Who May Fly the U.S. Flag

• Only a vessel of U.S. registry is permitted to fly the U.S. flag. The captain, crew and owner need not be American.
  
  

Which U.S. Flag?

• The national ensign of the United States is the proper flag to fly from a U.S. vessel. The national ensign is also known as "Old Glory" or the "Stars and Stripes." It has 13 alternating red and white stripes and a blue field with 50 white stars in the upper left corner. Other U.S. ensigns and flags must follow different rules, which are laid out in the Flag Code. The national ensign is the only U.S. flag recognized in international waters.
  
  

When You Should Fly the Flag

• Your vessel should display the flag between 8 a.m. and sunset. While in port, if you leave the vessel without intending to return before sunset, you should lower and stow the flag before you leave. When entering or leaving port, you should fly the flag, weather permitting, regardless of the time of day.
  
  

Where to Display the Flag Away From Port

• As a general rule, the flag should fly at the peak of the gaff (the farthest end of the spar extending aft from the mast, if your vessel has one.
  
  If you have a sailboat, fly the flag from the tallest mast.
  
  Otherwise, display the flag from the flagstaff at the stern. If your vessel has an outboard motor or other equipment at the stern, offset the flagstaff from centerline, preferably to starboard. If there is a chance a flagstaff would interfere with the piloting of the vessel, fly the flag from a halyard rigged amidships on the after part of the superstructure. Marconi-rigged sailboats should fly the flag from the backstay, approximately two-thirds of the distance up its length.
  
  

Where to Display the Flag at Anchor

• While at anchor or at port, the flag should be flown from the stern staff.