you are assigned to place the national ensign

The United States national ensign is the national flag that was originally adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, and that took its present 50-star form on July 4, 1960.  Since at least the 1850s, the Navy has used the ensign in the approximate proportions of 10:19.  These proportions were made standard for all U.S. government use on June 24, 1912 by Executive Order of President William Howard Taft.

The U.S. union jack consists of the blue canton of the ensign.  Jacks are displayed at the jackstaff, a pole mounted on the bow of the ship, on ships in commission or in service.  They are never flown ashore.  The size of the jack is always the same as the size of the canton of the ensign at the flagstaff.  The jack is displayed only during the hours between 8:00 a.m. and sunset, when the ship is not underway and the ensign is flying on the flagstaff.  If the ensign is half-masted, so is the jack. (Navy Regulations 1259.5 and 1264; NTP 13(B) 0804) At one time, the jack could be displayed at various locations on the ship as a special signal--at the mainmast to signify that the President of the United States was aboard or at the foremast to call for a pilot, for example.  Only one such usage survives today.  The union jack flying at the yardarm of a ship indicates that a general court martial or a court of inquiry is in progress.  (Navy Regulations 1259.6) Finally, the union jack is displayed at the bow of a boat whenever a U.S. chief of diplomatic mission is officially embarked in the waters of the country to which he or she is accredited, or when a governor general or governor commissioned by the President is embarked within the waters of the territory of which he or she is in charge.  (Navy Regulations 1274).  See also:  Diplomatic officials.

The "first Navy Jack" was one of a number of rattlesnake flags used during the American Revolution. The symbolism is of a deadly animal that strikes only after giving fair warning. The rattlesnake is portrayed with 13 rattles symbolizing the 13 colonies. In 1975, the Secretary of the Navy directed that this jack be flown in lieu of the normal union jack from the Navy's 200th birthday, October 13, 1975, through the end of the bicentennial year of 1976.  The flag was so popular that in 1980 a Secretary of the Navy instruction directed that it continue to be flown in place of the union jack by the ship in regular commission with the longest time of active service.  That is currently the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19).

On May 31, 2002, Secretary of the Navy Gordon England directed that "the first Navy jack will be displayed on board all U.S. Navy ships in lieu of the union jack, in accordance with sections 1259 and 1264 of [Navy Regulations]" for the duration of the global war on terrorism. Display of the striped jack throughout the fleet actually began at morning colors on September 11, 2002, first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York and the Pentagon, in accordance with a Chief of Naval Operations message of August 30, 2002. This practice ended and the display of the traditional union jack was resumed effective June 4, 2019, in accordance with NAVADMIN 039/19 (CNO 212119Z FEB 19).

The commission pennant is the normal characteristic emblem of a warship.  Also called a commissioning, masthead, long, narrow, or coachwhip pennant, the use of such a mark has long been limited by international custom to public vessels of sovereign states.  England restricted its use exclusively to the King's ships in 1674, and today, for most navies, the narrow pennant serves as the chief "distinctive mark" called for in article 8 of the 1958 Convention on the High Seas to distinguish warships from other vessels.  In the U.S. Navy, the commission pennant is flown day and night at the loftiest point on the aftermost mast, from the moment the ship is put into commission until the moment it is taken out of commission.  The only exception is (a) when it is displaced by the personal flag of an admiral or a senior civilian official , or (b) in the case of hospital ships, which fly the Geneva Convention (Red Cross) flag .  The commission pennant is flown in the bow of a boat to denote the presence of a commanding officer.  If he dies in command, it is flown at half-mast in his ship as well as in the bow of the boat carrying him ashore. Mounted on a staff and draped in black crepe, the commission pennant follows a ship commanding officer's casket in the funeral procession.  Although the commission pennant is not technically a personal pennant of the commanding officer, it is generally used as if it were.  For example, a picture of it adorns his official social stationery and he is normally presented a pennant used by his ship when is relieved from command.  The commission pennant that is hauled down at a warship's decommissioning becomes the property of its last commanding officer.

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THE NATIONAL ENSIGN

a. The ceremonial hoisting and lowering of the national ensign at 0800 and sunset, respectively, shall be accomplished ashore per the provisions of U.S. Navy regulations and 6002, HOISTING, LOWERING, AND FOLDING THE NATIONAL ENSIGN as shown here.

b. A detail consisting of three or more cadets will hoist and lower the ensign.

c. The SNSI/NSI will see that the proper ensign is flown at the appropriate time and under all weather conditions. Any cadet who observes any hazard to the ensign, such as loosened halyards, fouling, etc., will immediately report the hazard to the SNSI/NSI.

