Sea flag
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/FIAV_000011.svg/100px-FIAV_000011.svg.png)
The flag that ships as the national flag is called the sea flag .
overview
In flag studies, a distinction is made between the trade flag for civilian ships and the naval war flag for warships. In addition, there are occasionally separate versions for different authorities, such as customs or the post office. Spain also has its own flag for yachts .
The design of the sea flag can be very different from the other common national flag. However, some countries simply use the same flag at sea as they do on land, add the national coat of arms or other symbols, or just change the aspect ratio or shape, for example to a flag with a dovetail . It is also widespread to place the national flag in the jack of the flag , following the British model .
Germany
The German merchant flag corresponds to the usual ashore Civil flag . Ships that sail on behalf of the federal government and are manned by civilians carry the federal service flag , warships of the German Navy the federal service flag of the naval forces .
Austria
In Austria no distinction is made between flags for use on land and at sea.
Switzerland
Swiss ships carry a rectangular version instead of the usual square Swiss flag.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Flags of the World: Yachts Ensign (Spain) , accessed December 2, 2012