Flags on the water still mean something. The ensign says who you are, the burgee says where you belong, and the code flags say what you're doing — quarantine, diver down, man overboard. Fly the wrong one and someone on the next dock will tell you about it.

We stock nautical flags and boat flags in marine-grade nylon: US yacht ensigns, yacht club officer flags, the full international code alphabet and numerals, courtesy flags for foreign waters, diver down, quarantine and Jolly Roger. Most made in USA. Need a flag we don't list? Call 800-454-6998 — we can have almost anything made.

Ensigns — what you fly at the stern

The ensign is the flag of nationality and the one flag every vessel should carry. Fly it from the stern staff at anchor and under way.

• US yacht ensign — the 13-star flag with the fouled anchor, flown by recreational vessels in US waters. Available fully sewn in 3x5, 4x6, 20x30 and 30x48, and embroidered.
• 50-star US flag — correct anywhere, and the required ensign in foreign waters.
• US Navy union jack — the blue canton with 50 stars, flown at the bow when moored.

What size ensign? The rule of thumb is one inch of fly for every foot of overall length. A 30 ft boat wants roughly a 30" ensign — so a 20x30 or 24x36. Oversized looks proud at the dock and shreds itself at speed.

Yacht club & officer flags

• Commodore, vice commodore and past commodore — flown by club officers, traditionally at the bow staff or masthead.
• Fleet captain, port captain and chaplain — the rest of the flag officer set, made in USA.
• Burgees — the club's own triangular flag. We can produce a custom burgee from your club's artwork; call for a quote.

Signal flags — the international code

The full alphabet and numeral set in nylon, sold individually so you can build the set you need or replace one that's gone. Each letter carries a standard meaning on its own:

Numerals 0 through 9 and the first, second and third repeaters complete the set — the repeaters let you signal a letter or number twice in the same hoist. Dressed overall for a holiday or regatta? You'll want the full alphabet run bow to stern.

Courtesy & foreign waters

Entering another country's waters, you fly its courtesy flag from the starboard spreader — below your own ensign, never above it. We stock 12x18" courtesy flags including the Bahamas, and can supply any nation on request. Fly the yellow Quebec flag until you've cleared customs.

Diver down, Jolly Roger & novelty

• Diver down — the red flag with the white diagonal. Required by law in most US waters when divers are down, and the Alpha flag serves the same purpose internationally.
• Jolly Roger — in 12x18, 4x6 and bow pennant. The most-flown novelty flag on the water and made in USA.
• Cocktail time, skunk and other novelty flags — for when the anchor is down and the day is done.

Marine-grade nylon, and why it matters

Nylon is the right cloth on the water — it dries fast, sheds salt and flies in light air where heavier polyester hangs limp. Sewn stripes and embroidered stars outlast printed flags in constant wind. Rinse the flag when you rinse the boat and it will last several seasons instead of one.

Need something to fly it from? See boat & dock flag poles — rod holder poles, pontoon rail mounts and dock mounts. For a club or marina installation, see nautical flagpoles with gaff and yardarm.