Hey sorry to jump over on your threads. I was asked by a citizen that was getting his boat ready for the summer if he could fly a Johnny Rodgers on his boat? He was told by another citizen that it was illegal to fly the Johnny Rodgers. I couldn't find any USC or anything that would say it was illegal. I was wondering what the experts would say and if it was could you point me in the right USC that I could show him that it was illegal. Thanks alot for your help.

I was told that too. One guy I remember saying that was a LT in the Florida Marine Patrol.

We saw them all the time down in the Florida Keys. I never gave them much concern as a Customs Marine Enforcement Officer.

I think most officers would be more concerned with any pirate-like actions, not some goofy flag.

Don

jolly roger perhaps? Never heard it called a johny rodgers before...is that what the cool kids are calling it these days? They never tell me anything anymore.

While piracy is an international crime, I can't see any AUSA etc taking that case on the grounds of simply flying a flag. Don's right, they're all over KW and just about any other place with a sizeable boating public. I might give the master a hard time about it in good fun, but thats it.

right Jolly Rodgers.. I am from a land locked state so forgive me. And my family has been Army since the 1600's in until WW2 and then we went Air Force so I know how to swim that is about it.
I didn't think any DA anywhere would actually file a case, but then I didn't want to tell him go ahead and do something illegal also. That was why I was wondering if there actually was a USC on it. Then I could say "well your not supposed to....but your probably safe anyway....so you have been warned.".
Thanks for your answers

I look at it this way, if there is a law against displaying the Jolly Roger and anyone really is hard up to enforce it, then I guess the U.S. Navy has some explaining to do.



Don

Tell your buddy to get on down to the Gasparilla Pirate Festival held every year in Tampa Bay. Important tip: bring plenty of beads. If he's ever been to Marti Gras, he understand the value of the beads.



Don

Info on Gasparilla - gasparillapiratefest.com/index_event.shtml

Well, if displaying it is illegal, someone's going to have to arrest the TB Bucs...

Flying the Jolly Roger is NOT illegal. Only acts of, attempts of, or conspiracy of piracy is illegal. HUGE MYTH!

Besides there is no Such thing as a singular pirate flag, each pirate had their own unique "Jolly Roger". The common Skull and Crossbones has not been broke in anger for nearly 350 years.

Interesting question.

I sit next to the Senior MST and the Senior MSS(E/D) in the CG. The consensus was that their are likely still some laws on the books (like the blue laws) against it, but like all other blue laws, just not enforced.