2. Positions of the Ensign

The ensign is flown from the peak or truck of the mast, except when directed to be flown at half-mast. The ensign at half-mast is flown, when possible, with the middle point of its hoist opposite the middle point of the mast. The middle point of a guyed mast is midway between the peak of the mast and the point of attachment of the guys (see figure 6-1). The middle point of a mast with a yardarm is midway between the peak of the mast and the yardarm. Technically, an ensign at any position other than at the peak of the mast is half-mast. Local conditions may require other positions. To half-mast the ensign, it is first hoisted to the peak and then lowered to the half-mast position.

3. Hoisting the Ensign

The detail of at least three members assigned to hoist the ensign is formed in line carrying the folded ensign in the center. The detail is then marched to the flagstaff, halted, and the ensign is attached to the halyards. The halyards are manned by the two cadets, who take positions on opposite sides of the staff, facing it, so they will be able to hoist the ensign without fouling it. The flag should be clearly marked so that the blue field is raised first. Additionally, the ensign should be pulled sufficiently prior to the beginning of colors, to ensure the blue field is hoisted first. This action precludes the embarrassment of hoisting the ensign upside down. The unit leader continues to hold the ensign until it is hoisted clear of his grasp to prevent it from touching the deck. When the ensign is clear, the detail leader executes a hand salute. After the ensign is hoisted, the other members of the detail grasp the halyard in their left hand and execute a hand salute. On the last note of the national anthem or “To the Colors,” all members of the detail terminate their hand salutes. If the ensign is to be flown at half-mast, it is then lowered slowly to that position. (See figure 6-1.) The halyards are then secured to the cleat of the mast. The detail is again formed, marched to their point of origin, and dismissed.

4. Lowering the Ensign

The detail is formed, marched to the flagstaff, and the halyards manned in the same manner as for hoisting the ensign. On the first note of the national anthem or “Retreat,” the ensign

is slowly lowered. If at half-mast, it is first hoisted smartly to the peak on the first note of the music and then slowly lowered. The unit leader catches it at the last note of the music. The ensign is detached from the halyards and folded as prescribed subsequently in Folding the Ensign. The halyards are secured to the mast; the detail is formed and marched to its point of origin, where the ensign is turned over to the SNSI/NSI.

5. Replacing an Ensign Already Hoisted

There may be times when it is necessary to replace the ensign after morning colors but prior to evening colors. Some examples are changing to a storm flag due to inclement weather; the ensign becomes fouled in the halyards; the ensign is raised upside down; etc.

a. If the flagstaff is double rigged (i.e., has two sets of halyards), the new ensign is hoisted to the peak or truck and then the ensign being replaced is slowly lowered, folded, and returned to its point of origin. b. If the flagstaff has only one halyard, two color details are used to replace the ensign. The first color

detail slowly lowers the ensign and then quickly moves from the flagstaff to fold the old ensign. The second color detail, with the replacement ensign, then moves to the flagstaff and hoists the new ensign to the peak or truck. Both details salute as the replacement ensign is hoisted. Both color

Middle point Truck Point of attachment of the guys Middle point of the hoist Peak

Figure 6-1. Position of National Ensign at Half-Mast

6. Folding the Ensign

The ensign is folded in half the long way so the crease parallels the red and white stripes. It is folded in half again so the new crease also parallels the red and white stripes with the blue field on the outside of the fold. The lower corner of the fly end (away from the blue field) is folded up to the top so the single (folded) edge lays perpendicular across the stripes. By repeatedly folding along the inboard edge of the triangle, the ensign is folded into the shape of a tri-corner hat. (See figure 6-2.)

• 1-8 AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
• 3-5 CEREMONIES
• 1002 DEFINITIONS
• 1005 COMMANDS AND THE COMMAND VOICE
• 2004 HAND SALUTES
• 4012 ARCH OF SWORDS AND CAKE CEREMONIES 1 The arch of swords and the cutting of a cake are commonly conducted at
• 5012 RESTS WITH THE GUIDON 1 Parade Rest from Order Guidon
• THE NATIONAL ENSIGN (You are here)

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Customs and courtesy.

