Flying US and British flag from a boat.

[tronouk]

Hi,

I am a newbie here so I apologise if I have posted in the wrong section. I'm also not an American but my query relates to the American flag.

Basically, a British ex-pat relative of mine who lived in the United States for most of his life passed away some months ago. In his will, he left a boat, to my part of the family (back here in England) as he was a very keen sailing enthusiast. After some long discussions both with family here and in the United States, we have decided that scattering his ashes at sea would be the most fitting tribute and intend to have a small family get together in California (where the boat currently is) later this year to do this.

Although this is a relatively minor part of the little ceremony we have planned, we would like to fly from the boat both the Union Flag of the United Kingdom, to signify his roots, and the flag of the United States of America to signify the country he came to call home. Our intention, in keeping with the little bit of etiquette we have found on this matter, would be to have both flags flying from separate staffs and at equal height and size.

As I haven't really been able to unearth the proper procedures for this, and there doesn't appear to be any specific guidelines, having come across this site and seen similar queries, I thought somebody may be able to guide me as to whether this would be considered acceptable in the US? In the UK, you often see private boats with two flags flying (usually indicating the country of registration and the nationality of those onboard) but I wouldn't wish to presume that the rules and/or etiquette are same in the US and I understand how proud many Americans are of their flag and so wouldn't wish to be doing something that would be considered disrespectful.

Any opinions appreciated and my sincere thanks for taking the time to read this.

[Peter Ansoff]

Greetings, tronouk. Welcome to the forum!

Your proposed display of the US and UK flags sounds exactly right -- approximately equal size, and side by side. They could either be on staffs or on the ends of the spreaders, depending on the configuration of the boat. Since the ceremony will be in the US, the US flag should go on the starboard side.

Interestingly, I'm not sure that this display would be technically legal in the UK. I believe that the use of the Union Flag at sea is restricted to the Royal Navy.

As you undoubtedly know, it's common to fly the flag of the country of registration on the stern, on a staff, the luff of the sail, or on a backstay or topping lift. Flying a US flag in this way along with the two ceremonial flags would be perfectly in accord with accepted etiquette.

We're sorry to hear about your loss, but hope the ceremony goes well.

Best regards,

Peter Ansoff

[tronouk]

Hi,

Thank you for your response.

I should probably look into the display of the Union flag at sea. I suppose having only ever seen private boats displaying it whilst traversing the River Thames that different rules may apply as the boat would not technically be at sea. I certainly wouldn't want to fall foul of any military regulations.

I do know that the White Ensign is solely for the use of the Royal Navy but I believe that a Red Ensign may be used by private craft, although it is also used by the Merchant Navy. I seem to recall reading that the Red Ensign was the proper flag to display as a courtesy flag by foreign vessels in British waters.

I guess another option is the St George's Cross flag of England as I don't believe that it is reserved for use by any specific type of ship but first I'll check the rules about the Red Ensign as that would likely be the most suitable one as the Union flag may be inappropriate.

I appreciate your comments about displaying the US flag on the starboard side, and also confirming my beliefs about proper etiquette.

Thank you very much for your response,
Chris