What color is the Quarantine Flag flown when ships enter The Bahamas?

What color is the Quarantine Flag flown when ships enter The Bahamas?

• A. Quarantine Flag - Red
• B. Quarantine Flag - Yellow
• C. Quarantine Flag - Black
• D. Quarantine Flag - Blue

Answer: (B)

The color is yellow because the Quarantine Flag is the solid yellow flag used in the International Code of Signals to indicate a vessel is requesting free pratique (quarantine clearance) on entry to a port, including The Bahamas. Flying this flag signals port authorities that the ship is subject to quarantine inspection and awaiting clearance. Once clearance is granted, the flag is typically lowered or replaced with the appropriate entry signal. The other colors correspond to different, non-quarantine meanings in maritime signaling, so they don’t apply in this context.

The color is yellow because the Quarantine Flag is the solid yellow flag used in the International Code of Signals to indicate a vessel is requesting free pratique (quarantine clearance) on entry to a port, including The Bahamas. Flying this flag signals port authorities that the ship is subject to quarantine inspection and awaiting clearance. Once clearance is granted, the flag is typically lowered or replaced with the appropriate entry signal. The other colors correspond to different, non-quarantine meanings in maritime signaling, so they don’t apply in this context.