A boat flag is far from being a simple boat accessory. Necessary to mark the nationality of your boat, this equipment plays important roles. This is why it is currently governed by standards and rules. What is a flag? What are its uses? What are its types? Find out everything you need to know about it in this article.
The different types of ship’s flags
Flags are undoubtedly among the most widely used visual signals. Presented in the form of a flag, this accessory exists in multiple types:
The national flag identifies the nationality or status of the vessel. It should be noted that this does not necessarily have the same appearance as a national flag. In the case of France, the national flag and the national flag have some differences. On the national flag, you can see bands with a much more pronounced width.
- The courtesy flag
- The “Q” flag
- The club flag
- The owner’s flag
- The guest pavilion
- The race pavilion
- Regional flags
In addition to these, there are flags from the “International Code of Signals”, each of which has its own meaning. The choice of flag depends entirely on your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from an expert in the field to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Equipment for easy identification
The good reason to install a boat flag is to facilitate the identification of your origin. It is a sign of respect for the country you are entering. This is why in some cases its possession is an obligation. It should be noted that there are certain dimensions that must be respected for this accessory. These must be in line with the size of your boat. The choice should therefore not be made in any way.
For the national flag, there are standards and rules to be respected. This accessory is essential:
- When entering or leaving a port
- When sailing into port between 8am and 8pm
- When anchored between 8am and 8pm, without having to go past sunset
- At sea
A tool to facilitate communication
In addition to facilitating the identification of your vessel, a boat flag is also a good way to communicate. As mentioned above, each model has its own meaning. Some of them even have codes that highlight key words and letters.
Using a ship’s flag gives you the privilege of communicating with other ships, even those that do not speak the same language as you.
In addition to this, a boat flag is also necessary when participating in yacht races. It is a way of indicating that you are ready to race. A flag can be used individually or in combination. As you can see, the boat flags have many advantages. Before embarking, it is necessary to know the meaning of the vast majority of them.
