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Flying international code flags or signal flags while underway is an age-old nautical tradition. Long before radio communication, flags were hoisted to send messages to other mariners or those ashore. Today, while ensign flags and ornamental flags are common, only a handful of code flags are usually found aboard recreational vessels. For the most part, code flags are typically displayed during parades and on special occasions. But these universal signals of the sea continue to be practical and useful nautical communicators. Each letter of the alphabet has a signal flag and there is a pennant for each number from 0 to 9. There are also answering and repeater flags available. Signal flags vary in shape and color … some are square while others are shaped like typical pennants. The combination of flags hoisted indicates specific nautical conditions or navigational maneuvers. For example, hoisting the "A" (Alfa) flag signals that a diver is down and to keep clear, while flying the "W" (Whiskey) flag indicates that medical assistance is needed aboard. International code flags can also be used to respond to another vessel. For example, if you see the "QX" flag combination flying it means the boater is requesting permission to anchor. Your response may be to raise the "QU" flags indicating that anchoring is prohibited or the "ZL" which means the other vessel's signal has been received but it isn't understood. Here are additional 2-Letter Flag Codes: While boating in the United States, it is customary to fly the national "ensign" or American flag, but if you cross into foreign waters you should be prepared to display two other flags. The letter "Q" or quarantine flag should be hoisted once in foreign waters. The flag should be flown until you are cleared by customs. The flag of the nation visited should replace the Q once cleared by customs. This flag is called the "courtesy flag." Both flags should be hoisted on the starboard spreader or on the bow. The National Ensign, of course, is always the first flag hoisted. It is customary to hoist the national symbol at 8 a.m. and fly it until sunset, unless entering a port when it should be flown at all times. The ensign is also flown at the highest point at the stern of the boat (if you have a gaff-rigged vessel you can place it at the peak of the raised gaff). A vessel's dimensions determine the size of nautical flags or ensigns. National Ensigns, for example, should be least 1-inch long for every foot of boat. That means if a boat is 30 feet long, then the flag should be 30 or more inches long. A flag that indicates the club or organization to which the captain belongs is a burgee. The size of club burgees and other non-signal flags is determined by the height of the mast. The flag length should be about ½-inch for each foot of the tallest mast above the waterline. For example, if a boat is 30 feet long and there is 50 feet between the masthead and the water, then a vessel's flag should be 25 inches. Nautical flags can be purchased individually or in sets. Signal flag and pennant set prices are determined by the size of the flags. For example, a full set of 3-foot by 3-foot and 2-foot by 6-foot signal flags cost about $1,000. A 3-foot by 5-foot National Ensign, however, can be purchased for about $30. Shops ashore and many online venues sell nautical flags. Nautical flags are an investment worth protecting so that you can count on years of use. Treating nautical flags wiith a quality waterproofing agent will protect them from the degrading effects of saltwater, dirt and mildew. Here is a short list of waterproofers available at some of the specialty marine supply stores:
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