There are three principal flags, known as Ensigns, hoisted by Australian registered vessels. They are as seen above, the Australian White Ensign flown by the Australian Navy vessels, the Australian Blue Ensign flown by Australian Government vessels which are not entitled to hoist the Australian White Ensign, and the Australian Red Ensign flown by merchant navy vessels, non-government vessels and private craft such as yachts.
Australian vessels may be allowed to hoist the Australian Blue Ensign while under Australian Government Orders which would be issued in writing, known as a Warrant, to an individual ship. Individual Masters may also hoist the Australian Blue Ensign if they have been issued an individual Warrant by the Australian Government for the period of their command of that individual vessel. On that Masters departure from the vessel that vessel would resume flying the Australian Red Ensign. These differences are important at sea because the vessels status may be instantly seen from the Ensign hoisted.
Finally the Australian Blue Ensign is the National Flag of Australia and is flown in the superior position to any other flags hoisted in Australia either at sea or ashore.
Good Watch.
Comments