FAQ
Q: Why do sailors need courtesy flags?
A: Flying the courtesy flag of the country you are visiting is a maritime tradition and, in many countries, a legal requirement for visiting vessels. Hoisting the correct flag shows respect to the host country, helps you avoid fines and makes clearing in with customs and the coast guard smoother.
Q: When and where do I fly a courtesy flag?
A: Hoist the courtesy flag when you enter the country's territorial waters and keep it flying until you leave them. Fly it from the starboard (right-hand) spreader halyard, with no other flag above it on the same halyard. Your national ensign stays at the stern. Keep the flag in good condition: a faded or torn courtesy flag can be seen as disrespectful, so replace it when it starts to look tired.
Q: What is the yellow Q flag and how do I use it?
A: The Q (Quebec) flag signals that your vessel is healthy and requests clearance (free pratique). Hoist it on the starboard spreader when you arrive in a new country, before you have cleared customs and immigration. Once you have cleared in, lower the Q flag and hoist the courtesy flag in its place. All our route sets include a Q flag.
Q: Which size should I choose?
A: Most courtesy flags come in three sizes: S 30 x 20 cm (12 x 8 inch), M 45 x 30 cm (18 x 12 inch) and L 60 x 40 cm (24 x 16 inch). As a rough guide, size S suits boats up to about 10 m (33 ft), M boats of about 10–15 m (33–50 ft) and L larger yachts. If you need a different size, message us and we will make it for you.
Q: How much does shipping cost?
A: Standard shipping is €11.99 per order, whatever the number of flags. Orders over €79 ship free. Express shipping is available at checkout if you need your flags faster. Shipping rates for the USA are shown at checkout.
Q: Do you ship worldwide?
A: Yes, we ship worldwide.
Q: How long does delivery take?
A: Delivery time depends on the destination. On average, standard delivery takes around 2 weeks. If you are leaving soon, choose express shipping or message us before ordering and we will advise on the fastest option.
Q: How much do I save with flag sets?
A: The bigger the set, the bigger the saving. Our large regional sets (18 flags or more: the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Western Europe & North Atlantic Islands, the South Pacific) and the full set of signal flags cost about 30% less than buying the same flags one by one. Sets of 11–17 flags cost about 20% less, and smaller sets of up to 10 flags about 15% less. The larger sets also qualify for free shipping.
Q: Do I need a regional flag as well, for example in the Canary Islands or the Azores?
A: The courtesy flag is always the flag of the country: Spain in the Canary Islands, Portugal in the Azores and Madeira, the USA in Hawaii, Chile on Easter Island. The regional flag is optional and is flown just below it as a friendly gesture. If you want both, our national + regional flag pairs save 10%: Canary Islands + Spain, Azores + Portugal, Madeira + Portugal, Hawaii + USA, Easter Island + Chile and Juan Fernández + Chile.
Q: How are the sets organised?
A: We offer regional sets covering every country in a cruising area, such as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean or the South Pacific, and route sets built around popular passages: the ARC from the Canaries to the Caribbean, the Atlantic islands loop, the Coconut Milk Run from Panama to Fiji and a season in the Adriatic and Greece. We also sell the full set of international maritime signal flags.
Q: Can you put together a custom set for my route?
A: Yes. Send us the list of countries at info@laivaa.com and we will prepare a set for your voyage.
Q: Can I return my flags?
A: Yes, within 30 days of purchase if the flags are unused and in their original packaging. See our refund policy for details.
Q: Do you offer discounts?
A: You don't need a code to save. Our regional and route sets already cost 15–30% less than buying the flags one by one (about 30% for the large regional sets, 15–20% for the others), national + regional flag pairs save 10%, and every order over €79 ships free. Seasonal offers are announced in our newsletter (sign up at the bottom of any page) and on our Facebook and Instagram pages.