<P> Ensigns are usually required to be flown when entering and leaving harbour , when sailing through foreign waters , and when the ship is signalled to do so by a warship . Warships usually fly their ensigns between the morning colours ceremony and sunset when moored or at anchor , at all times when underway , and at all times when engaged in battle -- the `` battle ensign '' . When engaged in battle a warship often flies multiple battle ensigns . This tradition dates from the era of sailing vessels . Tradition dictated that if a ship lowered its ensign it was deemed to have surrendered . Masts were targets of gunfire , and the second and subsequent ensigns were flown in order to keep the ensign flying even after a mast hit . </P>
<P> Ensigns are usually required to be flown when entering and leaving harbour , when sailing through foreign waters , and when the ship is signalled to do so by a warship . Warships usually fly their ensigns between the morning colours ceremony and sunset when moored or at anchor , at all times when underway , and at all times when engaged in battle -- the `` battle ensign '' . When engaged in battle a warship often flies multiple battle ensigns . This tradition dates from the era of sailing vessels . Tradition dictated that if a ship lowered its ensign it was deemed to have surrendered . Masts were targets of gunfire , and the second and subsequent ensigns were flown in order to keep the ensign flying even after a mast hit . </P>
signal flag displayed by a vessel about to leave port
signal flag displayed by a vessel about to leave port
Ensigns
Ensigns