Ensign

A flag that denotes the nationality of a vessel, typically flown at the stern of a ship or boat.

An ensign is a crucial part of maritime protocol and is used to indicate the nationality of a vessel. In most countries, ships are required to fly their national ensign when in territorial waters or when entering or leaving a port. The ensign is typically flown at the stern, which is the rear part of the vessel, and is often larger than other flags flown on board. Different types of ensigns exist, including civil ensigns for non-military vessels, naval ensigns for warships, and yacht ensigns for pleasure craft. The design of the ensign can vary depending on the country, but it generally incorporates elements of the national flag, sometimes with additional symbols or colours to distinguish between different types of vessels or services. For example, the United Kingdom has several ensigns, including the Red Ensign for merchant and civilian vessels, the White Ensign for Royal Navy ships, and the Blue Ensign for certain government vessels or yachts. Proper use of the ensign is an important aspect of maritime etiquette, and failure to display the correct ensign or to fly it in the appropriate manner can lead to misunderstandings or even legal penalties in international waters.