Flag Etiquette

Guess I should have explained this. Prior to entering into a country’s waters, 3-5 miles offshore, you fly that country’s flag as well as the “Q” quarantine (solid yellow) flag, which signifies you need to go through customs. Once you clear customs you lower the yellow “ Q” flag. That country’s flag is typically flown near the spreaders on the mast as a courtesy, your country’s flag off the stern.