What does a black flag mean on a boat?

The black flag is a racing flag used to signal a driver's disqualification. In sail racing, when the black flag is displayed with the preparatory signal, a boat that is over the starting line in the minute before the starting signal is immediately disqualified without a hearing.
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What does the all black flag mean?

The text also states, “The All Black American flags have been used to mean that captured enemy combatants will be killed rather than taken prisoner.”
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What do yellow and black flags mean on a boat?

In years gone by, editions of the International Code of Signals (ICOS) did contain signals for vessels that suspected they harbored, or could be harboring, contagious diseases. In Brown's 1916 edition the L (Lima) flag (black and yellow squares) signified 'I have or had some dangerous, infectious disease on board.
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What are the main types of flags flown on boats?

1. What Are The Main Types Of Flags Flown On Boats?
  • Ensign – a variety of national flag.
  • Burgee – a flag representing a boating organization.
  • Private Signal – a small custom-made flag for the boat owner.
  • Courtesy – the flag of a foreign country for an onboard guest or when you are in foreign waters.
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What color is a distress flag?

The distress flag must be at least 3 x 3 feet with a black square and ball on an orange background. It is accepted as a day signal only and is especially effective in bright sunlight. The flag is most distinctive when waved on something such as a paddle or a boat hook or flown from a mast.
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Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag - Pro Tips for Sailing



What does a white flag mean on a boat?

COMMON ONE FLAG SIGNALS. The red-and-white flag and 'Alpha' or 'Alfa' flag both mean 'I have a diver. down; keep well clear at slow speed' Image: Michael Harpur. The diver down flag, or scuba flag, is used on the water to indicate that there is a diver below.
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What is the maritime flag for quarantine?

noun Nautical. a yellow flag, designating the letter Q in the International Code of Signals: flown by itself to signify that a ship has no disease on board and requests a pratique, or flown with another flag to signify that there is disease on board ship.
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What does orange flag on boat mean?

State law requires that boats towing person(s) on water skis or similar devices carry and use an orange or red skier-down flag, at least 12 × 12 inches in size, whenever the towed person(s) or associated equipment is down in the water.
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What does a red flag mean on a boat?

Down. The red flag with white diagonal stripe, while not international, is commonly used to indicate a diver in the water. Many states now require this flag. It is usually exhibited on a float to mark the diver's approximate location whereas the "A" flag should be used on the vessel.
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Where did black flags originate?

When and Where Did it Originate? 1861-1865 marked the beginning of the American Civil War and the origin black American flag. As a contrast to the white surrender flag, Soldiers flew the black flag. Keeping the black flag meant that the unit would not surrender and would kill any enemy combatants.
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What does a black flag tattoo mean?

The Black Flag band stood for opposition, anarchy, and rebellion. These ideas are one reason why many people have inked their skin with what may seem to be a simple and no-fuss tattoo design, but which is, in reality, a bold statement against authority and anything that tries to impose control.
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What is the flag on the back of a boat called?

An ensign is the national flag flown on a vessel to indicate nationality. The ensign is the largest flag, generally flown at the stern (rear) of the ship while in port.
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Why are there nautical flags?

Moreover, those nautical flags are an International Code of Signals whose main purpose is to provide different ways of communications in different nautical situations. Therefore, they can be used for communication between two sailboats or yachts to signal each other, or for a signalisation between boat and the shore.
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What do these flags mean when we see them displayed on a barge dredge or other working boat?

Dredges and work barges

Dredges display shapes or lights to show that they have a limited ability to manoeuvre. The safe side to pass is shown by 2 diamonds. The other side is shown by 2 balls. Work barges display a red flag and a yellow flag to signal to passing vessels to reduce their wash.
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What does a blue flag mean on a boat?

A blue-and-white International Code Flag A (or Alpha flag) must be displayed on boats involved in a diving activity.
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What flag can I fly on my boat?

A UK registered vessel should wear the national maritime flag, the Red Ensign, unless entitled to wear a special Ensign. Wearing anything other than an authorised Ensign is a violation of British and International Law.
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How do you read a boat flag?

The Nautical Flag Alphabet
  1. A: Alpha – diver down; I am undergoing a speed trial.
  2. B: Bravo – carrying dangerous cargo.
  3. C: Charlie – yes (affirmative)
  4. D: ...
  5. E: Echo – altering course to starboard.
  6. F: Foxtrot – I am disabled, communicate with me.
  7. G: Golf – I want a pilot.
  8. H: Hotel – a pilot on board.
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What flag do you fly on a boat in the Bahamas?

If US registered, fly the US Ensign on your starboard outrigger or radio antenna. When within sight of land in the Bahamas, run up the yellow quarrantine flag on the port outrigger, signifying know you are in Bahamian water and have not yet cleared.
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What flags will you raise if your vessel need a doctor?

The Q Flag

It is a flag that is hoisted inevitably by all vessels prior to entering the port to denote that the vessel is healthy and disease free and requests clearance.
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What does the black US flag with a blue stripe mean?

The “Thin Blue Line” American flag represents law enforcement and is flown to show support for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. This flag is a sign for promoting compassion and support for our nation's police officers.
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What does yellow flag on boat mean?

Medical Definition of quarantine flag

: a yellow flag hoisted by all ships to request pratique on entering a harbor, by a ship to show that it has contagious or infectious disease aboard, or by a ship that has been quarantined. — called also yellow flag, yellow jack.
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What does R over Y flag mean?

Romeo-Yankee (R over Y) proceed at slow speed when passing.
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What is a Bravo flag?

Phonetic Pronunciation: BRAH-voh. Navy & International Meaning: I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous cargo. International Code of Signal Flags have double stitched seams, finished nylon rope distance lines and ash toggles.
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