Ensign etiquette

[BrendanS]

Speaking of Naval hunting of pirates, and of the Law on ensigns generally, has anyone actually been stopped, "talked to", remonstrated at, harrassed or even fined for flying "regional" ensigns? That would be worth knowing.

I remember a tale of a man who was harangued by a Harbour master (perhaps on this forum) for having a jolly roger on his boat. Was it flown from the ensign staff or from spreaders? I'd always assumed that a Pirate flag off the spreaders was fine as long as it wasn't over the local national courtesy flag? What does the panel think?

Not that I know of by officials in this country, but there have been reports, authenticated, of issues in other countries, for flying incorrect ensign, including impounding of boat and/or large fines. Some countries take it more seriously than others.

 

[Koeketiene]

I remember a tale of a man who was harangued by a Harbour master (perhaps on this forum) for having a jolly roger on his boat. Was it flown from the ensign staff or from spreaders? I'd always assumed that a Pirate flag off the spreaders was fine as long as it wasn't over the local national courtesy flag? What does the panel think?

Well, this panel member feels pirate flags should be on the list of 'things to be forbidden on board of a yacht' (see elsewhere).

Would you fly the swastika? No? Didn't think so.
But, it's OK to fly a pirate flag, just because the atrocities committed under it took place in a more distant past

 

[Athene V30]

The standing order to engage a vessel flying skull & crossbones has never been oficialy repealed.
But I think it's now one of those things more honoured in the breach than in the observance.
Modern pirates don't wear colours.

As an aside (even more Fred Drift): funny how yotties flying skull & crossbones seem to consider it a jolly good wheeze. They're often the same yotties who tend to get a bit anal about ensigns (blue, red, defaced, warrants, ...) and argue the point 'that people died for these colours...'.
Next time they hoist their pirate flag they may want to consider how many sailors died at the hands of pirates.

In preparation for the East Coast Pirate weekend two years ago I made a pirate flag (too mean to buy one) but to follow the colour of my ensign it has a blue background - should I have a permit from Cap'n Jack or Blackbeard?

 

[Litotes]

Would you fly the swastika? No? Didn't think so.
But, it's OK to fly a pirate flag, just because the atrocities committed under it took place in a more distant past

Atrocities are still being committed now, of course, although not literally under this flag.

I suppose that the "jolly roger" is occasionally justified to entertain small children (who may know Pugwash or Captain Hook, Smee and Stakey, or, perhaps, Johnny Depp) but when I see it flown permanently, or on boats occupied only by adults.....well.....I have to wonder.

 

[TamarMike]

Atrocities are still being committed now, of course, although not literally under this flag.

I suppose that the "jolly roger" is occasionally justified to entertain small children (who may know Pugwash or Captain Hook, Smee and Stakey, or, perhaps, Johnny Depp) but when I see it flown permanently, or on boats occupied only by adults.....well.....I have to wonder.

I presume it is reasonable to assume the owners of those yachts sailing around with the Jolly Roger are the tea leaves who force their way into moored boats at night and nick things or steal tenders from the foreshore.

 

[snowleopard]

Speaking of Naval hunting of pirates, and of the Law on ensigns generally, has anyone actually been stopped, "talked to", remonstrated at, harrassed or even fined for flying "regional" ensigns?

Not on the water though I did hear of a tourist being pulled over by the police because he was displaying a Devon flag in his caravan while driving through Cornwall!

 

[Seafort]

Social climbing?

Atrocities are still being committed now, of course, although not literally under this flag.

Well it has been shown in the past that being a slaver and privateer can get you a Knighthood.

Dave.

 

[flyingscampi]

Well here are a few.

Knowing how to "pass a stopper". You may need it badly some day.

My mate passed a stopper last year, took me ages to get the pipe unblocked

 

[chubby]

There is a very smart cat at Wicormarine who does fly the jack from the bow when at anchor or alongside, and looks very stylish but perhaps more space to fit a socket on a cat`s bow rail!

 

[Seagreen]

That's the ticket.. literally. Must've been obscuring his rear window. No, really..

I think that Jolly Rogers are fine on the foremast and spreaders - I've two small boys who keep asking. I've not been harassed yet about the Devon ensign, but I've not flown it out of Devon waters. I may chicken out and use it as a house flag when "abroad".

 

[Seagreen]

As for Pilot jacks: see below,

http://www.mrflag.com/p/4944/UK_Civil_Jack__Pilot_Flag_.html

 

[DogWatch]

I have NEVER seen this flown.... I propose a campaign to revive the use of the Pilot Jack as a ensign..... seems to me there is a nice bit of history there.... and it would be a shame to lose this tradition through non-use!

Here, circa 1935 on the sailing club launch at Hoylake.

 

[Searush]

Hoylake sailing club

Tides out again I see. Does the tide ever reach the sea wall these days? I always seem to be there when there is just several miles of sand and a handful of moored boats aground.

 

[chris42999]

shambles has disgraced himself

Nobody likes a Petit Gendarme. Shambles should mind his own business and play flags...sorry ensigns... by himself...hopefully in his bath

 

[DogWatch]

Tides out again I see. Does the tide ever reach the sea wall these days? I always seem to be there when there is just several miles of sand and a handful of moored boats aground.

I know what you mean, I always go 'home' via the prom and it is rather sad to note the lack of boats on moorings. I could only count about 4 or 5 operas last time I was there and NO falcons at all. Strange as they were raced massively when I sailed from there.

There are no pro trawlers any longer.. My moorings must be about 20ft down by now lol. The council has also gated all the slipways too, what a joke! They belong to us, not them.

OTOH, it is not so surprising, all the old giffers buying up retirement properties have meant all the normal people (me and thee) have been priced out of the market. Though the oldies must be alcoholics as they appear to have one wine bar/pub/licensed cafe per 5 of the population.

Sadly, going 'home' to see family always helps me get over any qualms to go back, the village has been systematically murdered by suits who are not even 'locals'.