|
Civil Ensign |
The flag flown by a civilian vessel from
its ensign mast - the mast at the stern of the vessel - or from its
rear-most-mast.
This flag is also known as a merchant ensign as it is the flag used
by merchant vessels. |
|
Government Ensign |
The flag flown by government-owned
vessels which are not part of the navy.
Most countries do not have separate government ensign and government
vessels use the civil ensign. |
|
Jack |
The flag flown at the bow (or front) of
a vessel. |
|
National Flag |
The flag flown by citizens of the
country and is usually used to represent the country abroad. Some
countries use the state flag instead. Many countries only have
national flags. |
|
Naval Ensign |
The flag flown by naval vessels and
often at naval bases. Naval ensigns often take the form of the
national flag in the canton of either a plain colored flag or a
simple cross flag. |
|
State Flag |
The flag flown by government and on
diplomatic missions overseas. It often consists of the national flag
with the addition of the country's coat-of-arms or emblem. Most
countries do not have a separate state flag. |
|
Vexillology |
The study of flags and flag-related
matters. Vexillology is derived from the latin word vexilum, meaning
a standard. |
