Flags On Ships- A Detailed Guide

In the maritime domain, flags on ships play an important role in the identification of ships, communication between vessels and port authorities or shore stations, signifying if the ship adheres to certain maritime regulations and so on. Some sailing flags also convey the vessel’s history, tradition or ownership. Hence, flags on vessels have a range of practical purposes from maritime signalling to indicating nationality. This article will delve into the significance of the flags onboard ships, their types and the rules that govern their usage.

What Do Flags on Ships Represent?

Flags on vessels represent information about that particular vessel, the most obvious being the indication of the ship’s nationality. Every nation has its own flag, called ensign in maritime terms and it is flown to show where the vessel is registered.

Also, naval ships use nautical flags to communicate with allied forces and their vessels. Boaters use flags to notify approaching vessels of situations like a diver in the waters or an emergency.

The Importance of National Flags

Every vessel sailing under the flag of a nation is subject to the maritime rules and regulations of that particular country. The national flag or ensign is the most recognised flag on vessels and shows its country of registration. The flag is flown at a specific location on the vessel and in international waters, it signifies that the vessel is under the protection of that nation’s law.

The State Ensign is a flag which represents the nation and is often displayed at the stern. A few nations have a separate Civil Ensign which is used for non-government vessels and it has a different design from the state flag.

Role of Flags on Ships in Maritime Communication

Signal Flags help seafarers communicate with nearby ships or a shore station. These flags on ships have a system of standardised codes which enables seafarers to send messages without the need for communication over radio.

The INTERCO or International Code of Signals defines the set of flags for use in maritime signalling.

There are 26 square nautical flags and also pendants that are triangular with a flat tip. Additionally, there are three substitute or repeater flags which enable one to send messages which have duplicating or repeating characters without the need for multiple flags.

Each flag represents a different letter of the alphabet and to be more accurate, each represents the international code word connected to the letters of the alphabet like Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta etc.

Also, there are 10 pendants for numbers 0 to 9 and for numbers 10 and more, a combination of flags are used.

The flags come in colours; black, blue, red, white and yellow as these colours can be easily spotted.

Flags are flown individually or in combination, depending on the message.

For instance, if you see the A or Alpha Flag, it means ‘diver down, keep clear.’

If you see the B or Bravo Flag, it means “I am taking in or discharging or carrying dangerous goods.”

A combination of flags such as D (Delta) and V (Victor) flags means, ‘I’m manoeuvring with difficulty and require assistance.’

• Usually, single flags indicate urgent or common messages
• Two-flag signals depict distress or manoeuvring issues.
• Three flags represent general code, points of compass, standard times or relative bearings.
• Four Flag signals are used for geographical representation, ships’ names etc
• Five Flag Signals communicate position and time
• Six Flags indicate cardinal directions in latitude and longitude.
• Seven flags are for longitude signals having over 100 degrees.

Other Uses of Flags On Ships

NATO and navies of other countries use many of the same flags to convey information however they also use specific combinations and also have their own unique flags to convey classified and unclassified messages.

Flags are used in nautical racing too where they are used to give instruction to racers. For instance, the S Flag is used to show a shortened course while a P flag signified participants to an imminent start.

Additionally, when a ship enters a foreign country’s territorial waters, that particular country’s courtesy flag is flown as a gesture of respect and goodwill. The flag should be in good shape and is usually hoisted on the starboard spreader.

Religious Flags

Throughout history, religious flags on ships have been used to symbolise the religious affiliation of the ship’s owners or the ship’s mission. Religious flags were also flown when the ship was passing through hostile or unfamiliar waters to signal its identity and during times of conflict.

An example of religious flags being used is the Papal or Vatican Flag, hoisted on ships associated with the Catholic Church and those involved in doing missionary work, like the ships sent to faraway lands to spread christianity. The flag has 2 vertical bands, a gold and a white one with the Vatican coat of arms at the centre. It has been a symbol of the Pope’s authority and shows the presence of the Catholic Church on the high seas.

Historic Flags or Ceremonial Flags

We find many instances of ceremonial or historic flags being displayed on vessels of pirates, naval forces and merchant ships.

For example, the Jolly Roger is the pirate flag which has become an iconic symbol with its black background and white skull. Naval Vessels used ceremonial flags on special occasions like the Royal Navy Flag hoisted during the Queen’s birthday celebrations or military flags flown during national holidays.

Maritime Regulations for Flying Flags

In the maritime sector, flying flags on ships are governed by international regulations and conventions that set out protocols for their proper use so ships are correctly identified, comply with legal requirements and adhere to principles of international maritime law. The UNCLOS outlines several regulations related to flags and the display of ensigns.

A few of them include-

Placement of the Flag: National Flags are hoisted at the stern and if there is more than one flag, like a courtesy flag, then it is flown from the bow.

Half-Masting: When a nation is in mourning, ships lower the national flag to half-mast as a sign of respect when there has been a national tragedy.

Flags in Distress: If a vessel is in distress, it can fly a signal flag to show that it is facing an emergency situation. The most famous distress signal is the November Charlie or NC which tells other ships that the vessel needs immediate assistance.

Conclusion

Flags on Ships serve a symbolic and practical role. They indicate the ship’s nationality, are a tool of maritime signalling, show a ship’s operational status etc. Certain flags reflect a vessel’s heritage or its history of ownership. Flags also highlight compliance with maritime regulations. For example, the quarantine flag i.e. the yellow flag signals a ship has a health concern onboard while a diver down flag indicates that there are divers in the water. There are flags unique to certain organisations like NATO which are used to send special messages. Hence, the maritime sector has many sailing flags that have different purposes.

You might also like to read-

• 7 Dangers of Flags of Convenience (FOC) to Seafarers
• What is Monkey Island on Ships?
• Nautical Law: What is UNCLOS?
• What Does “Port of Call” Mean?

About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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