You may have noticed the flags flying on the mast at the bow. We display four flags. By law (if 20-metres or longer), a vessel must display at the stern the flag of the country in which it is registered. Instead of flying the Dutch flag (as Aleau is registered in The Netherlands), we fly the Canadian flag. At 19.9-metres long, I’m hoping we’re not breaking any maritime law.
What may be more important, is that vessels must, at the bow, fly the flag of the country in which it is operating. This is called a “courtesy flag.” (I think the French might be quicker to notice the absence of their flag at the bow than question the Canadian flag at the stern.)
As a matter of courtesy, we also fly the Burgundian flag (as that is the part of France in which we reside and cruise). Below the Burgundian flag is the VNF flag. There is no requirement to fly this – but I think it shows a recognition of the work the VNF does and is a nod to the lock keepers who help us.
Below the French flag is the Dutch Barge Association burgee. It tells other bargees that we have things in common – membership in the DBA and the ability to converse in English.
