An ensign is a national flag when used at sea, in vexillology, or a distinguishing token, emblem, or badge, such as a symbol of office in heraldry. The word has also given rise to the military rank of "ensign", a rank of junior officer^[1] once responsible for bearing the ensign.

The word is derived from the Latin plural insignia.

National ensigns[link]

In nautical use, the ensign is flown at the stern of a ship or boat to indicate its nationality.^[2] Ensigns may also be flown from the gaff of a ship, and may be shifted to a yardarm when the ship is under way, where it is known as a steaming ensign. Vexillologists distinguish three varieties of a national flag when used as an ensign:

• A civil ensign (usage symbol ) is worn by merchant and pleasure vessels. In some countries the yacht ensign, used on recreational boats or ships instead of merchant vessels, differs from the civil ensign.
• A state ensign or government ensign (usage symbol ) is worn by government vessels, such as coast guard ships.
• A naval ensign (usage symbol ) is used by a country's navy.^[3]

Many countries do not distinguish between these uses, and employ only one national flag and ensign in all cases. Others (like the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan) use different ensigns. Such ensigns are strictly regulated and indicate if the boat is a warship, a merchant vessel or a yacht, for example.

If a warship goes into battle, large versions of naval ensigns (called battle ensigns) are used.

Heraldic ensigns[link]

This section requires expansion.

In heraldry, an ensign is the ornament or sign, such as the crown, coronet, or mitre, borne above the charge or arms.^{[citation needed]}

Air ensigns[link]

With the creation of independent air forces and the growth in civil aviation in the first half of the 20th century, a range of distinguishing flags and ensigns were adopted. Such ensigns may be divided into air force ensigns (such as the Royal Air Force Ensign) and civil air ensigns. Air ensigns are often light blue in colour.^[4]

Notes[link]

References[link]

• Znamierowski, Alfred (2002). The world encyclopedia of flags : The definitive guide to international flags, banners, standards and ensigns. London: Hermes House. ISBN 1-84309-042-2. 

Gallery[link]

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  Ensign of the Russian Navy

• 

  The Red Ensign as currently used for British civilian vessels

• 

  Naval Ensign of the Indian Navy

• 

  Naval ensign of Italy

• 

  United States Coast Guard ensign

• 

  Polish Navy ensign

• 

  Royal Australian Navy ensign (foreground), Royal Australian Navy jack (background)

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  Royal Australian Air Force Ensign

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  Ensign of the Imperial Japanese Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force

• 

  Spanish yacht ensign

• 

  Finnish yacht club ensign. The circled X represents the club emblem

Sean Ensign is an American singer-songwriter, born in 1972, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Early life[link]

The last of eight children, Sean Ensign was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. From an early age, he learned to appreciate the value and beauty of music. Ensign taught himself to play the piano. He took every chance that presented itself to sing. However, it was not until he began writing his own songs that he was able to fully express himself emotionally and artistically. Before releasing his first album, Ensign worked as a professional hospital intensive care nurse and as a male model.

Career[link]

Ensign started on the road to becoming a successful singer and songwriter after being signed to the label, Titan Sounds. He soon began to make waves in the music world, particularly, the Club/Dance music industry. His debut single, "It's My Life (Finally)" peaked at #35 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play and #21 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart. The follow-up single, "Without You" saw greater success peaking at #4 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play. Both songs are from his debut album, Finally which blends Hi-NRG music songs with passionate ballads. He also covered the Ace of Base song, "Everytime It Rains." Ensign's third single "Everytime It Rains" is in the works with an acustic ballad version and many Club/Dance remixes done by other producers including Hex Hector for the CD single. The remixes are being sent to DJs and clubs in both Europe and the United States.

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• Finally 2006 Titan Sounds
• Finally Reloaded 2009

Singles[link]

External links[link]

• - Sean's Official Website
• - Sean's Official Myspace