Is it illegal to have Pirate Flag flying on a boat? I was told that it might and might not.?

Question

Is it illegal to have Pirate Flag flying on a boat? I was told that it might and might not.?

Answer 1

I've been flying one for years. Look at it this way - either it's not illegal and just good fun, or...

It's illegal. But it's a Pirate Flag, so authorities be damned. If you are worried whether flying a Pirate Flag is legal, you're not Pirate enough to fly one.

Answer 2

Probably not, but when I pull alongside, lower it because you are about to be boarded and taken!  :)

Answer 3

Better yet if you were to find a Pirate Ship like the Goonies is the booty you find legally yours? Illegal or not, anything pirate shivers my timbers. Do it, and if I see you sailing I will defiantly join your rabble. Cheers to a great question mate!

Answer 4

Not on US waters.

Answer 5

on the high seas it is a declaration of your intentions to engage a vessel to capture and take it as a prize...... the pirate flag was only run up at the last miniute before they engaged the ship they were trying to take............these.  days it is not used by the many pirate vessels operating in quite a few parts of the world...........in the old days they ran it up to frighten the ships to surrender..       it became a hanging offense in the age of p****y to fly this flag .     and if you flew it and harrassed other ships then you would be charged with p****y ( in england anyway} ...........       i know...... !!!!

Answer 6

I don’t know what country you normally sail in, but in general it is not illegal to fly the Jolly Roger.  It is still flown today by both military and civilian craft and for different reasons.  Normally, military ships will fly the Jolly Roger when returning to port after a successful combat mission where an engagement took place.  

Civilian craft will fly the Jolly Roger as a statement of independence or as an indication of a particular boating club membership.  However, I do recommend not flying the flag in the waters of countries where you are not a legal resident or have not already checked the legalities for that country.  As with any sailing issue, laws differ from country to country and you are advised to respect the laws of any country whose waters you enter.

In general, fly it and enjoy.

Answer 7

Are you engaged in acts of p****y?  Do you have proof that you aren't engaged in acts of p****y?  Fly the flag.  If it's illegal and you get busted on it it would be your first offense.  Just don't fly it in countries that you are unsure of their p****y laws.  Here in the states I don't see a problem.  In other countries if you're unsure you might lose your head.  Either way at least you'd know.

Answer 8

Arre Mate, Fly ye Jolly Roger, And Be Damnd with the Law.

No it,s not against the Law, it,s more an Expresion of who you are.

I wave to you from here.

Answer 9

Thousands of kids would be criminals if it was illegal. Of course it isn't illegal.

Answer 10

NOT A CHANCE!!!!!!!

The Skull and Cross-Bones was a flag of honour. One would argue, a dubious honour...but still it was "Bent -on the spar" to signify the pirate's persuit and intentions.  They were not vague characters. There was no surprise. There was purpose...They let you know they were coming for you.

Those are days gone bye....The Queen no longers fears p****y.

You may fly the "Jolly Roger" at will, with extreme prejudice and without fear.

Sail on.......

Answer 11

i dont think it is

but even if it is, i dont think any thing to bad would happen

you might just be told to take it down

but like i said....i dot think it is illegal

Answer 12

Fly one on my boat, and it is fun.

Haven't been boarded by the Coasties.................yet.

Answer 13

It probably depends on the country, but in the United States and Canada lots of people fly them.  You can buy them in many marine stores.  They are just a decoration.