Echo (E) is a square flag divided horizontally: blue over red.
Context matters with the E Flag.

  • Under International Code of Signals (ICS): It means “I am altering my course to starboard.”
  • Under Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS): It indicates an additional mark has been placed on the course (as defined by the Regatta’s Sailing Instructions).

Echo communicates intent within the rule system governing the situation.

1) Physical Description

Shape:
Square signal flag.

Pattern:
Horizontally divided into two equal bands.

Orientation:

  • Top half: Blue
  • Bottom half: Red

There are no symbols, letters, or emblems. The division is a clean horizontal line across the center.

When hoisted correctly:

  • Blue must be on top.
  • Red must be on bottom.
  • The flag must fly clear and not be inverted.

Visibility Considerations:
The strong contrast between blue and red provides good daylight visibility. Proper size selection relative to vessel size and viewing distance is necessary for recognition.

Similar Flags – No Confusion Confirmed:
Echo is not swallow-tailed.
Echo is not vertically divided.
No other International Code of Signals (ICS) flag shares this exact horizontal blue-over-red configuration.

2) Color Specification

ICS publications specify color names (e.g., “blue,” “red”) but do not publish official digital hex codes. The following are widely accepted maritime approximations for digital and print consistency:

ColorMaritime NameApproximate Hex Code
BlueSignal Blue#003F87
RedSignal Red#C8102E

Hex values are approximations for digital media only. Fabric flags may vary slightly depending on manufacturer and dye standards.

3) Official International Code of Signals (ICS) Meaning

ICS Meaning (Single-letter signal):

“I am altering my course to starboard.”

Plain-Language Explanation:
A vessel displaying Echo is communicating that it is turning to the right (starboard).

Operational Context:
Echo is a maneuvering signal used to indicate navigational intent to nearby vessels. It supplements, but does not replace, required sound signals under COLREG Rule 34 when applicable.

Echo communicates intent. It does not assign right-of-way.

4) Boundary Statements

What Echo Does NOT Mean

Echo does not:

  • Indicate distress.
  • Signal a request for assistance.
  • Grant right-of-way.
  • Override traffic separation schemes.
  • Replace required navigation lights or sound signals.
  • Automatically signal a race course change.

What Echo Does NOT Authorize

Echo does not authorize:

  • Violation of COLREGs.
  • Failure to maintain proper lookout.
  • Unsafe maneuvering.
  • Deviation from published Sailing Instructions in a regatta.

Rule System Separation

  • ICS Meaning: “I am altering my course to starboard.”
  • COLREGs: Govern right-of-way and maneuvering obligations. Echo does not supersede COLREG rules.
  • Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS): May assign a different meaning when displayed by a race committee vessel.

These systems are independent. Meaning depends on context and governing authority.

5) Commercial Sailing Use

In commercial navigation, Echo may be used to visually indicate a starboard alteration in:

  • Harbor approaches
  • Inland waterways
  • Traffic separation zones
  • Restricted visibility (in combination with sound signals)

Liability and Rule Hierarchy

Displaying Echo:

  • Does not shift collision liability.
  • Does not relieve the vessel from complying with COLREG Rules 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, or 17.
  • Does not replace required whistle signals under Rule 34.

Echo is informational only. Safe navigation responsibility remains with the vessel operator.

6) Racing and Regatta Management Use

Does Echo Have an RRS Meaning?

Yes.

Under the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), when displayed by the race committee, Echo commonly means:

An additional mark has been placed on the course.

This meaning is separate from the ICS maneuvering signal.

Clear Distinction

  • ICS (Navigation): Altering course to starboard.
  • RRS (Race Management): An additional mark has been added to the course.

The Sailing Instructions (SI) govern how Echo is used in a specific event. Competitors must follow the SI and RRS.

Echo displayed by a race committee vessel during a regatta is interpreted under RRS, not ICS.

7) Informal or Local Uses (Non-Standard)

Some local fleets may:

  • Refer to Echo as the “extra mark flag.”
  • Use it in training scenarios to simulate race management adjustments.

These uses are non-standard and derive authority only from the organizing authority’s Sailing Instructions.

No widely recognized non-standard commercial meanings exist.

8) Real-World Commercial Scenario

A commercial vessel is navigating a congested harbor channel. A crossing vessel is approaching from port. The master intends to alter course to starboard to align with the channel and increase passing distance.

Echo is hoisted as the vessel begins the maneuver, supplementing the required whistle signal.

The display communicates intent but does not alter right-of-way obligations under COLREG Rule 15.

9) Real-World Regatta Scenario

During a windward-leeward race, the race committee determines that an additional offset mark is required to improve fleet flow at the weather mark.

The committee boat displays Echo in accordance with the Sailing Instructions.

Competitors understand that an extra mark has been added to the course and round it as required.

In this context, Echo has no ICS maneuvering meaning. It functions solely as a race management signal under RRS and the event’s Sailing Instructions.

10) Concise Summary

Echo (E) is a square flag divided horizontally: blue over red.

  • Under ICS: It means “I am altering my course to starboard.”
  • Under RRS: It indicates that an additional mark has been placed on the course (as defined by Sailing Instructions).

Echo communicates intent within the rule system governing the situation.

Authority comes from context and rule hierarchy, not assumption.

About This Project

This series, The Sailing Flags, is designed to explore the full range of maritime flags used in commercial operations and racing, from Alpha to Zulu. Each article focuses on one flag, its official meaning, real-world usage, and practical examples, providing a clear resource for sailors, race committees, and maritime professionals.

I am also using this project as a personal learning journey. Each day, I explore different presentation and storytelling techniques with the help of AI tools, from writing and research to visuals and video production, programing, sound generation, along with data collection & assembly.

My goal is to learn how to communicate complex maritime information effectively while experimenting with new creative tools.

About Keith

Keith Harper is a recreational sailor primarily sailing out of Privateer Yacht Club near Chattanooga, Tennessee. His love of sailing began in 2011 with sailing lessons through Privateer’s Adult Learn-To-Sail program using Flying Scots as a training boat. He quickly advanced to club racing, Regattas, and eventually open ocean sailing as delivery crew on vessels as large as 137′ traveling between Newport R.I., Bermuda, and Tortola BVI.

Keith has served on countless race committees in positions ranging from Safety Boat through PRO.

This Sailing Flag Project is his way of giving back to the sailing community.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, sailors should always consult the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), the International Code of Signals, the Racing Rules of Sailing, and the applicable Sailing Instructions issued by the organizing authority or race committee.

In the event of any discrepancy, the official rules and instructions in force at the time shall take precedence.