33 CFR § 23.01 - Basis and purpose.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s23.01"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 23.01 - Basis and purpose."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "23.01"
section_name: "Basis and purpose."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "A"
subchapter_name: "GENERAL"
part_number: "23"
part_name: "DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS FOR COAST GUARD VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "14 U.S.C. 933, 934; E.O. 10707; 3 CFR, 1954-1958 Comp., p. 364."
cfr_part: "23"
---


# 23.01 Basis and purpose.

(a) This subpart establishes instructions for the display of distinctive markings of Coast Guard vessels and aircraft, including Coast Guard ensign and commission pennant and Coast Guard emblem.

(b) Coast Guard vessels and aircraft are distinguished from other vessels and aircraft by an ensign; a personal flag, command pennant, or commissioned pennant, if so authorized; or other identifying insignia or marking.

[CGFR 57-35, 22 FR 6765, Aug. 22, 1957, as amended by CGFR 66-67, 31 FR 15239, Dec. 6, 1966]