Boat flags come in various shapes and sizes, not to mention the insignias of colorful patterns and imposing visages of figures. The symbolism of each flag pattern depends on the purpose and function of the bearer. For instance, the different navies of each country would be flying different boat flags, with the country’s flag topmost. Flags included may indicate the specific fleet or group the boat is affiliated. As for merchant vessels, you would probably see a customized flag which states the company logo. Of course we are all so familiar with the romanticized skulls and crossbones used by pirates both in lore and in real life.
Some of these boat flags are universal in nature, meaning that these flags are used by marine personnel trained to fare the oceans as a means of communication. Since boats are relatively slow but quite difficult to maneuver in tight encounters, the use of flags as coded messages is as important as the ship’s survival. Seafarers are trained to use these colored flags to signal nearby ships so that even from afar, collision may be deterred. Even with the introduction of the radar and two way radio, boat flags as signals still server their purpose well.
The real secret of boat flags lie mainly in the history the flag was used, where it was able to go, and what events it was able to witness. Unless bought locally from a store with en massed merchandise of the flag, each boat flag holds a mystery to be discovered or told, usually by the ship’s crew it sailed with. While some are tragic and foreboding of negative events, most of these flags are retired from use with pride and prestige of going places and braving the seas.