Flag etiquette

[Pincoya]

It seems that I am about to become co-owner of a posh American yacht and she will remain an American registered vessel. Obviousy we will fly the Stars and Stripes off the stern but I would like to fly the Red Ensign somewhere in recognition of my heritage. But where and under what circumstances can/should I do that? Answers on a post card please.

Paul

 

[RestlessL]

In UK waters you should fly the red ensign as a courtesy flag from the starboard spreader.

Out of UK waters you can fly it as a house flag from the port spreader.

John

 

[KenMcCulloch]

[ QUOTE ]
It seems that I am about to become co-owner of a posh American yacht and she will remain an American registered vessel. Obviousy we will fly the Stars and Stripes off the stern but I would like to fly the Red Ensign somewhere in recognition of my heritage. But where and under what circumstances can/should I do that? Answers on a post card please.

Paul

[/ QUOTE ]
My understanding is that US flagged vessels can only be owned by US citizens. You might want to check that out.

 

[lenseman]

[ QUOTE ]
It seems that I am about to become co-owner of a posh American yacht and she will remain an American registered vessel.

[/ QUOTE ]
Methinks you need to fly the 'Red Duster' as you are probably not an American citizen?

Also, the American VHF/HF radio will also be illegal for use in EU waters if British flagged? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[pandos]

Is there not a derogation for vhf sets already fitted to vessels at the time they are imported??

 

[lenseman]

I am not sure regarding derogation but there is a difference in operating channels both simplex and duplex between the USA and the EU and as such, technically you would or could be challenged regarding transmitting illegally or using equipment which is not approved for use in EU waters.

 

[pyrojames]

As a US registered vessel this is not likely to apply. Visiting ships are not charged with illegal transmissions as far as I have heard.

For the OP, I'd fly a red duster at the port spreader when on board, assuming you are not already in the UK, and therefore flying it at the starboard one.

 

[lenseman]

I wasn't referring to a US flagged boat. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I mentioned in my first text that the American VHF/HF radio will also be illegal for use in EU waters if British flagged. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[Pincoya]

Ken,

Thanks. Technically the boat is owned by a research company and not an individual.

Paul

 

[Pincoya]

Thanks everyone, although how we came to be discussing radios is another question.

The boat will continue to be registered in America and is an asset of a small company owned by just two people. The vessel should, therefore, fly the appropriate flag for the country of registration. So, the red duster will fly from the port spreaders, as suggested (unless in good old Blightey).

As for the radios, they are all ICOM sets with American/Canadian and International settings (choose according to where you are) and are perfectly legal to use anywhere in the world. And, before anyone else asks, the boat is ECU marked and RCD approved as Category A.

Thanks again

Paul