• Addressing the national ensign.
• Playing of the national anthem.  Note: If the flag cannot be seen, face the direction of the music and render a salute.
• Morning and evening colors ceremonies.
• Aboard ship (not underway).
• On a Coast Guard or military installation.
• If outdoor and not in uniform, a civilian salute is rendered in the same situations. Note: Male headdress is removed with the right hand and placed over the right shoulder.
• If indoors, uniform or civilian clothes, place the right hand over the heart, unless under arms.
• Port arms to present arms.
• Hand salute at order arms.
• Hand salute at right shoulder arms.
• Failing to hold salute.
• Failure to look at the person being saluted.
• Failure to look at the colors.
• Failure to stand at attention.
• Failure to have fingers, hand, and arm in proper position during saluting.
• Saluting with a cigarette in the hand or mouth.
• Saluting with left hand in a pocket.
• Saluting in a casual manner.
• National Ensign.  Note: The national flag is referred to as the "National Ensign" when displayed on a vessel or facility.
• Colors. Note: The national flag is referred to as "Colors" when carried by foot.
• Standard  Note: The national flag is referred to as "Standard" when displayed on a vehicle or aircraft.
• At 0755 and 5 minutes before sunset "first call " is sounded on the bugle or by boatswain's mate pipes.
• At 0800 "attention" is sounded by the bugle. Then on the loudspeaker "Attention to Colors."
• At that time the national ensign is hoisted smartly.
• The band will play the national anthem or the bugler will play "to the colors."
• If you are in ranks, you will be called to attention and/or present arms.
• If you are in uniform, but not in ranks, face the colors and salute until "carry on" is sounded.
• If you are in a vehicle, stop and sit at attention, do not salute. If conditions permit, the senior person gets out and salutes.
• If you are a passenger in a boat, remain at attention, seated or standing. The boat officer or coxswain will salute for the boat.
• At sunset: "first call" will be sounded at five till. At sunset "Attention" is sounded and the band will play the national anthem.
• The flag is lowered slowly so it reaches the bottom and is balled up within the field of blue on the last note of music.
•  If no band, the bugler will play "Retreat", you face the ensign at attention and hold your salute until "Carry On" is sounded.
• Your behavior during evening colors is the same as that for the morning colors.
• Half-staffing the ensign is a tribute to the dead.
• Behind the podium or head table the union to the audience's left.
• A position of superiority over all other flags in the room.
• If a single flag, behind and to the right of the podium or head table (to the audience's left.) All other flags will be to the audience's right.
• When displayed on a casket the union should be at the head and over the left shoulder.
• The national flag should never be lowered into the grave nor allowed to touch the ground.
• The national flag should be removed by the color guard, folded and presented to the officer in charge.
• The size of the national ensign should be kept in proportion to the length of the boat.
• Rule: Minimum of one inch of flag on the fly per foot of overall boat length.
•  U.S. code states that "The flag should never be displayed with the union down save as a signal of dire distress."
• The upside down national ensign should not be relied on as a distress signal on the high seas or in foreign waters.
• When boarding most military vessels all boarding is at the quarter-deck of the vessel.
• All ships will have an officer of the deck (OOD) on duty.
• The OOD may be an officer or a petty officer.
• Senior officers boarding or leaving a vessel.
• On Coast Guard vessels, the arrival or departure of visiting officers, commander and above, are normally announced by rank and name.
• High-ranking civilian officials are announced in the same manner.
• Accompanying the announcement of the arrival or departure is the toning of the bell.
• The number of bongs of the bell will depend on the senior officer's rank.
• As you board a military vessel you stop at the top of the gangway, face and salute the national ensign on the stern of the vessel.
• If you are unable to see the national ensign, you still turn in that direction and salute toward the stern of the vessel.
• You then turn to the OOD, salute and say, "request permission to come aboard sir or ma'am." The OOD will return your salute and invite you aboard.
