Courtesy Ensigns for Eastern Caribbean Sailing

In a Nutshell...

Flying the correct Caribbean courtesy flags isn't just a matter of tradition; it’s a sign of respect and, in some places, a legal requirement. When you enter a new country's territorial waters, you should first hoist the yellow "Q" flag to signal that you need to clear customs. Once cleared, you'll replace the Q flag with the appropriate courtesy flag for that nation, which should be flown from your boat's starboard spreader. Having a quality set of flags ready before you leave is the best way to avoid hassle and show respect to your host countries.

Why Courtesy Flags Matter in the Caribbean
The Right Way to Fly Your Flags
A Flag for Every Island Nation
Flag Care & Storage
Local Customs & The Unexpected
Summing Up
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Courtesy Flags Matter in the Caribbean

Don't let anyone tell you that courtesy ensigns for the Caribbean island nations are just a courtesy. While the name suggests a simple politeness, choosing to ignore this maritime custom will make you stand out—and not in a good way. In an anchorage full of boats with their national ensigns flying proudly, a yacht without a courtesy flag looks a bit rude and unprepared.

Having sailed in these waters for more than a few years, I've seen firsthand how a little bit of respect goes a long way. Customs & immigration officials, in particular, will appreciate you following the proper protocol. Getting it wrong is an open invitation for them or a local vendor to want to sell you a flag at an exorbitant price. It's much easier and cheaper to buy a quality set before you set off for your Caribbean sailing adventure. The standard size is typically 12" x 18" (300mm x 450mm).

The Right Way to Fly Your Flags

Proper flag etiquette is about more than just having the right flags on board; it’s about knowing when and where to fly them. Here’s the key sequence you need to remember as you approach a new Caribbean island:

Entering Territorial Waters: On entering a new country's territorial waters, hoist the plain yellow Q flag from the starboard spreader. The Q flag is the international maritime signal for "I request free pratique," which means you're signalling that your vessel is healthy and you're ready for customs and immigration inspection.

Clearing In: Once you've successfully cleared customs and immigration, you must lower the Q flag.

Hoisting the Courtesy Flag: Only after you've been officially cleared into the country should you hoist the appropriate courtesy flag for that nation. This flag should be flown from the starboard spreader, taking the place of the Q flag.

This process ensures you’re always signalling your status clearly and correctly to other vessels and the authorities.

A Flag for Every Island Nation

If you plan to visit the Lesser Antilles, you'll need a comprehensive set of flags. The following list covers the most common destinations and the flags you'll need.

Theoretically, British flagged vessels don't need to fly this one, but it is a much-appreciated gesture if they do.

An BVI Ensign for:

Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada & Jost Van Dyke

Theoretically, US flagged vessels don't need to fly this one, but it is a much-appreciated gesture if they do.

An USVI Ensign for:

Saint Croix, Saint John & Saint Thomas

Not required on a French flagged vessel.

A French Ensign for:

St Martin, St Bartholomew ('St Barts'), Guadeloupe, Marie Galante, Les Saintes & Martinique

Alternative courtesy flag for Martinique

Not required on a Dutch flagged vessel.

A Netherlands (Dutch) Ensign for:

Sint Maarten, Saba & St Eustatia ('Statia')

Alternative courtesy flag for Sint Maarten

Courtesy flag for St Vincent & the Grenadines

A St Vincent & the Grenadines Ensign for:

St Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Union Island & Petit St Vincent

Grenada courtesy flag

Another one for Grenada and associated territories:

Grenada, Carriacou & Petit Martinique

Individual courtesy ensigns for all the other Island Nations:

Antigua & Barbuda

St Kitts & Nevis

St Lucia

Dominica

Trinidad & Tobago

Flag Care & Storage

A flag that is tattered or faded is not a sign of a well-sailed yacht; it's a sign of disrespect. As a sailor, it's your responsibility to maintain your vessel and its appearance, and that includes your flags. To keep your flags looking their best and to extend their life, consider these simple maintenance tips:

Cleaning: You can clean flags by hand with a mild detergent and fresh water or in a washing machine on a gentle, cool cycle. This is especially important after a long passage to remove salt, which can degrade the fabric and thread over time.

