Courtesy flags

All Courtesy Flag, in harbor and during navigation, for the traditional sailors’ etiquette

In this section you can find our courtesy flags for sale. 

Courtesy flags are national flags which are hoisted “by good practice” when a boat finds itself in territorial waters of a country that does not correspond to its own nationality. (i.e. when in Italy, a French vessel will have to hoist the Italian flag). 

Hence, courtesy flags represent therefore the national flags of the hosting country. It is hoisted both when in harbor and during navigation. Its usage is not compulsory, so that its absence is not legally punishable; however, it is a norm included in the traditional sailors’ etiquette and, as a consequence, it represents a demonstration of respect towards the hosting country. 
As regards the rules for positioning, boats have to hoist the courtesy flag on the forward starboard spreader. On a mastless powerboat, the courtesy flag replaces any flag that is normally flown at the bow. The courtesy flag is hoisted in the morning and lowered at sunset. While maneuvering, national flags should be showed also at night until the vessel is out of sight or safely anchored. 
All our courtesy flags are manufactured with nautical polyester, which is a durable, top- quality material, specifically developed to last under adverse weather conditions. 
In order to purchase, just click on the desired item and add it to the cart. Purchasing courtesy flags has never been so easy.