THE HARBOR COLUMN:

Ahoy,

Frequently, I am asked about the proper etiquette for displaying flags aboard a boat, and many people reference my Harbor Column and magazine column, which I wrote about displaying of the U.S. Ensign. Well, Saturday is Flag Day, so I thought a little etiquette is in order for today.

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 Squadrons have the choice of hoisting the USPS Ensign in lieu of either flag.

Now, here is the most important piece of this column for you to remember. Proper etiquette dictates that “colors are made” at 0800 (8 a.m.) and flown only until sunset. However, you can fly colors after dark or before sunrise if you are entering or leaving port.

The confusion is that a flag on land must be illuminated when flown after dark. 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 onboard. 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 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 one-third 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.

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 it after all other flags.

Safe voyages.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to [email protected] or go to www.boathousetv.com.