A Bahamas "courtesy flag" is a small version of the Bahamian national flag that a visiting foreign vessel must fly when entering the country's waters. In 2026, maritime etiquette and international law dictate that once a boat has cleared customs and immigration, it should hoist the Bahamian flag on the starboard (right) side of the mast or the spreader. This act signals respect for the sovereignty of The Bahamas. Before a vessel is officially cleared, it must fly the "Q" (Quarantine) flag—a solid yellow flag—to show it is waiting for inspection. Once the "all clear" is given, the yellow flag comes down and the Bahamian courtesy flag goes up. Flying the flag incorrectly, or using a tattered or faded flag, is considered a sign of poor seamanship and can even result in a polite "reminder" or a fine from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. In 2026, many boaters purchase high-quality "all-weather" nylon courtesy flags to ensure they remain vibrant under the intense Caribbean sun, as this small piece of fabric is a critical component of the "rules of the road" for international sailors.