MARITIME FLAGS: WHAT DO THEY

MEAN?

Knowledge about maritime flags are extremely important because it tells you about nationality, maneuvering situations, club affiliation, office held, and other situations. Let’s take a look at the flags that you usually see from ships and their meaning.

ENSIGNAn ensign is a national flag used at the sea.

Some countries have multiple ensigns, designed for different types of vessels.

Photo courtesy of apexflags.com Photo courtesy of omniglot.com

BURGEEBurgee represents a sailing club. The flag is

typically triangular.

Photo courtesy of albinowners.com

JACKThis kind of flag is flown at the front bow of

the ship.

Photo courtesy of albinowners.com

COURTESY FLAGAs a sign of courtesy, a ship flies the national flag of the country when they enter a port.

Photo courtesy of abroad.unconn.edu

HOUSE FLAGA house flag indicates that the boat is private. It can be a corporate logo, a family crest, or a fun flag.

Photo courtesy of crwflags.com

SIGNAL FLAGSSignal flags are used to communicate messages when radio silence is required.

Photo courtesy of forum.worldofwarships.com

SEMAPHORE FLAGSThe semaphore flag signalling system is done by waving a hand-held flags in a particular pattern. Its purpose is to convey a message from a distance.

Photo courtesy of cimt.plymouth.ac.uk

Life as a seafarer is not easy. There dangers and accidents that may happen anytime and knowing about these flags can help prevent fatalities. It is better to master these flags while you are training in The Philippines so you could become an excellent seafarer in the future!

THANK YOU!

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