Vessels sailing under Antigua flag are required to have on board this flag as part of flag state requirements that derive from maritime regulations in the International Code of Signals and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. These codes are published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as an ongoing effort to reinforce maritime safety procedures and communications to the international maritime community. Fleet management companies and ship owners are responsible to ensure that each vessel in their respective fleets have the appropriate flag signage onboard to be in compliance. This flag is used to identify the flag state a vessel is sailing under and to communicate with other vessels under the provisions of the International Code of Signals.

Antigua's flag was designed by an art teacher named Sir Reginald Samuel. It was officially adopted in 1967. The reason he created the design was because of a contest that was held in order to celebrate Antigua's independence. Out of 600 entries, his was the winner.

The flag features an upside down triangle at the top along with three horizontal bands. These bands are black, blue, and white. At the bottom of the triangle (top of the flag) is a sun. This sun is symbolic of the dawning of a new ear.

Each color of the flag carries with it a separate meaning. Red symbolizes the people's energy and the blood of their ancestors. Blue represents hope. Black represents the African ancestry of the people of Antigua. The design is in the shape of a "V" which represents "Victory at last."

Having trouble finding a flag are looking for? E-mail our team at sales@amnautical.com for information on our flag collection!