How do ships dip their flags as a sign of respect?

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flag shapes — flag Various shapes of flags: (from left) rectangle (Algeria), square (Switzerland), pennant (Nepal), swallowtail (Ohio, U.S.).

In maritime tradition, ships salute one another as a gesture of honor and respect by dipping their flags. This process involves running the flag slowly down from the masthead and then smartly replacing it to its original position.1

This practice is part of a broader set of flag customs used to convey specific messages or status at sea. While dipping a flag signifies respect, other actions carry different meanings: for instance, striking or lowering a flag denotes surrender, and hoisting a national ensign upside down serves as a signal of distress.1