Why can't you fly the Union Jack on a boat?
Question
You're not allowed to fly the British flag from the back of a boat in this country, but it is common everywhere else. Why is that?
Peter, Bow
Answer
** Definitive **
Name: Martin, Merston
Qualification: Sea cadet instructor
Answer: In this country - and several other - we don't use the national flag, we use an ensigns. We have three of them. The civil ensigns for merchant and pleasure vessels, which is the red flag with the Union Jack in the corner. The state ensign, which is for non-military governmental vessels, such as lifeguards, which is dark blue with the Union Jack in the corner. And naval military vessels have a white flag with the Union Jack in the corner. You can put it on the front of your ship when you're sailing out of harbour and they can't stop you.