Monday 28 July 2014

Important Details On Different Kinds of Boat Flags and Why They Are Flown

by :  Mili Bose
There are various kinds of boat flags which you can choose from for a particular purpose. Ensigns, burgees and courtesy flags can be used in the boat.

Flags are flown from a boat to communicate with other boats and send them signals. You can make use of the flags to seek permission before you enter a foreign port. You can make use of flags for boats to indicate distress or locate yacht clubs. Some flags are used for fun by boat owners. You can display a cocktail glass or your initials. An ensign is a national flag which boats will have to fly. The Betsy Ross flag is flown in all kinds of recreational boats.

Flying ensigns

The right time to fly an ensign is from the sunrise to the sunset. You must not fly the ensign during racing. When you take the boat to international waters, you must fly the 50 star U.S. ensigns. Most of the ensigns today are flown from the stern for better visibility. When you fly a flag from the stern, you should fasten it to a staff which is adequately long and in the right angle. With this arrangement, the flag will offset to one side. The flag will steer clear of engine exhaust.

About Burgee

Burgee is a small flag which is used to display a sailing organization or a yacht club. This boat flag can be flown both during the day and at night. It is a popular custom to fly the small flag in the starboard rigging. Most individuals prefer to fly the burgee in a lower position in the rig. Another flag which needs mention is the private signal. It is accustom made flag which portrays the symbol which stands for the owner. You can fly the signal both during the night and during the day. You can display this signal when another sailor is in command.

Courtesy flags

Some boat flags known as courtesy flags have to be flown when you sail to a new nation. You will have to fly the courtesy flags when you enter and operate on new waters. You can hoist this flag after appropriate authorities have granted the clearance. Till the clearance is granted, you will have to fly the Q flag. If you are using a charter boat, it should carry national flags of all the neighboring islands.

Making use of flags

Flags come in different standardized sizes. There are some guidelines which you have to follow when you make use of flags. The nautical flag which you choose must depend on the size of the boat. The ensign or the national flag should be one inch for each foot of overall length of the boat. In the case of burgees and courtesy flags,the flags should be ½ inch for each foot of the mast above water. Do not fly the flag when your boat is out of sight of other vessels.

Mili Bose is an expert writer. She writes on all topics related to marine parts and accessories. For more information about Boat flags, take a quick look at www.atlanticmarinedepot.com

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Article Source:
http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/6146971?articleid=6146971

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