What is the Flag of a ship and what is the difference with the flag?

One of the most common doubts in the world of navigation lies in What is a pavilion and how is it different from a flag?. And a priori we are talking about the same element, but we can point out certain characteristics that can help us distinguish them. Before delving into them, let's explain what each of these elements consists of.

What is a ship's flag?

The flag of a ship is the flag of the country to which its registration belongs., which must remain visible and adapt to the regulatory regulations of each nation. On Spanish ships, for example, it must be located at the stern using a flagpole, although there are no indications regarding its size and it is enough that it can be easily identified upon the ship's arrival in any country.

What does the flag on a ship mean?

A banner located on a ship can have different meanings. In addition to the flag itself, there are also flags with international codes, courtesy signs or even insignia, as we will see in the next paragraphs. Therefore, we could say that the flag is just another flag on the boat.

Difference between flag and flag on a ship

Thus, the main difference between flag and flag is that the former refers to a specific type of flag that identifies the nation, while flags are a generic term that can refer to different types of identification or insignia.

In short, it is a more generic concept within nautical, despite the fact that both terms are used interchangeably on a day-to-day basis.

However, if we stick to the Royal Decree 2335/1980, in which the use of the Flag of Spain and other flags and standards on board national ships is regulated, we can point out some relevant questions regarding the differences between pavilion and flag:

• If a boat is registered in the Spanish State You must always fly this flag - since this is mandatory on all ships with respect to your country.
• No other flag may be raised if the flag is not present.
• The stern staff and the peak of the mainmast will always be destined for the flag.
• The dimensions of any other flag present on the ship will be smaller than those of the flag.
• Flags and other ensigns recognized by the respective autonomous communities may be hoisted in internal waters and national ports as long as the previous points are respected.
• The flag must be displayed whenever required in maritime spaces corresponding to foreign jurisdictions, in addition to in view of warships or fortresses - in addition to the times indicated in the following paragraphs.

What is a ship's flag used for?

Regardless of patriotic meanings and aesthetic issues, the flag of a ship has the obvious usefulness of identifying the origin of a vessel on their departures and arrivals at port. Hence the importance of being easily distinguishable and located at a specific point on the boat.

When should you display a ship's flag or flag?

The regulations that refer to the use of a ship's flag They determine what should be shown in different situations. The most obvious, at the entrance or exit of a port, but it is also mandatory that it be visible in the presence of the authorities and on holidays. In the case of the courtesy flag -which we will see below- must be shown in the same cases.

Other types of flags on boats

If we take into account the aforementioned differences, the flag is something more generic than the flag, precisely because there are other options beyond this when it comes to flying a banner on a boat. From courtesy flags -mandatory on various occasions- to voluntary insignia or international codes, What types of flags can we find on a ship?

Volunteer badges

Voluntary insignia are flags that They can be included in the boat as long as they do not replace, disparage or obstruct the national flag. Some of the most frequent examples in this sense are regional flags, those of certain shipping companies or those that show the identification of nautical and sports clubs of origin.

Flags of the International Code of Signals

These types of flags are used with different meanings and indications and are identified by letters. The flags with a N or one c, to show denial or affirmation respectively - and demand for help when combined - or the indication of a submerged diver with a TO, are some examples of flags from the International Code of Signals.

Courtesy flags

Finally, the courtesy flags are those that must also be presented when a ship sails in international waters or of another country. It must also be visible and located in predominant positions on the ship, but its size will always be smaller than the ship's flag. In this way, courtesy is shown to the country being visited while still indicating the country of origin of the boat.

Specific specifications for a ship's flag

Each country has its own regulatory codes regarding the flag that the boats that are registered in it must show, although for identification and location purposes they are very similar. On the other hand, nations also determine specific specifications, as in the case of Spain, which indicates the legality of banners with or without crowns without distinction.

The flag, a mandatory indicator on any ship

In conclusion, The flag is a flag that must be found on any ship and must be shown at certain specific times. However, there are other types of flags that must be found on a ship and that do not correspond to the term flag, such as those of courtesy or those of the International Code of Signals.