Tall Ships America Maritime Flag Guidance

by Nicolas Hardisty

American maritime flag etiquette is derived from centuries of European and American tradition and naval policies, and there are few set rules and policies regarding flags on non-military vessels. Tall Ships America is providing this guidance on commonly observed flag etiquette for American non-military sailing vessels in domestic waters. Please observe all national and international guidelines on signal and courtesy flags.

All flags

  • Ships’ flags should be set at 0800 and taken in at sunset unless otherwise noted below.
  • Tattered and faded flags should be replaced and then disposed of with proper respect.
  • Many local & state government offices, VFW halls, and police stations will accept retired ensigns for disposal in flag retirement ceremonies.

United State Ensign

  • The United States 50-star national ensign is the appropriate flag for all United States-flagged vessels and recommended for Tall Ships America members flying an ensign.
  • Accepted ensign size is 1” on the fly for every foot of the vessel’s length (there is no specification as to whether this is the sparred or un-sparred length).
  • Contrary to the belief that the ensign should be the highest flag on a vessel, the position of precedence and honor on a sailing vessel is the aftmost position. The only exception to this is that no flag should fly higher than the ensign when mounted on the same halyard as the ensign. The ensign should be positioned:
  • At the peak of the aftmost gaff when under sail on a gaff-rigged vessel
  • From the leech of the aftmost sail when under sail on a Marconi-rigged vessel or from the backstay, roughly 2/3s of the way up, to mimic the position on a gaff-rigged vessel
  • Mounted at the vessel’s stern, and clear of the vessel’s rigging, engine exhaust, and outboard motor. The starboard side takes preference if the ensign needs to be offset to accommodate any obstructions.
  • The ensign should be flown from the stern staff when anchored, moored, docked, or rafted except during rain or snow.
  • The only time that the ensign should be displayed after sunset is in domestic waters when entering or leaving port.
  • If the vessel is unattended or if you are unable to lower the ensign at sunset you should lower the flag, rather than leave it up at night.
  • On national days of mourning the ensign should be flown half-mast from 0800-1200 and then resume full-hoist.
  • Ensigns can be washed by hand but should be replaced when damage is irreparable, or the color is too faded.

Association Flags

  • Accepted size for association flags (like a Tall Ships America flag) is .5” on the fly for every foot of the vessel’s length (there is no specification as to whether this is the sparred or un-sparred length).
  • Association flags are typically flown from a spreader halyard, with preference given to the aftmost halyard on the vessel’s starboard side.

House Flags

  • Accepted size for house flags, personal flags or owners’ signals is .5” on the fly for every foot of the vessel’s length (there is no specification as to whether this is the sparred or un-sparred length should be)
  • House flags can be anything of personal significance, provided they do not violate established law, or United States Coast Guard regulations.
  • House flags, personal flags or owners’ signals are generally, but not exclusively, swallowtail in shape.
  • House flags, personal flags or owners’ signals are flown from the head of the aftmost mast, or from spreader halyards.
  • House flags, personal flags or owners’ signals can be flown at night.

Personal Pennant/Pennon/Pendant/Streamer

  • Ships flying a personal pennant or variation typically fly one in place of a traditional swallowtail house flag or personal signal.
  • A pennant, pennon, pendant, or streamer should be flown from the topmast head on the aftmost mast.

Union Jack

  • On a non-military vessel, the 50-star Union Jack should only be flown from a jackstaff when anchored, moored, docked on Sundays and federal holidays.

*Foreign ensigns on American vessels

  • When flying a “courtesy flag” in a foreign port, the appropriate location is on the starboard spreader of the foremast.
  • The courtesy flag should only be raised after you have been granted entrance by that country’s appropriate authorities.