The national flag is compulsory and must be fixed on the top of the mizzen mast (for sailing boats with several masts), or at the back of the boat, on a specific flagstaff or mast, slightly inclined towards the back. Ideally, it should be attached to a halyard to be raised in case of a salute. " Not many people know this, but the national flag must be fixed so that when there is no wind, the canvas must be flush with the water, explains Jean-Pierre Clech, member of the Board of Directors of Le Marin Breton. It must be proportional to the size of the boat and be the largest flag on board. It is compulsory, because the boat is a part of the national territory and must therefore be in the colors of its country to indicate its belonging to it.
For the record, you should know that the captain is the only master on board and has all the capacities, including the ability to enforce order on the boat by force, explains Jean-Pierre Clech.
Another obligation, the national flag must respect a certain proportion of color. For the French flag :
- the blue must occupy 30% of the width,
- white 33
- and red 37%.
These proportions are so defined, because when the flag flies in the wind, it is necessary to respect an equal distribution of the three colors, because the blue is seen more than the red since it is attached to the mast.
Be aware that it is very rare for boaters to fly a properly sized flag that respects these proportions. Most national flags are those used for town halls and not for boats.
Regulation in the new Division 240, which came into effect on 1 January 2009, the er may 2015, it is stipulated that the national flag must be worn in international waters (it was not before) as well as on Sundays, holidays and legal holidays, when there is someone on board. When the boat is no longer occupied, the flag must be collected. Finally, it must be hoisted at daybreak (8:00 a.m.) until 8:00 p.m. or sunset. At sea, it must be hoisted to identify the boat, i.e., at the entrances and exits of the port and in view of warships, French or foreign vessels, surveillance vessels or maritime police.
