Merchant ships often fly the house flag of the company that owns the vessel.

Merchant ship flag etiquette. The Q flag is the first flag that you must raise when entering foreign waters or a foreign port. The ensign should be hoisted at 8 am and lowered at 9 pm or sunset whichever is earlier every day when the ship is in harbor. Burgee vs Ensign vs Jack.

Under the Federal Shipping Registration Act 1981 the Australian Red Ensign was retained as the national colours of Australias merchant ships. Flags or different types may mean different things to different people depending on where or when they are flown on a vessel. This flag is also termed as the courtesy flag.

Outside the nautical sphere ensigns are. Her Country The Ensign 2. All British ships other than fishing vessels must wear the Red Ensign or other proper national colours when requested to do to by one of Her Majestys ships and when entering or leaving a foreign port.

More than one house flag may be flown on the port halyard but make sure they are flown in order of seniority. The exact details of flying such a flag with regard to timings can be obtained from the port control. Her Owner The House Flag.

The correct and only flag that should be flown from the stern or the gaff on Australian vessels is the Australian National Flag blue or the Australian Red Ensign. It signals to the port authorities that your ship is healthy and you require free practice. Likewise the nationality of an important guest on board is displayed this way.

When leaving your boat in port the flag should be taken down if you will not return before sunset. Naval ships or craft is recognized by the display of the appropriate foreign national ensign as prescribed by Navy Regulation. All British ships including yachts are entitled to wear the Red Ensign under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.