Research vessel Capella (Larger version opens in new window) Source: Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie Research vessel Capella

Based on Section 6 (2) and Section 14 (2) of the Flag Act, since 13 March 1973 special rules for flag displays of the ships of the Federal Transport Administration apply (published in the Federal Ministry of Transport Gazette 1973, vol. 11, p. 370):

1. Ships are to fly the federal institutions flag rather than the federal flag.

2. Sea-going ships have a flag certificate to indicate their right to fly flags. This certificate should be on board at all times. Inland waterways vessels do not require a flag certificate.

3. The federal institutions flag is flown

a) on ships under way,

on the bridge flagstaff and, as a rule, as long as the flag is visible. In the absence of a bridge flagstaff, the federal institutions flag should be flown from the gaff; in the absence of a gaff, it should be flown from the stern flagstaff;

b) on ships moored or at anchor,

I) from 8:00 until sunset, but no later than 21:00, from the stern flagstaff. In the absence of a stern flagstaff, the federal institutions flag should be flown from the bridge flagstaff; in the absence of a bridge flagstaff, it should be flown from the gaff;

II) before sunset or from 21:00 to 8:00 only on special occasions at the discretion and on the order of the ship’s master or captain.

4. On ships moored or at anchor, in addition to the federal institutions flag the jack may be flown from the bow flagstaff during the same time as the federal institutions flag.

5. Staff transport and inspection vessels should fly the federal institutions flag when on duty. Construction and other equipment and the like should fly flags only on special instruction.

Research vessel Komet (Larger version opens in new window) Source: Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie Research vessel Komet

6. While the Federal President is on board, his or her standard should be flown from the masthead. If no standard is available, the federal institutions flag should be flown instead.

7. While the Federal Chancellor or Federal Minister of Transport is on board, the federal institutions flag should be flown from the masthead.

8. Sea-going ships of the Federal Transport Administration may salute as customary in international maritime practice by dipping the federal institutions flag on the stern flagstaff, bridge flagstaff or gaff once. A salute received by sea-going Federal Transport Administration vessels from other vessels or from land should be returned in the form prescribed above.

9. In case of mourning, which requires a special order except for the Day of National Mourning, the federal institutions flag and the jack, if flown, should be flown at half-mast.

10. The Federal Minister of Transport issues individual decrees governing flag displays for special occasions; No. 3 (b) (2) shall remain unaffected.