Tim wrote:
About the only thing I can think of that would attract the attention of
the USCG by one flying a "Jolly Rodger" is what may accompany the flag,
like... trying to mount a .50 cal Browning (Ma-Duce) on the bow, or
fiddling around with a LAWS rocket.

But still, I think the flag would become second order


Consider this scenario.

You're assigned to a USCG safety patrol and responsible for boarding
recreational boats to inspect for compliance with safety regulations.
About the only way that your supervisor will be able to tell, for sure,
that you didn't spend the afternoon in a dockside watering hole will be
if you return with some citations and warnings written for various
infractions.

You put the glasses on three boats. The first looks pretty shipshape.
Fenders and lines are properly stowed, there's a USCG Auxiliary
inspection decal from just a year ago in the window, the national
ensign is properly displayed, and two kids visible on deck are both
wearing pfd's. The burgee flying from the jackstaff reminds you that
your commanding officer will be giving a speech at the particular
club's next general meeting.

The second is closer to, or maybe slightly below average. One fender is
hanging over the gunwale, the canvas cover on the dinghy is flapping
loose at a corner, nobody on deck is wearing a pfd, there are an
alarming number of people partying on the flybridge and you have to
wonder whether that brown bottle in the helmsman's fist contains root
beer or something stronger. There is a national ensign, properly
displayed.

The third is almost exactly like the second. But there is no ensign.
That's not a violation of course because nothing requires a boater to
fly the ensign. However, flying from a transom staff is a fresh out of
the dime store package "pirate flag" instead.

If you were hoping to write as many citations or warnings as possible,
which of these three
vessels would you choose to board? To me, the pirate flag would be a
tip off that the owner of the boat was taking an exceptionally
frivolous approach to the pastime. I'd start with the boat where all
the drunks thought they were pirates, but that's just my opinion. Your
mileage may vary.