Flags on inland boats

[tonyjover]

Hi all,

Traditionally, what flag should be flown on a narrowbat stern and bow?

I've heard differing opinions - contradicting themselves - with the only concensus being that we really shouldn't be flying the Union Jack at the stern (as we currently are).

I saw one Royal Navy site where it stated that it was illegal to fly either the Union Jack or the George Cross because the former is the flag of the Admiral Of The Fleet, and the latter is the flag of the Admiral. Seriously? On a leisure craft?

Anyone actually know?

Thanks in advance,
Tone

 

[eyupdougdown]

Flags on sailboats designate country of origin. No real flag required as place of origin on a Narrowboat cos they're all chugging around in the UK. One recommendation is to go get a few pots of Red / Green / Black / White Paint and get creative on the side of the boat - giving the Boat Name and Place from where you shift your stone from. Lovely Job.

 

[Talbot]

IMHO I would only expect a red ensign to be flown (or whater flag is the correct one for the nationality) It may not be strictly 100% correct, but is a lot beter than the other alternatives you have offered.

 

[eyupdougdown]

http://www.kateboats.com/

No flags - lots of paint /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[colvic]

On the hire boats in france, besides the "local" flag most boats also fly the flag of the country of the hirer. Not sure if it is a requirement but it makes for some interesting combinations in the locks.


Phil

 

[petercornish]

It is actually illeagal to fly a Union Jack, they can only be flown by RN vessels when at anchor or alongside. The only exception to this is, I believe, when a court marshal is being held on board when it is flown on the main mast. We had an incident here on the Norfolk Broads when a river copper threatened two kids with prosecution if they did not remove the union Flag from the stern of their hire boat.

If you belong to a boat club see what ensign they fly. In any case you can wear a red ensign at the stern of you canal boat. Ensigns are always worn be a boat not flown.

As for the bow, you could fly a burgee or if you want to go mad look for a Pilot Jack. This looks like a Union Jack but has a 20% white border around it. It should only be flown, like the Union Jack, when you are at anchor or moored.

As for protocol, put it out at 8am in the summer and 9am in the winter. Take it in by 9pm or dusk whichever is the earlier.

Enjoy flying the flag but try not to become a boring old f@rt about it. We had a guy in our marina who would knock you out of your bed if you did not take the ensign in at night.

 

[the_wanderer]

I have seen somewhere in the small print with a licence...... OOps sorry! a registration certificate with the River Thames that the only flag that is allowed is The Red Ensign on a British boat, OOps sorry!......launch, excepting that if you have entitlement, I presume through service in the armed forces to fly other ensigns. They seem to get a bit stroppy about things like that. Funny people, I still have in my posession somewhere a hand written letter from them regarding my reference to a licence. They told me very sternly that I must refer to it as registration.
Regards. Alan

 

[petercornish]

Oops sorry, I forgot to mention the flag of St George. This is also illegal unless you are RN or a member of the Dunkirk Little Ships Assoc. This was awarded to them as an honour after the last war.

 

[petercornish]

No you can wear a B;lue or White ensign if you belong to a club n wear that subjectthat has one. There's only one club allowed to wear a white ensign and that is based in Cowes, no need to mention names.

If your club has a defaced ensign then you can wear that subject to certain rules, your vessel has to be Part 1 or 3 registered and you have to be in possession of a warrant issued by your club.

 

[tonyjover]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the info... off in search of an ensign for the boat to "wear".

Regards,
Tone /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[gjeffery]

Any view on the practice of racing boats of wearing a large union flag printed on their main sail? Have the RYA got it wrong -again?

 

[eyupdougdown]

Has anyone ever seen a narrowboat on a British canal who's orign was anything other that from the UK? Have you ever met a narrowboat owner who had any intention of crossing the channel or the Atlantic in their vessels?

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

nb Progress has crossed the Channel at least once, afloat that is, not on a flat bed, IIRC

 

[TrueBlue]

It's all a bit silly - making a fuss about ensigns and flags on the inland waterways; the point of the legislation was to prevent deliberate misrepresentation AT SEA. However the Merchant Shipping Acts cover any form of water. (I don't wear my blue in the bath). They prohibit you from flying any National flag apart from the exceptions mentioned above. Because it is an UK Act of Parliament "National" can only mean UK flags - so others must be OK.

On the Thames - where ensigns might have some point, because "you" may may just be returning from an intrepid sea trip (in truth most boats on Old Father just chug from the marina to the pub and back again...) - the lock keepers are getting relaxed about the issue. Unions and St. George's (especially this year around Little Ships' time) are a no-no, but other countries flags and ensigns are not challenged. In fact UK ensigns are not challenged - probably because EA staff have no right to see your warrant.

It all makes for a colourful scene and occasional conversations while waiting for the lock to fill and empty. I've had many chats on the lockside because I wear / fly unusual and potentially prohibited flags and it adds to the general atmosphere. Otherwise a trip up the river descends into just getting from A to B which is very "sad".

This year I'm flying what looks like a White - but it ain't, and I've learnt a lot of totally unrelated facts because of it.

SO stick up some bit of cloth, it's fun and interesting in an anoraky sort of way. Just make sure it's not offensive..

 

[eyupdougdown]

Re: Tip toe and have fun

True:- 'A' being birth and 'B' being death. Lets colour in the middle bit eh? . . . oh yes, also it doesn't matter what you stick up cos it's a choice to be offended. Life isn't a minefield but a continuem of stepping stones to heaven ooh yeah.

 

[Lakesailor]

Skull and CrossBones

As a matter of interest, as I see them pretty frequently here.
Is the any right to fly the Jolly Roger?

Is it punishable by keelhauling?