01 ICSO Flag Setup
The ICSO flag, as the official emblem, plays a significant role in enhancing the organization’s global visibility and recognition. Whether at international events, cultural activities, or internal meetings and events, the flag serves as an essential symbol.
When using physical flags, strict adherence to the appropriate size is required. The full English and Chinese names must be clearly displayed on the flag to highlight its identity and regional characteristics. For ICSO UK (United Kingdom) and ICSO US (United States), only the English name should be used to maintain international standards.
Flag Materials: To ensure durability and visual impact, the flags are made from nylon or other high-quality non-absorbent materials. The emblem should be meticulously constructed and centered on a white background, ensuring prominence and clarity.
02 Flag Dignity
The flags of ICSO headquarters and its global branches symbolize our shared values and must not be subjected to any form of insult or degradation. When displaying these flags, great care should be taken to respect the legal regulations of the hosting country and its local cultural practices.
If the flag becomes worn out after prolonged use and cannot maintain its dignity, it must be retired in a respectful and dignified manner, showing respect for both the flag itself and the ICSO’s core values.
03 Flag Usage Guidelines
1.All ICSO headquarters and its branches must hang the ICSO flag in their buildings, offices, and properties, as well as during events and meetings.
2.Flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset during favorable weather conditions on buildings or fixed flagpoles. Flags may also be displayed at night if appropriately illuminated.
3.During meetings or events hosted outside the headquarters and offices, the ICSO flag should be raised as required, signaling that the responsibility has been transferred to ICSO until it is returned to the host country or organization.
4.During bilateral or multilateral meetings with international organizations or corporate representatives:
(1) If the ICSO flag is displayed alongside other organizational or corporate flags, all flags must be displayed at the same level and approximately the same size.
(2) When facing the audience, the place of honor is at the host’s right side. Therefore, from the audience’s perspective, the place of honor is to their left.
(3) In formal bilateral meetings, the guest organization’s flag should be given the place of honor.
5.During bilateral or multilateral meetings with representatives of sovereign nations:
(1) When displaying the ICSO flag with a national flag, the national flag shall occupy the place of honor. If necessary, the ICSO flag may be displayed at a height 15% lower than the national flag to show respect.
(2) When facing the audience, the place of honor remains to the host’s right side; from the audience’s view, to their left.
(3) During official bilateral meetings with sovereign nations, the guest country’s national flag must be given the place of honor.
(4) During multilateral meetings with multiple sovereign countries, the ICSO flag must be placed on the far left to show full respect to the nations represented.
6.Displaying Flags on Ships:
(1) The ICSO flag may only be flown on ships when used for official ICSO services and in conjunction with the national flag of the country where the ship is registered.
(2) The ICSO flag should be flown from the top of the mainmast or foremast, while the ship’s national flag should be flown from the stern or alongside the mainmast’s yardarm, unless a different practice is mandated by maritime regulations. If the ship is required to fly the national flag of the territorial waters it enters from the top of the mainmast, the ICSO flag should be flown from the foremast.
7.When Displaying Multiple ICSO Flags Together:
(1) When the ICSO Headquarters flag is displayed alongside its branches’ or other affiliate flags, the Headquarters’ flag should occupy the place of honor or the center position.
(2) If only ICSO Headquarters and its branches’ flags are displayed at the same venue, the Headquarters’ flag must be flown 15% higher than the others to express respect.
04 Prohibitions Regarding the Flag
- Under no circumstances may the ICSO Headquarters or its branches’ flags be used for commercial purposes or associated directly with any merchandise without explicit written authorization from the ICSO Headquarters Board of Directors.
- The flag or its reproduction may not be printed, embossed, engraved, or otherwise depicted on any stationery, books, magazines, journals, or any other publications unless published by or on behalf of ICSO Headquarters or its branches.
- The flag must not be displayed indiscriminately on items where formal flag usage standards do not apply.
- No emblem, badge, letter, word, graphic, design, or illustration may be placed or attached to the flag in any way to preserve its purity and solemnity.
- The flag must not be used as decoration, rolled up, folded as drapery, or misused as a curtain. The ICSO badge must always be visible, and the flag should be allowed to fall naturally in a dignified manner.
The ICSO flag is not merely a decorative icon but a symbol of profound meaning, representing shared identity, the communication of values, global visibility, and the preservation of cultural traditions. Its unique design and deep symbolic significance have fostered a strong global impact, binding ICSO’s members and supporters together. Therefore, strict compliance with all regulations regarding the flag’s usage must be maintained.