• If in civilian clothing, you do not salute. Face the national ensign, stand at attention for a moment and then turn to the OOD and request permission to come aboard.
• When permission is granted, proceed aboard
• Present yourself to the OOD.
• Salute and say, "request permission to leave the ship, sir or ma'am."
• The OOD will say, "very well" or "permission granted" and return your salute.
• Step to the gangway, and as you cross the gunwale, turn and salute in the direction of the national ensign then proceed ashore.
• If not in uniform, the same procedure is to be followed without rendering a salute
• If you have guests who are not in uniform, you will render the salute and request permission to board or leave for both you and your guests.
• On most larger ships chief petty officers will have their own mess located in "CPO country." This is a privileged area and you are not to enter at any time unless invited by a member of the chief's mess.
• Guests are not allowed in the captain's quarters unless invited by the captain.
• It is customary not to enter the crew's quarters unless invited to do so, unless it is necessary to pass through while moving from one part of the ship to another.
• While on a Coast Guard vessel you may have areas you may use at your convenience and others that may be restricted to you. Respect these areas. This is a sign of a courteous guest.
• Always observe the ship's rules.
• The wardroom is where the ship's officers eat.
• Enlisted personnel eat in the mess deck.
• The captain, executive officer, or another ship's officer will be the presiding officer at the meal. The presiding officer will invite those present for the meal to be seated at the table when the meal is ready to be served. Do not sit down at the table until you are told to do so.
• If you need to leave the table before the meal is finished and the presiding officer has not risen, ask for permission to leave the table. Simply say, "may I be excused, sir or ma'am?"
• Frequently it may be necessary to have meal seating in the officer's mess in groups. Should this occur usually a list is posted indicating the groups and seating times.
• Either printed or in letter format.
• For official visitors.
• Carries an "RSVP."
• Formal dinners.
• Dinner dances.
• Change of command dinner.
• Other ceremonial occasions.
• General letter.
• Posted notices.
• Whether or not the invitee is expected to bring a guest, spouse, etc.
• Is invitee expected to participate in the program.
• If "RSVP" list a contact person and phone number.
• List a contact person with phone number who will handle courtesy requests.
• Invitations requesting, "AS OUR GUEST"  Note: The host with pay for the invitee and guest's dinner
• Invitation requesting the invitee and guest "TO JOIN US."  Note: The invitee will pay for his own dinner.
• The more senior the guest, the earlier they must establish a schedule. Invitations should be sent at least eight weeks in advance.
• Normally the senior officer of the unit sponsoring the function is the host. As the senior officer you personally may not be able to host all of your guests. Therefore, delegate one of your members as an "aide" for each guest or group of guests.
• The host should arrive at the event before the guests in order to greet them.
• Are there places for hats and coats?
• Do the guests have reserved dinner seats? If so, it should be pointed out to them as they arrive. If not, be certain that appropriate places are provided. Will your guests be given meal tickets?
• Have printed programs for your guests.
• If you are a guest, it is customary to personally greet the host and hostess when you arrive. Before departing, again express appreciation to the host and hostess for being invited.
• When flag officers are present, it is considered proper to delay leaving until they have paid their respects and departed.
• Be present at the receiving line on time.
• Do not carry a drink, cigarette, cigar, etc.
• Do not stop for any extended conversations.
• The wife normally precedes the husband
• Say your name distinctly to the first official member of the line. An aide will stand at the head of the receiving line or across from the official host to announce the names of the guests as they arrive
• After the last person in line, move away.
• Official host.
• Guest of honor.
• Guest of honor's wife.
• Official host's wife or husband.
• Extra man if needed.  Note: The receiving line should never end with a lady.

