I thought the ensign would always be flown at the highest. Please help me get it right.

Thanks.
 
FYI, the only time flags are allowed to fly HIGHER than the Stars and Stripes is when the American flag is flown from a Yardarm. The reason for this is the Yardarm is considered a place of honor.
 
So I should fly the ensign on the bimini mount above the helm starboard side and US Marine flag on bow???:huh:
 
Don't "over flag" yourself. It looks silly. The American flag always goes on the stern on anything less the 65-feet. The club burgeee or other novelty flag goes on the bow. I see the occasional flag on an arch or bimini top and often times it looks silly because the owner is flying so many flags on a small boat. Just my opinion folks.....
 
If you're visiting a foreign port (like an American visiting Canada, or vice versa) it would be proper to fly the courtesy flag (ie: the flag of the country you're visiting) off the bow rail.

We visit US waters weekly, and therefore fly the US flag off our bow permanently. When not in US waters, I've made a flag staff cover out of matching Sunbrella (and embroidered a SR logo into it) to keep the flag clean and protected.

Also, prior to clearing customs, in some places it is proper to fly the yellow "Q" flag to show you're in Quarantine until you get your customs clearance. I carry one of these too, but rarely see it flown elsewhere...

Many US boaters in these parts fly Canadian flags on their bows year round.

I've got the CSR burgee on my antenna mast.
 
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Redhook98, I was thinking about it possibly looking silly. I'll probably go without the bimini. Definite overkill on the flags.
 
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 reguarding 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 yacht ensign. When the starboard spreader is used for the "courtesy ensign" of the foreign country.
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.

http://www.deepcreekyachtclub.com/WebPage/etiquett.htm
 
Just received the CSR Burgee. I have to say this is VERY nice, high quality. If anyone out there was on the fence it's well worth the money. :thumbsup:
 
Ed
Interesting link. I was not aware that the "yacht ensign" should be flown on a federally documented boat. I'm OK there - but... my size proportion is off.

Looks like my Dad had it right circa 1972, with the burgee and the flag (not sure if that was an ensign). I'm going to have to ask him if that flagstaff was that high, intentionally, to be the highest (it looks real close). My Dad was all into the yacht club thing back in the day. ;-)

romadii.jpg
 
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FYI for future reference. No such thing as an Ex-Marine. (unless maybe the person was court marshalled and kicked out) Please refer to us as Former Marines.

Tell your friend. Semper Fi.
 
Thanks Carter. You have a geniune soft-spot for those old boat pix, don't-cha!:smt001
 
Cool pic Ron.

Here's mine. Slightly to the starboard side.
OldGloryandtheCanadianFlags-Neha-4.jpg

OldGloryandtheCanadianFlags-Neha-3.jpg

OldGloryandtheCanadianFlags-Nehalen.jpg
 
Todd
You might be a bit undersized too!
 
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