Drying: Always ensure flags are completely dry before storing them. Folding a damp flag can lead to mildew, which will quickly ruin the fabric.

Storage: Once clean and dry, store your flags in a dry, well-ventilated space, ideally in a bag or container that protects them from light and dust. Rolling them neatly will prevent creases.

Local Customs & The Unexpected

When preparing for a sailing trip, it's easy to focus on the big things like provisioning and passage planning. But mastering small details, such as knowing the correct flags to fly, is just as important for a smooth voyage through the islands. For a complete guide to all aspects of cruising the region, including weather patterns, route suggestions, and safety tips, check out our comprehensive guide on Sailing in the Caribbean.

While a national courtesy flag is always the correct choice, it's worth noting that some islands, particularly those with strong local identities like Martinique or St Maarten, have alternative unofficial flags that many local vessels fly. Choosing to fly the local ensign is often seen as a greater gesture of respect and shows you have a deeper appreciation for the local culture.

Additionally, be prepared for some variations in protocol. For example, some cruisers in the Grenadines will fly the St Vincent & the Grenadines flag when in the southern part of the island chain, but you’ll often see sailors shift to a Grenada flag once they reach Carriacou. This isn’t a formal rule, but it’s a common practice among seasoned cruisers and a good way to show you know your way around.

If an official questions your flag etiquette, or any other aspect of your cruising, the best approach is always to remain polite and calm. Have your boat's papers, crew list, and passports readily available. In my experience, a friendly attitude and being well-prepared will resolve any misunderstandings quickly and respectfully.

Summing Up

Proper flag etiquette is a key part of responsible cruising in the Eastern Caribbean. It demonstrates your respect for the sovereign nations you're visiting and helps you avoid unnecessary complications with local authorities. Having a high-quality set of flags on board, and knowing when to use them, is a simple step that shows you're a prepared and considerate sailor. A good set of flags will be made from durable nylon with brass grommets and stitched with UV-resistant thread to withstand the strong Caribbean sun and winds.

This article was written by Dick McClary, RYA Yachtmaster and author of 'Offshore Sailing' published by the Royal Yachting Association ( RYA) and member of The Yachting Journalists Association (YJA).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it a legal requirement to fly a courtesy flag?

While some countries have specific local laws, generally, it is not a legal requirement but a deeply ingrained maritime custom. Failing to fly one can be seen as disrespectful and may draw unwanted attention from authorities.

2. What's the difference between a courtesy flag and a national ensign?

Your national ensign is the flag of your vessel's country of registration, flown from the stern. A courtesy flag is the flag of the country you are visiting, flown from the starboard spreader to show respect while in their waters.

3. What about alternative flags for French and Dutch territories?

While you can use the French or Netherlands national flags for all their respective territories, some sailors choose to fly specific island flags like the Martinique ensign as an additional gesture of respect. This isn't a requirement, but it's often a nice touch.

4. Where should I fly my club burgee?

Your yacht club burgee should be flown from the main masthead (if you have one) or the starboard spreader, typically below the courtesy flag. However, on larger yachts with multiple masts, it's often flown from the port spreader to avoid confusion.

5. How big should my courtesy flag be?

A general rule of thumb is that the courtesy flag should be smaller than your national ensign. A common size is 12" x 18" (300mm x 450mm). A flag that is too small or, worse, tattered and faded, is more of an insult than a courtesy.

6. Can I fly all the courtesy flags I will need on a single halyard?

No, it is a significant breach of etiquette to fly multiple courtesy flags on a single halyard. You should only fly the flag of the nation you are currently in. Flying a "string" of flags implies a disrespect for each nation's sovereignty.