Receiving lines are to be flexible.

• They are not to be too long.
• The receiving line should be in place at the time the function is scheduled to start.
• All guests to a formal function should be informed prior to seating as to where they will be sitting.
• If meal tickets are required, arrangements should be made so head table guests will not have to present tickets.
• It is not essential all invited special guests sit at the head table.
• Flag or senior Auxiliary officers.
• Flag or senior Coast Guard officers.

All other special guests may be seated at honors tables .

Spouses of officers at the head table may be seated at a special honors table.

• To show seating locations to official guests.
• To handle meal tickets of official guests.
• To stop monopolizing of official guests.
• To handle official guest requests and all other duties as requested.
• It is not mandatory to have all Coast Guard officers on one side of the table and all Auxiliary officers on the other.
• If the District Commander, Chief of Staff, or Chief of Boating Safety Division is not present and no representative has been designated, the Director of Auxiliary will represent the District.
• Center table = Presiding Officer.
• Immediate right = Guest Speaker.
• Immediate left = senior Coast Guard or Auxiliary Officer.
• Back to right, then to the left, etc.
• Never end the head table with a lady.
• Wives should be treated in a status parallel to their husbands and husbands to their wives.
• You do not stand at attention.
• If you are seated you do not have to get up.
• An aide should be appointed to watch for the ranking official.
• The aide, or if no aide is present, the first person to observe the ranking official will state, "ladies and gentlemen, the District Commander, Admiral ... has joined us."
• Be accurate with names and titles.
• Do not have lengthy introductions.
• Only the guest speaker requires an introduction above their name and title.
• Introductions of the guest speaker should be brief covering career achievements to date.
• Do not make the introduction longer than the speech.  Note: It isn't uncommon for introductions to be made by a master of ceremony or aide.
• The precedence for speaking by distinguished guests is usually assigned in an ascending order according to position of rank or office (low to high)
• Special guests - local Mayor, etc.
• Immediate Past District Commodore.
• District Rear Commodore(s).
• District Vice Commodore.
• District Commodore.
• National Commodore or representative.
• Director of Auxiliary or representative.
• Chief Director or representative.
• District Commander or representative.
• NOTE: The speaking order will depend on the function or event.
• Participation by the Coast Guard Auxiliary in funeral services for deceased members is governed entirely by the wishes of the family of the deceased.
• The Auxiliary should make known through normal channels of communication that services are available.
• If the deceased member of the Auxiliary had previously specified, or if the survivor of an Auxiliarist desires that the Auxiliary take an active part in the funeral services, the survivor should make this request known to the mortuary and the clergyman.
• Any member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary having knowledge of the death of a fellow member should notify the Flotilla Commander without delay.
• The Flotilla Commander should call in person on the deceased survivors to offer condolence and assistance. At that time, it can be determined from the family whether participation by the Auxiliary is desired and to what extent.
• The Director of Auxiliary and District Commodore should then be notified of the member's passing and funeral details.
• Auxiliary involvement should not be restricted to members of the deceased's Flotilla.
• Participating Auxiliary Officers should be in uniform; Service Dress Blue, Alpha.
• Auxiliary service should be conducted before the regular church or funeral services.
• The committal should be given by the family's clergyman, not to observe this is to breach an important pastoral relationship between the family and the pastor.
• Depend on the wishes of the family.
• Be a group of Auxiliarists arriving to pay their respects.
• Honor Guard.
• Participation in the funeral itself
• What ever the level of Auxiliary activity, great care must be taken to maintain the dignity of the occasion.
• Courtesy and Protocol Booklet

(Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, USCG, Auxiliary Division)

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Displaying the National Ensign on Board

Display aboard Ships-Not Under Way. When not under way, a ship in commission or in service flies the national ensign from a flagstaff at the stern from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. In addition, a ship that enters a port at night displays its ensign from the gaff at daylight for a sufficient time to establish its nationality. (Navy Regulations 1259) When a ship fires a salute in honor of President's Day, Independence Day, or the President, it flies an additional ensign at the head of the mainmast, or at the head of the foremast if firing a salute to any other U.S. civil official. (Navy Regulations 1261) A ship that is dressed or full-dressed for a U.S. holiday or other special event flies its largest available ensign at the flagstaff and an ensign at each masthead at which a personal flag or command pennant is not hoisted. If it is dressed in honor of a foreign nation, that nation's naval ensign flies at the head of the mainmast. (Navy Regulations 1279)

Display aboard Ships-Under Way. The ensign is displayed from the gaff of a ship during daylight hours when getting under way or coming to anchor, when falling in with other ships, when cruising near land, during battle, or whenever else the senior officer present directs. (Navy Regulations 1259.4)

Display in Boats. The ensign is flown in the stern of a boat when under way in daylight in a foreign port, when ships are dressed or full-dressed, when going alongside a foreign vessel, when an officer or official is embarked on an official occasion, and when a flag or general officer, a unit commander, a commanding officer, or a chief of staff is embarked in uniform in a boat of his command. In these cases, the staff on which the ensign is mounted is topped with a finial indicating the rank of the senior officer or official in the boat. (Navy Regulations 1262 and 1275)

Display Ashore. The ensign is displayed from 8:00 a.m. to sunset near the headquarters of every command ashore, or at the headquarters of the senior officer if several headquarters are located close together. Generally it flies at the top of the flagpole (except when half-masted). The exception is that it flies at the gaff of any pole-mast that is equipped with one. (Navy Regulations 1260, NTP 13(B) 0801 )

Other Regulations. The United States national ensign is dipped in salute only in return for such a salute rendered by a vessel registered in the United States or in a country recognized by the United States. (Navy Regulations 1263).

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HONORS TO NATIONAL ANTHEMS AND NATIONAL ENSIGNS

1204. Manner of playing National Anthems.

• The National Anthem of the United States, “The Star Spangled Banner,” when played by a naval band, shall be played in its entirety as written and as prescribed in the official U.S. Navy Band arrangement, which is designated the official Department of Defense arrangement.
• The playing of the National Anthem of the United States, or of any other country, as part of a medley is prohibited.
• When a foreign national anthem is prescribed in connection with honors, and it is considered appropriate to perform the National Anthem of the United States therewith, the National Anthem of the United States will be performed last.
• On other occasions when a foreign national anthem (or anthems) is performed, the National Anthem of the United States will be performed last, except when performed in conjunction with morning colors described in Article 1206.

