amazing lack of knowledge

byron

byron

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I have been looking on Ebay at model boats. Some of these are really nice and very detailed however they are let down by the model maker's lack of knowledge, namely they add a Union Flag as the Ensign. Seems a shame that they have gone to all that effort in detailing yet haven't noticed the fact that no British Boat flies a Union Flag.
Examples:
260256065316
160254823125
 
Can't you fly the union flag if you want to? I thought there were effectively no restrictions on where or when you could fly the flag. Not trolling, it's a genuine question.

Cheers
Jimmy
 
A lot of the boat owners in the Henley reach don't know the answer to that question as well, particularly those flying the cross of St George as an ensign.

IanC
 
Hi Ian

I accept that there are some flags that you can't fly without complying with certain rules, like the white and blue ensigns for example. What I'm interested in is if there are rules preventing the use of non-maritime flags like the union flag or the st george cross for example. Anyone know the definitive answer?

Cheers
Jimmy
 
The St George Cross designates an Admiral (or potentially a Dunkirk Little Ship when flow on jackstaff with Red Ensign at stern). The Union flag an Admiral of the Fleet.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Can't you fly the union flag if you want to? I thought there were effectively no restrictions on where or when you could fly the flag. Not trolling, it's a genuine question.

Cheers
Jimmy

[/ QUOTE ]
Civilian use is permitted on land, but non-naval/military use at sea is prohibited. Unauthorised use of the flag in the 17th Century to avoid paying harbour duties – a privilege restricted to naval ships – caused James' successor, Charles I, to order that use of the flag on naval vessels be restricted to His Majesty's ships "upon pain of Our high displeasure". It remains a criminal offence under the Merchant Shipping (Registration, etc.) Act 1993 to display the Union Flag (other than the "Pilot Jack") from a British ship.
 
At sea, but how about the River? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif


(Red Ensign only for me, fear not!)
 
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At sea, but how about the River? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif


(Red Ensign only for me, fear not!)

[/ QUOTE ]

You cannot fly the Union Flag on a boat regardless of where it is. Remember the law was originally formulated to stop vessels entering harbours and claiming free moorings and in those days most harbours were not man made they were adapted rivers.

I believe this is the maximum penalty...

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £50,000;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine, or both.

(7) This section applies to things done outside, as well as to things done within, the United Kingdom
 
Thanks for this. I went off and found the act that you referred to - it's here.

However - doesn't schedule 3 paragraph 3(1)(a)(ii) (on page 4) suggest that the Union flag with a white border is permitted? Is the comment about the white border significant?

Cheers
Jimmy
 
I remember seeing the rules, including the applicable fines, about which flags are permitted on the notice boards at locks. I must check whether they are still displyed at the next opportunity.
 
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Really ?

I'd like to see these , i've never seen a set displayed . /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes! Come to think of it there used to be a small poster warning people about the mis-use of flags. I haven't seen it for years.

This reminds me. Doesn't the Royal Navy still have the right to open fire, without warning, on any vessel flying the Skull & Crossbones? That would shake up a few Hire Boats, the first thing many do is buy one and stick it up believing they are being totally original.
 
From memory, they used to be on the big notice boards which swung around a post, all cast iron (painted TC grey?), large notices with all manner of things you couldn't do & what you would be fined for, I think all locks had them.

IanC
 
[ QUOTE ]


I believe this is the maximum penalty...

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £50,000;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine, or both.


[/ QUOTE ]

Out of interest, is this info available in a public source?

R
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


I believe this is the maximum penalty...

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £50,000;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine, or both.


[/ QUOTE ]

Out of interest, is this info available in a public source?

R

[/ QUOTE ]

You will find it all within the Merchant Shipping Act.
 
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