Test your nautical flag knowledge

A flag guide illustrating everything there is to know about the flags of the world including what a flag is, which flags are the most popular, as well as the significance of all the different flags of the world.

NAVA is a scholarly, non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the pursuit of Vexillology, the scientific study of flag history and symbolism. Its members come from all fields of vexillology, including flag collectors and historians, government officials, museum directors, flag dealers and manufacturers, writers, designers, and teachers, as well as those interested in flags as a hobby.

Diagram of the position of flags in the semaphore system.

While the United States Flag Code, USC Title 4, Chapter 1, provides general guidelines for the display of the U.S. flag, nautical flag display is based on long-standing traditions that date back over 300 years. The United States Power Squadrons, the worlds largest boating educational organization, developed an updated code for displaying flags on boats in 1998. This code, devised in consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, New York Yacht Club, and other yachting authorities, eliminates confusion and will help you show proper respect for each flag and pennant you fly.