Fishing trawlers at the seaport fly colourful flags alongside the national flag, adding a vibrant touch to the busy harbour. But these flags are more than decoration—they can serve as a means of communication and safety at sea. When distance makes verbal or radio communication difficult, signal flags can convey specific messages about a vessel’s activities, status, or hazards. The national flag also identifies the vessel’s country of registration.
Photo: Hussain Shetu