1205. Procedure during playing of National Anthem.

• Whenever the National Anthem is played, all naval service personnel not in formation shall stand at attention and face the national ensign. In the event that the national ensign is not displayed, they shall face the source of the music. When covered, they shall come to the salute at the first note of the anthem, and shall remain at the salute until the last note of the anthem. Persons in formation are brought to order arms or called to attention as appropriate. The formation commander shall face in the direction of the ensign or, in the absence of the ensign, shall face in the direction of the music and shall render the appropriate salute for the unit. Persons in formation participating in a ceremony shall, on command, follow the procedure prescribed for the ceremony. Persons in vehicles or in boats shall follow the procedure prescribed in the following article for such persons during colors. Persons in civilian clothes shall comply with the rules and customs established for civilians.
• The same marks of respect prescribed during the playing of the National Anthem shall be shown during the playing of a foreign national anthem.

1206. Morning and evening colors.

• The ceremonial hoisting and lowering of the national ensign at 0800 and sunset at a naval command ashore or aboard a ship of the Navy not under way shall be known as morning and evening colors, respectively, and shall be carried out as prescribed in this article.
• The guard of the day and the band shall be paraded in the vicinity of the point of hoist of the ensign.
• “Attention” shall be sounded, followed by the playing of the National Anthem by the band.
• At morning colors, the ensign shall be started up at the beginning of the music and hoisted smartly to the peak or truck. At evening colors, the ensign shall be started from the peak or truck at the beginning of the music and the lowering so regulated as to be completed at the last note. 
• At the completion of the music, “Carry On” shall be sounded.
• In the absence of a band, or an appropriate recording to be played over a public address system, “To the Colors” shall be played by the bugle at morning colors, and “Retreat” at evening colors. The salute shall be rendered as prescribed for the National Anthem.
• In the absence of music, “Attention” and “Carry On” shall be the signals for rendering and terminating the salute. “Carry On” shall be sounded as soon as the ensign is completely lowered.
• During colors, a boat under way within sight or hearing of the ceremony shall lie to, or shall proceed at the slowest safe speed. The boat officer, or the coxswain in the absence of the boat officer, shall stand and salute except when dangerous to do so. Other persons in the boat shall remain seated or standing and shall not salute.
• During colors, vehicles within sight or hearing of the ceremony shall be stopped. Persons riding in such vehicles shall remain seated at attention.
• After morning colors, if foreign warships are present, the national anthem of each nation so represented shall be played in the order in which a gun salute would be fired to, or exchanged with, the senior official or officer present of each such nation; provided that, when in a foreign port, the national anthem of the port shall be played immediately after morning colors, followed by the national anthems of other foreign nations represented.

1207. Salutes to the national ensign.

• After rendering the appropriate salute to the national ensign, an officer coming on board a ship to which he or she is attached shall report his or her return. An officer coming on board a ship to which he or she is not attached shall request permission to come on board and shall state his or her business. An enlisted person shall request permission to come on board, and shall state his or her business if the ship is not the one to which he or she is attached.
• After rendering the appropriate salute to the officer of the deck, an officer shall state that he or she has permission to leave. An enlisted person shall request permission to leave.
• A member not in uniform shall render appropriate honors to the national ensign by facing the flag and standing at attention with the right hand over the heart. If covered, men shall remove their headdress with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
• Each person in the naval service in uniform, upon being passed by or passing a military formation carrying the national ensign uncased shall render the hand salute. A member not in uniform being passed by or passing such a formation shall face the flag and stand at attention with the left hand over the heart. If covered, men shall remove the headdress and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in vehicles or boats shall follow the procedure prescribed for such persons during colors.
• The salutes prescribed in this article shall also be rendered to foreign national flags and ensigns and aboard foreign men-of-war, unless to do so would cause embarrassment or misunderstanding. Aboard foreign men-of-war, the practice of the host nation maybe followed, if known.

1208. “Hail to the Chief,”

• The traditional music selection “Hail to the Chief’ is designated as a musical tribute to the President of the United States, and as such will not be performed by naval bands as a tribute to other dignitaries. The same honors as accorded during renditions of the National Anthem or “To the Colors” will be given to “Hail to the Chief’ by naval personnel.
• When performed by naval bands, renditions of “Hail to the Chief’ shall be as prescribed in the official U.S. Marine Band arrangement, which is designated as the official Department of Defense arrangement.

