The custom of merchant ships lowering their ensigns as they pass a U.S. Navy vessel is known as what?

The custom of merchant ships lowering their ensigns when passing a U.S. Navy vessel is known as "dipping." This practice serves as a form of salute, reflecting respect and recognition between naval and merchant vessels. Dipping the ensign is a tradition rooted in naval customs and maritime etiquette, symbolizing a show of courtesy to the naval vessel, acknowledging its status and authority. This action entails lowering the flag to the waterline and then raising it back to full height, which is typically done as the vessels draw close enough for the crew to see the exchange.

While the other terms may describe actions related to flags and saluting in broader contexts, they do not specifically capture the essence of this maritime practice as "dipping" does. For instance, "saluting" often refers to an array of gestures or actions, while "lowering" and "flagging" do not denote the specific act of recognizing another vessel in this ceremonial manner. Thus, "dipping" is the precise term associated with this naval tradition.