Courtesy Flag - Caribbean

[Tafika2]

Are courtesy flags needed in all of the caribbean? If so what minimum size(s) is required?

[Unicorn Dreams]

Yes they are required.

Most courtesy flags are about 18" to 24" on the fly

[sailorboy1]

Are courtesy flags acturally required?

[GordMay]

Yes, we really need to determine just how little courtesy, with which, we could possibly get away.

[conachair]

Bandanas from the local market work for me. Looks courteous enough from a distance and I always smile very courteously at the woman running the market stall.

[billyehh]

Some islands take it more seriously than others. This season the only island that I did not fly one was Monserrat. Its difficult to find a store there let alone a flag.

The standard for size seems to be 1/2 inch for every foot of length or 1/2 of what your ensign would be.

Right now I am flying a "Q" yellow flag while waiting for customs to open in Dominica.

[doug86]

Gord nailed it. The point is: do you want to be seen as a courteous visitor or something else?

[WoundedWarrior]

what is a courtesy flag?

[Unicorn Dreams]

Warrior
A courtesy flag is the flag of the country you are visiting that you fly AFTER you have cleared into the country..
It is flown from the starboard spreader.

[Palarran]

IMO, I think it's a nice, old tradition for boaters. I'm not sure that anyone on shore cares. Maybe for the smaller, less populated islands it's a bigger deal.

I'm in French St. Marten and my French flag tore off. I asked my friend (local Frenchie) at the marina if I should replace it and he laughed, saying that nobody cared. I'll still get another one as I like it. Has anybody ever had a local authority say anything for not having one?

[John A]

Originally Posted by Palarran

IMO, I think it's a nice, old tradition for boaters. I'm not sure that anyone on shore cares. Maybe for the smaller, less populated islands it's a bigger deal.

I'm in French St. Marten and my French flag tore off. I asked my friend (local Frenchie) at the marina if I should replace it and he laughed, saying that nobody cared. I'll still get another one as I like it. Has anybody ever had a local authority say anything for not having one?

Flying a courtesy flag showes respect to that country. Lack of respect for their country is noted by all of the locals you encounter. Your choice.
Your stay in DR will be more 'comfortable' with one.

[Palarran]

Originally Posted by John A

Flying a courtesy flag showes respect to that country. Lack of respect for their country is noted by all of the locals you encounter. Your choice.
Your stay in DR will be more 'comfortable' with one.

John, I agree that it shows respect for the country. What I have to disagree with is that ALL of the locals note it. My observation is that NONE (or near to none) of the locals note it.

Why will my stay be more "Comfortable" with one? Will I be subjected to a higher level of crime without? Will locals give me a special discount with?

Like I said, I personally like the process of courtesy flags. When my parents took us on vacations when we where kids my dad honked the horn every time we crossed a state line. It's recognition of arrival.

[Unicorn Dreams]

I've always wondered what part of COURTESY,people don't understand.

[John A]

Palarran,

You will note, I said your choice. It was my observation, based on ten years of continuaous cruising, that all locals who approcah your boat will glance up to your spreaders.
The Navy of the DR will make a point of returning to your boat to suggest that a courtesy flag should be flown to show that you have checked in.
Many officials and locals will wave to you when they pass when you are flying a courtesy flag, they won't if no flag is flown.

Feel free to disagree with me.

[Alecadi]

When in Rome, do etc...
I really don't understand all the fuss...
You put a courtesy flag, you are courteous and that's it.. where is the problem?