Understanding Nautical Flag Etiquettes

From the time that ships started sailing, flags were in place as a mode of communication or expression of intent. Traditionally speaking, flags have always formed an integral part of shipping but the necessity and extent of usage have obviously reduced over time owing to advancements in technology.

However, much like other so-called ‘arts’ pertaining to the shipping industry, flag etiquette have stood the test of time and if not extensively, flags are still displayed when absolutely important (e.g, entering a port). The order of importance, points and honour of the flags have long been established and are a tradition albeit with new designs and meaning in some cases.  

Definitions

Flag related terms are of the old school and may cause some difficulty for candidates appearing for competitive examination! While the INTERCO meaning of single letter flags is easily grasped, the terminology is something that requires basic understanding.

• Canton: This refers to any quadrant of a flag but mostly, the upper left quarter (one that is hoisted)
• Hoist: The edge of the flag nearest to the flagpole
• Fly: The edge farthest away from the flagpole
• Courtesy Flag: The national flag or the civil ensign of the country you are visiting
• Dimension: Varies, but usually the fly is twice as long as the hoist
• National Ensign: The flag of the country your ship is registered to
• House Flag: Usually, the company flag
• Tack Line: Length of halyard about 2 metres used to separate group of flags
• Halyard: Ropes used for hoisting flags
• Pigeon Hole: Flag locker hole
• Close Up: Flags fully hoisted
• Dip: Not to be confused with the dip of a sextant! Dip means that an upright flag is lowered to 45 degrees or horizontal. This is done as a sign of respect

Worn and Flown

There is some confusion with regard to this (much like underway and making way!)- vessels wear flags; people fly flags on their vessels. Each flag has a specific meaning along with the appropriate location for it to be worn and the time that it can be flown. Next up will be the order of the points of honour signifying the order of preference, i.e., the highest in the points of honour will fly the most important flag (which is basically your own ensign)

How to Read Flags  

• Mast – Top to Bottom
• Triatic Stay – Forward to Aft (stay connecting mastheads is termed Triatic Stay)
• Starboard Yardarm – Outer to inner
• Port Yardarm – Outer to inner

Order (Points Of Honour)

In order of preference:

• Flagstaff at the stern
• Starboard Yardarm
• Port Yardarm

Fly the flag at the highest point of honour to which that particular flag is entitled. The highest place is always given to your own national ensign. All other flags must be placed below.

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The National Ensign

The gaff holds the highest importance. Second to that is the stern flagstaff (more common for the ensign in modern merchant vessels). So there might be a confusion with regard to ‘height’ being a factor seeing as the stern staff is much lower; although another flag might appear higher, no flag is ever flown above the national ensign on the same halyard. Gaff is used for holding the ensign flag when the ship is underway. Ensign on the gaff and Jack on the jack staff do not go together

Jack is to be hoisted only when the ship is at anchor or made fast to the shore or to a buoy. The jack is lowered immediately when the ship is underway, when the anchor is aweigh or the last line is cast off

Red Ensign Worn by a merchant vessel

White Ensign Worn by warships/naval establishments

Blue Ensign Worn by ships belonging to public offices

Instances when Ensign is flown

• When the ship is dressed
• In foreign waters during daylight hours
• When going alongside foreign port, man of war, day or night

The Courtesy Flag

It is a custom among merchant ships when entering or leaving a foreign port and during their stay in the port to fly the colours of that country. as a mark of respect; the exact details of flying such a flag with regard to timings can be obtained from the port control. The dimensions of the national ensign must always be larger than the courtesy. Also, never fly one country’s flag beneath another’s on the same mast. This is a sign of conquest and projects disrespect, ignorance and bad seamanship. Also, do not hoist the courtesy flag upside down. As mentioned, follow the port country’s rules with respect to the courtesy; some countries might have a rule wherein to fly the courtesy only after the Q (quarantine) flag has been secured. The courtesy flag comes second in order of preference after the national ensign.

As per INTERCO, the Q flag denotes “My vessel is healthy. I require free pratique”. It is a flag that is hoisted inevitably by all vessels prior to entering the port to denote that the vessel is healthy and disease free and requests clearance. Preferably, fly it on the starboard yardarm and take it down after the vessel has been cleared by the health authorities of that country.

The national ensign or the courtesy should not be flown from sunset to 0800 hours unless specifically mentioned to do so (Mexico requires their flag to be flown after sunset as well). At 0800 when raising the flags, the national ensign should be raised first followed by the courtesy and the rest. The reverse order is applicable during lowering.

