The Harbor Column -- Mike Whitehead

Ahoy.

When I cruise around the harbor, I notice boats flying many different

types of flags. On boats, flags can be tied without regard to proper

yacht flag etiquette. Flag Day is this Friday, so a little etiquette is

in order, and because there is a long list of procedures for all the

possible flags one can hoist on their vessels, I will briefly explain the

display of the U.S. Ensign.

Aboard a vessel, one now refers to the “Old Glory” as the U.S. Ensign,

and the popular U.S. boating flag you see with the 13 stars encircling

the fouled anchor is called the U.S. Yacht Ensign. The U.S. Ensign is the

flag that all U.S. boats, yachts and ships can display, and the Yacht

Ensign can be displayed in lieu of the U.S. Ensign on yachts only while

in U.S. waters. However, members of the United States Power Squadron have

the choice of an addition USPS Ensign, which can replace either flag.

Proper etiquette dictates that “colors are made” at 0800, and for you

landlubbers this means that you can fly your flag in the morning starting

at 8 a.m. The flag is flown until sunset when colors are not flown,

though I have heard differing views for flying after dark.

A flag on land must be lighted when flown after dark, and a few think

this relates to flags on vessels, too. However, the references I read

state that on a yacht, one can fly colors after dark or before sunrise if

you are entering or leaving port. Also, to shine a light on a yacht’s

flag after dark is impractical and when underway can interfere with

navigational lights or hamper night vision.

All boats when made fast at anchor or dock should fly the Ensign from

their stern staff when someone is on board. When underway, powerboats

cruising in inland waters or in the ocean when passing another boat can

continue flying from the stern staff unless outfitted with a mast and

gaff. In that case, relocate the flag to the gaff.

Sport fishers, when fishing, can move the flag to a halyard if there

is a chance of damaging the flag or interfering with the activities.

Sailboats should fly the Ensign from the stern staff when made fast,

under power, and those following the English practice. Remember, no

Ensign should be displayed while racing, and I see this foul every

Thursday evening during the Beer Can races in the harbor.

It is safe to fly the Ensign from the stern in today’s modern

practices, but tradition states when under sail to fly the Ensign 1/3

down the leech of the aftermost sail, usually the leech of the main as in

Marconi rigs. If the sailboat’s aft sail is gaffed then move the Ensign

all the way up the leech to just below the gaff.

Once you cruise outside the U.S. waters, you may only display the U.S.

Ensign internationally, not the Yacht Ensign or the USPS Ensign. It is

courtesy and, in some nations, law when cruising a foreign nation’s

waters to fly the flag of that nation along with your nation’s flag. I

have found that marine flag customs in other nations do differ, ranging

from not flying the nation’s flag until after checking in with the

authorities to having the flag hoisted once you cross over an

international boundary line.

Powerboats fly the courtesy flag at the bow staff or, if so equipped,

from the fore starboard spreader. Sailboats can only display the courtesy

flag from the most forward mast’s spreader.

Always remember to hoist the U.S. flag first and lower after all other

flags.

While I have briefly explained yachting flag etiquette, there are a

couple exceptions to what I have discussed, plus there are separate

procedures for pennants, burgees, government flags, armed services flags,

yachting flags and Power Squadron & Coast Guard Auxiliary flags.

Maybe in the next column, I will discuss the etiquette for the flags

flying inside and outside at the yacht clubs.

***

This week’s tip is to check the condition and appearance of the flag

aboard your boat.

Should you find your flag has exceeded its life span, I heard rumors

that during summer, there might be local ceremonies to properly dispose

of your flag.

Safe voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send him

your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions via e-mail

to o7 [email protected] or o7 BoathouseTV.comf7 .