Drapeau Marin
Boat flag, glossary and regulations
First of all, it is important to take stock of the glossary to use at sea. When sailing, we use the term "flag" for ships and boats, and not the term "flag". There are two meanings there, so do not confuse them. The first is the material meaning of the flag, it is the flag of the country of the boat which is displayed on the stern. The second meaning is alegalterm which gives the nationality of the ship, the country in which the boat was registered.
It is then important to use the right terms for flag movements. On a boat, unlike a sail, you send up a flag, you don't hoist it. Just as we tuck it in, we don't collapse it. This is one of the main (insignificant) confusions when you talk about movements on ships.
Two flags should not be overlapped, except in rare cases for special maritime signals. But a boat can obviously display several flags, under certain conditions.
Some examples of the different boat flags
Here we will detail the different flags that you will be faced with and that you will have to displayed on board a pleasure vessel.
The national flag
The most important and well-known pavilion is thenational pavilion. It represents the boat's country of origin, where it was registered. This flag isMANDATORYon every vessel outside territorial waters (Articles 240-2.03 - 8 and 240-2.12 of Division 240) and is attached to the rear of the boat on a specific pole or pole.
It must be displayed as follows:
- At sea in international waters
- At port in France from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays, and every day at the same times at foreign port
- When leaving and entering a port
The size of this flag is proportional to the size of the ship which flies it.In the case of the French flag, the flag represented must have 30% blue, 33% white and 37% red in order to keep the colors of the national flag proportional when the flag flutters in the wind. In addition, it is customary for the size of the pavilion to be such that it touches the water when the wind is absent. Please note, the European pavilion does not in any way replace the national pavilion.
The courtesy flag
Thepavilion of courtesyis a smaller pavilion than the national pavilion. It is sent when entering the territorial waters of a foreign country as a sign of respect for the visited country. This flag will therefore be in the colors of the said country. It is sent flat under the first stage of starboard spreaders and is sent and retracted at the same time as the national flag.
In French law, this flag has no existence, but it is customary to display it and could possibly be codified in the legislation of the visited country and thus be OBLIGATORY. Be careful not to confuse the national flag of the country visited with the maritime flag of the country visited. Some countries use the national flag, such as France for example, while this is not the case for others, such as the United Kingdom for example which does not use the country's flag as a maritime flag. It will be the latter that foreign ships will have to display.
The club flag
Theclub flagand theowner flagare two other flags you can display on your boat. The first is in the colors of your club and is generally installed at the very top of the mast. The second is completely free, you can create it yourself and give free rein to your creativity. It is sent under the starboard spreaders (or port if this is used) and signifies that the owner is on board. foreign country. It is a useless practice in the European Union, but which remains in force outside. You will then have to, once you have docked, go to the customs office to complete the administrative formalities.
All boat flags on Nautisports
At Nautisports, we offer you a wide choice of countries in our .Many states that you can display in addition to the French national flag on your pleasure vessel are represented. Beyond the pavilions, we also offer a in durable nylon of a length of 2m which is obligatory when towing a machine.
We have fast 48-hour delivery for these flags in very good quality and resistant polyester fabric which will remain in very good condition even after several years. These flags are very durable and the length may vary depending on the model. You will be entitled to free delivery to a collection point from 150€ of purchase on our site, a very accessible amount because we offer many useful articles for navigation other than flags and flags that you can take on board.
After reading this article, you will know how to recognize the flags of the ships you come across and which ones to send on your boat. This code applies to all vessels registered in the French state but applies in a similar manner internationally according to the legislation and law in force. You will be able to practice your water sport and sail on your pleasure vessel without worry.
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