Question about flying the US flag

[psneeld]

https://www.usps.org/national/fecom/faq/flag/stateflag.html

It is important to point out that no matter how these laws read, the USPS ensign should never be flown on the same halyard as a state flag. Since the state flag is considered a private signal or officer flag when flown on a boat, it is not superior to the USPS ensign. If it is necessary to fly a state flag on the starboard halyard, the USPS ensign should be removed.

It should also be noted that while the U.S. Flag Code does not provide penalties for certain flag conduct, or may not govern certain practices, state laws may do so. Therefore, it is advisable to be aware of the applicable provisions of state law as well a federal law

 

[SteveK]

Years ago when I only had trailer boats, I charted a 41 Hunter out of Bellingham to tour the San Juans. It of course came with an American flag on the stern. It never occurred to me to remove or replace the flag.
In hindsight I wonder if I would have come to within 100 yards of the aircraft carrier heading out Juan de Fuca. That was a great sight looking up at a dozen or more sailors looking down.

 

[psneeld]

US flag or not, a pleasure boat isn't coming that close to a US warship nowadays...even back right after 911 you will be sheparded off long before 100 yards unless in confined waters where you will still be shadowed when closer than the patrol boat feels necessary.

 

[SteveK]

But I was on a starboard tach and they did not give me the right of way and then took the wind out of the sails as they passed by.

After 911 I would not consider it, too bad our world is going down the tubes.

 

[Hippocampus]

Yup some folks do stupid stuff. Have wondered how many check and follow notice to navigators or turn down or out the VHF when exclusion zones are broadcasted.

 

[OldDan1943]

Yup some folks do stupid stuff. Have wondered how many check and follow notice to navigators or turn down or out the VHF when exclusion zones are broadcasted.

LOL and USCG comes along side, boards your boat because you are in an exclusion zone.
Gotta keep the VHF on too.
I am reasonable sure, folks can monitor 2 channels and have at least one VHF handheld.

 

[psneeld]

The USCG may hop aboard without even calling on the radio or hitting their siren... but yes monitor 13/16 whenever in US waters...even if a secondary "dual" frequency.

 

[OldDan1943]

The USCG may hop aboard without even calling on the radio or hitting their siren... but yes monitor 13/16 whenever in US waters...even if a secondary "dual" frequency.

I think many of the freighters, once clearing the sea buoy, put on the AP and go to bed.

 

[twistedtree]

^^ This and only THIS ^^^

In the US we treat courtesy flags like bumper stickers, proudly announcing our personalities and hobbies.

There is no other answer other than above.

Everything else is merely opinion. But I particularly love the analogy to interstate US travel. Very Amero-centric thinking.

I like the bumper sticker analogy. That's what the bow staff if for. TF, AGLA, yacht club, drinks are on us, etc. pennants all go there.

 

[Hippocampus]

I think many of the freighters, once clearing the sea buoy, put on the AP and go to bed.

Or are not primarily English speakers making comms difficult. For decades now treat them like trains on a rail. They just go on their course at their speed and need to be avoided. I ask crew for at least 2-3 nm if we’re passing in front and 3-5nm if behind. Otherwise will run parallel until they go by.

Good news now is they all have AIS so even if your antenna is low you can definitely pick them up at 12-16nm and have time to stay away. Worse than freighters or even VLCCs with their large suction behind and wake is the fish boats. Often active at night and erratic courses. Some made of wood with very poor returns. Have encountered them far off shore north from PR. No AIS. Those and ocean tows on very long towing cables seem to be more frequent concerns. Cruise ships are so lite up you can see their glow in the clouds even when below the horizon.

 

[OldDan1943]

Or are not primarily English speakers making comms difficult. For decades now treat them like trains on a rail. They just go on their course at their speed and need to be avoided. I ask crew for at least 2-3 nm if we’re passing in front and 3-5nm if behind. Otherwise will run parallel until they go by.

Good news now is they all have AIS so even if your antenna is low you can definitely pick them up at 12-16nm and have time to stay away. Worse than freighters or even VLCCs with their large suction behind and wake is the fish boats. Often active at night and erratic courses. Some made of wood with very poor returns. Have encountered them far off shore north from PR. No AIS. Those and ocean tows on very long towing cables seem to be more frequent concerns. Cruise ships are so lite up you can see their glow in the clouds even when below the horizon.

I am referring to ships entering or leaving Miami and FT Lauderdale.

 

[psneeld]

I am referring to ships entering or leaving Miami and FT Lauderdale.

If they are anything but US flagged ships, the radio operator is required to speak English but only in very rudimentary ways it seems. They are not always the best watchstanders on many ships I have dealt with.

I had a heck of a time trying to do MEDEVACs from US fishing vessels and understand communications where the master or radio operator was from Chincoteague, VA or Louisiana.....

 

[Hippocampus]

Pretty much the same everywhere. Even with Jones Act there’s few US flagged vessels beyond moderate size. Again they’re on train tracts. Delaware, Chesapeake, NY/NJ etc. just avoid them and don’t expect any interaction. Even in the East River think it best to get behind some form of commercial traffic (barge or such) and match speed.