Blue Peter  

Commonly flown by merchant ships to denote that the ship is about to sail and that all crew who may be out of the ship to return back to the ship immediately.

Half Mast  

The concept of half mast is to denote respect. Flags are flown at half mast when saluting another vessel (naval vessels of war). The Naval ship reciprocates by lowering and raising their national ensign after which the own ensign is returned to full hoist.

Also, the Ensign is worn at half mast to indicate death. Usually on the day of the funeral only and from the time the body of the deceased leaves the ship or place where it has been lying until the time when it is buried

Dressing The Ship  

On special occasions such as Republic Day, Independence Day and the likes, ships or other vessels may dress their ships in full regal splendour. This includes displaying a set of 40 flags representing numbers, letters and other signals. A vessel is dressed only while not underway. This might also be done for a special time such as her maiden or final voyage.  

INTERCO refers to the International Code of Signals.  It is an international system of signals and codes for use by vessels to communicate important messages regarding safety of navigation and related matters. Signals can be sent by flag hoist, ALDIS lamp, semaphore, radiotelegraphy, and radiotelephony. To make sense of the above, it is important to know the INTERCO (at least the single letters) for the purpose of the oral examinations as well as a matter of interest as a sailor.  It contains 14 chapters, complement tables for the general section, complement tables for the medical section appendices. This code provides a means of communication seeing as there might be language difficulties among stations which affect the safety of the ship and the personnel. INTERCO contains single letter signals (A to Z) which are urgent, important and of very common use; two letter signals (AA to ZZ) for vocabulary; three letter signals (MAA-MVU) containing medical signals.

The single letter signals are used regularly and meanings of all must be known. They’re used in COLREGS (flags for vessels engaged in fishing have a separate Annex attached to it namely flags Z, G, P, T) as well as for emergency situations where communication might be urgent such as man overboard (O), when dragging anchor or when another vessel is dragging anchor onto the own ship etc. Two letter signals also have immense importance as with the NC flag (Distress flag as per Annex 4 of COLREGS) and YG (for TSS).

Code and Answering Pendant

3 red and 2 white stripe vertically placed at hoist and at fly. Various uses of answering pendants by hoisting are:

• At Dip- Signal is seen
• Close Up: Signal is understood
• Haul down/return to dip after close up- signal is received

Substitutes

1st Substitute- yellow triangle with blue border

2nd Substitute- Blue and white. Blue at hoist, white at fly

3rd Substitute- White with black horizontal stripe

Examination Service

In certain circumstances, it is necessary to take special measures to examine ship’s desire to enter a port and to control the entry. Generally, it is enforced when the security of the port is threatened or expected to be threatened. Examination vessel flag is a blue rectangular flag with two rectangles in the centre. Vessels authorised to display the examination flags are examination vessel, traffic control vessel and pilot launch when assigned to examination duty

Flags when entering a port

This has become a common question across Indian MMDs for the Second Mate oral examinations and therefore included in the article.

• Flag G or H (depending on whether pilot is yet to board or already boarded)- Port Yardarm
• The National Ensign (stern post)
• The Courtesy Flag (Starboard Yardarm)
• Flag B (if carrying IMDG cargo)- Port Yardarm
• House Flag- Port Yardarm

These are age old techniques and are here to stay. There is far too much information with respect to flags which cannot be covered under one article and it is advised to go through the INTERCO publication for a better understanding.

With the reasons for hoisting a certain flag at a certain point on the ship made easier and comprehensible, the next time a flag is hoisted should seem more interesting.

About Author

Shilavadra Bhattacharjee is a shipbroker with a background in commercial operations after having sailed onboard as a Third Officer. His interests primarily lie in the energy sector, books and travelling.

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BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Thanks for all the detailed information about flags!

You mentioned there is a difference between “underway” and “making way.” Would you mind explaining what it is?

Thank you again for the article. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference.

cool i loved it

Great article. But why can’t you fly the ensign and the Jack at the same time? So when the Jack is hoisted, you have to lower the ensign? Thanks for answear.

Good article, I would like permission to use extracts from your article in our sailing club newsletter. I feel that the flag protocols and traditions are not fully understood or even followed.

@Deon: You are allowed to do so after giving proper credit to the author and https://www.marineinsight.com

Underway is when a vessel is free floating in the water (I.e. not at anchor or moored at a pier). Making way is when a vessel is moving through the water under power or sail and being navigated via it’s rudder.

Thank you for the comment Captain GB

How do you make full dressing of merchant tanker?

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