Final answer:
The ensign on a ship at sea is typically flown from the stern, serving as both identification and a symbol of national pride.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a ship is at sea, the ensign is customarily flown from its stern (the rear part of the ship). This tradition stems from maritime practices that have evolved over centuries where ships display their national flag as a form of identification and as a matter of national pride.
specific location for the ensign can vary slightly depending on the type of ship and its rigging, but the stern is the most common location for flying the flag when a vessel is in open waters.
The ensign on a ship is flown from the stern, which is the back of the ship. It is usually displayed on a flagpole or mast. The ensign represents the nationality of the ship and is used to distinguish different countries at sea.
For example, an American ship would fly the American flag as its ensign.