Decide
Which law sets the use of the national flag on Portuguese recreational boats?
The lesson in plain words
- The rule
- Article 14 of DL 93/2018 says that recreational boats (ER) registered in Portugal fly the national flag.
- The flag shows the nationality of the boat, and the law of that flag applies on board.
- When it is compulsory
- Boats of types 1, 2 and 3 must fly the national flag when entering or leaving any port, national or foreign.
- On a voyage they must also fly it when crossing a warship or a vessel serving the security forces of any nationality.
- In a regatta they are exempt.
- Other flags
- An owner's private flag, a club pennant (galhardete) or any other flag may only be hoisted while the national flag is flying too, except in a regatta.
- Breaking the rules of article 14 is an offence under the same decree-law.
- Where it flies
- By tradition the national flag flies at the stern, on a flagstaff, or from the backstay or gaff on a sailing boat.
- That is the place of honour.
- Keep it clean and whole: a faded or torn flag is a poor sign of seamanship.
Key data
- Law
- DL 93/2018, art. 14 (uso da bandeira nacional)
- Compulsory for
- Types 1–3: entering/leaving port, crossing a warship
- Exemption
- Regattas
- Other flags
- Only while the national flag is also flying
- Place of honour
- The stern (by tradition)
Key points
- Boats registered in Portugal fly the national flag (DL 93/2018 art. 14).
- Types 1–3 must show it entering or leaving port and when crossing a warship or security-force vessel.
- Club pennants and private flags only while the national flag flies, except in regattas.
- The national flag goes at the stern, the place of honour.
Check what you have read
A type 2 boat leaves a Spanish port for home. Must it fly the Portuguese flag?
True or false?
Decide each statement before you see the answer.
In a regatta the national flag rules still apply.
The national flag goes at the stern, the place of honour.
Types 1–3 must show it entering or leaving port and when crossing a warship or security-force vessel.
I can fly my club pennant on its own and leave the national flag stowed.
Practice case & exam keys
Situation
You take a type 3 boat out of Cascais marina, cruise along the coast and cross a Portuguese Navy patrol vessel. A friend wants to fly only the yacht club pennant, because it looks better. What does the law require?
Show the answer
A type 3 boat must fly the national flag when leaving port and, on a voyage, when crossing a warship, so it must be up when you leave Cascais and when you cross the patrol vessel. The club pennant may fly as well, but only while the national flag is also flying. Fly the national flag at the stern.
Exam keys
- DL 93/2018 art. 14: registered ER fly the national flag.
- Types 1–3: compulsory entering/leaving port and when crossing warships or security-force vessels; regattas exempt.
- Other flags only with the national flag flying (except regattas).