T&T: 2 flags , one halyard

[Gil Johnson]

I'm not why this is so confusing--maybe, it's just that I'm a simple guy.

As
I recall, all USCG Documented boats MUST display a US Ensign or US Yacht
Ensign, except while outside US territorial waters, where it must display the
US Ensign.  This should be displayed on the stern of the vessel and should be
displayed on a staff not shared with other flags.  So far, this seems pretty
straight forward.  On every trawler I've had (Nordic Tug, Monk, Nordhavn, and
Ocean Alexander) they all had a dedicated stern mounted flag staff.

For those
that have masts, the Halyards make for a great place for non-national flags
and pendants.

Foreign Courtesy Flags do not replace your national flag, which
is probably one reason they are called courtesy flags and why they have a
standard size, rather than a size that's proportional to the vessel's size. 
As pointed out, courtesy flags should be mounted on the starboard side of the
vessel and are commonly attached to halyards or antennas (when they are strong
enough to support the flag).  At no time should a coutesy flag or any other
flag for that matter, share the flag staff supporting the national flag. 
There may be exceptions here, if the mast has sufficient length to support the
national flag and a flag that can rightfully be flown in an subordinate
position to the national flag.  Because it's impossible to fly 2 flags on a
single staff in positions of relative equality, 2 national flags can never be
on the same staff without showing disrespect for one over the other.

Why make
it complicated?  Have a dedicated national flag staff mounted at the stern and
find another place for other flags and pendants.  BTW, don't blame the small
boat manufactures for not supplying a stern flag staff, they have no idea how
their boats will be used.

Gil