Hotel (H)
maritime signalsmaritimesignal flagnavigation
The Hotel flag is divided vertically into white on the left and red on the right. It indicates that a pilot is on board the vessel. Often flown when entering or leaving port, this flag tells other vessels and port authorities that the ship is under the guidance of a qualified local pilot who knows the harbor's channels and hazards.
In the age of sail, a ship approaching port without a pilot flag could be denied entry or even fired upon by harbor defenses, as unidentified vessels were treated with great suspicion.
Adopted: 1857
