Sign Language of the Sea

Flags: A Nautical Tradition
Flying international code flags or signal flags while underway is an age-old nautical tradition. Long before radio communication, the flags were hoisted to send messages to other mariners or those ashore. Nautical flag or buy boat flag. It is a signal flag or boat, banner for international code flag and boat supplies. 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. Nautical flag care or buy boat flag. It is a signal flag or buy vessel flag , banner for international code flag and boat supplies.
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How They Work
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 pennants. The combination of flags hoisted indicates specific nautical conditions or navigational maneuvers. Nautical flag care or buy boat flag. It is a signal flag or buy boat flag, banner for international code flag and boat supplies.
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 first vessel's signal has been received but it isn't understood.
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Nautical Flag Basics
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. Nautical flag care or buy boat flag. It is a signal flag or buy boat flag, banner for international code flag and boat supplies.
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" and both should be hoisted on the starboard spreader or on the bow.
The National Ensign, of course, is the first flag to be 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 buy vessel flag (if you have a gaff-rigged vessel you can place it at the peak of the raised gaff).
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Flag Size
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. Nautical flag care or buy boat flag. It is a signal flag or buy boat flag, banner for international code flag and boat supplies.
That means if a vessels 30 feet long, the flag should be 30 or more inches long.
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Burgees and Flag Size
A flag that indicates the club or organization to which the captain belongs is a burgee. Nautical flag care or buy boat flag. It is a signal flag or boat, banner for international code flag and boat supplies.
The size of club burgees and other non-signal flags is determined by the height of the mast boat flag and flag care of international code flag and boat supplies .
The flag length should be about ½-inch for each foot of the tallest mast above the waterline.
For example, if a vessels 30 feet long and there is 50 feet between the masthead and the water, then a vessel's flag should be 25 inches.
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Buying Flags
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 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.
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