B12

Since the days of Christopher Columbus it has been a tradition for a ship to fly a flag showing what nationality it is.

NATION

B13

More recently, this has become a legal requirement.

REQUIRE

B14

Almost every country in the world has its own different flag, called an 'ensign', which is flown at sea. Some countries have two ensigns:

DIFFER

B15

one for private boats and one for ships carrying a cargo of commercial products. A boat in the waters of a foreign country should always fly two

flags: its own ensign and the flag of the foreign country.

COMMERCE

B16

To not fly the other country's flag traditionally meant you had not come in peace.

TRADITION

B17

Even today, the rules regarding the flying of flags on boats and ships are often strictly enforced.

REGARD

B18

Ensigns should not be confused with flags used for signalling. With these flags, there is one flag for every number and letter of the alphabet and

each flag has an additional meaning when used on its own.

MEAN