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             While a large number of boaters operate boats that require a 12 x 18 inch burgee, a flag of that size would be way too small on a 50' boat.  Some squadrons, in an effort to avoid an inventory of different size flags, encourage all members to use the same size flag.  While stocking flags only in the most common size makes economical sense, squadrons should be prepared to place special orders for larger or smaller flags when they are needed.

 

             Since proper flag display is one measure of a good seaman, boaters should try to obtain and fly properly sized flags on their boat.

 

R/C James Williams, JN,  Chairman Flag & Etiquette Committee

Secretary’s Department Newsletter

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www.usps.org/national/fecom

Volume 4,  Issue 2    May  2004

             There is no one-size-fits-all policy when it comes to nautical flags.  Flag size on a vessel is determined by the size of the vessel--either the overall vessel length, or the height above the waterline of the tallest mast.  This practice is based on long standing nautical tradition.  A national ensign flown at the flagstaff should be one inch on the fly for each foot of overall vessel length.  All other flags should be 5/8 inch on the fly for each foot of overall length on power boats and 1/2 inch on the fly for each foot above the waterline of the tallest mast on a sailboat. (That is, if the mast is 30 feet above the waterline, all flags other than the national ensign should be 15 inches on the fly.)

             When purchasing a flag, the size of the flag is usually rounded up to the next larger commercially available size because more often than not the flags worn by a vessel are too small.

* based on the preceding guidelines

“ There is no one-size-fits-all policy when it comes to nautical

flags.”

 Chm Flag & Etiquette

Contact

 R/C James Williams, JN

® 2003 -  2004  United States Power Squadrons