In the Other Countries selection you will find courtesy flags for those sailing to foreign ports — according to international maritime tradition, a visiting boat should fly the flag of the country being visited when it enters its territorial waters. The selection includes flags from Germany, the USA, Italy, Tunisia, Turkey, the Netherlands and Portugal, all in standard sizes of 80x120 cm.
A courtesy flag is traditionally hoisted on the starboard spreader upon arrival in the territorial waters of a foreign country and is kept flying throughout the visit until the boat returns to home waters or continues on to the next country. This is an internationally recognized, albeit unofficial, courtesy that shows respect for the country being visited.
80x120 cm is the most common and highly visible size for most cruise and sailing boats — a flag that is too small may go unnoticed in calm weather, while a flag that is too large may seem oversized on a smaller boat. Before a long trip abroad, it is a good idea to check in advance which countries will be on your itinerary so that you have the right flags with you when you leave.
The proper use of a courtesy flag is part of international maritime etiquette, which is appreciated by most port authorities and local boaters, although there is no official obligation to comply with it — the absence of a flag or its incorrect placement does not result in a penalty, but its use shows respect and can improve the reception in a foreign port. The flag is usually hoisted immediately upon arrival in territorial waters, not only when mooring in port, and it is kept in place throughout the visit, regardless of how many ports in the same country are visited during the trip. The flag should be in good condition and of clear color — a faded or torn flag can look careless, which is not a desirable message in a foreign port. Before a longer sailing trip through several countries, it is a good idea to reserve all the flags of the countries along the route in advance, as finding the right flag abroad along the way can be difficult or even impossible at short notice.
It is a good idea to lower the flag after sunset according to tradition and raise it again the next morning, unless the port has its own policy.
Having the right tickets with you on a pre-planned trip will save you time and hassle at guest ports.
Carefully storing flags dry and clean will extend their lifespan for many sailing seasons to come.
Having the right tickets with you on your trip will make your visit to each new port smoother.
