That was my experience exactly, I remember sailing from Lpool on a strath boat as for the reason you mention we flew the Blue Ensign. I automatically thought the skipper was ex R.N. not the case on our return to pay off in Avon mouth the bosun told me to go to the bridge and obtain the ensign but be sure to get the skippers decision. The skipper was on the bridge and pointed to the pigeon hole containing the red ensign his decision entirely. Lets hope that satisfies Ivan i am happy wth what you have dug up Regards to you both Terry. :thumb_ship: