Australia – RAN Ensign Flag

The Australian Red Ensign is an official flag of Australia and is proclaimed under the Flags Act 1953. The Australian Red Ensign is generally only flown at sea by Australian registered merchant ships or on land by organisations and individuals for ceremonial purposes such as Merchant Navy Day.

Before 1967, the RAN used the British White Ensign. The Australian White Ensign was adopted to create a distinctively Australian naval flag, preventing confusion with British ships. 

The design was approved in 1966 and officially entered service in 1967.

The hoisting and lowering of the ensign, along with the Australian National Flag, are part of the “Colours” and “Sunset” ceremonies conducted at morning and evening in port.