In a swapping of stereotypical roles, an American ferry company took the time to apologize to Canadians after a slip up Sunday morning.

鈥淓arlier this morning on Sunday, March 23, the Canadian flag was unintentionally raised upside down as part of our routine practice of raising the Canadian flag as we approach the Inner Harbour of Victoria," Black Ball Ferry Line said on social media. 鈥淎s soon as we became aware of our mistake, it was fixed immediately so that the flag flew correctly.鈥�

The flag flown upside down is a common political protest symbol and against the official rules governing Canadian flag use. Protocols for indoor, outdoor and pole requirements are all outlined online at .

As far as boats go, foreign vessels may fly the Canadian flag as a 鈥渃ourtesy flag鈥� when they are berthed in a Canadian port. The flag then is customarily flown from the foremast, nearest the bow of the ship.

The general rules governing the use of the national flag in Canada by merchant vessels and pleasure craft include having it flying when entering and leaving a port or harbour, when anchored or moored in a port or harbour, and when sailing in Canadian territorial waters.

Many residents across the nation are buying and flying new flags in the face of U.S. tariffs.

The national flag will always be flown on its own flagpole, with the sleeve nearest to the pole. The canton should be placed in the position nearest the top of the flagpole or mast. It is improper to fly the national flag with another flag, of any type, on the same flagpole.

If flown on a flag rope 鈥� or halyard 鈥� either horizontally or at an angle, the flag should be the same as a flagpole with the canton raised as closely as possible to the top with the flag rope taut.

When displayed at an angle from a window or balcony, the flag is not considered to be hanging vertically and should be hung in the same way that it would be hung from a pole. It should have the sleeve nearest to the pole and the canton in the position nearest the top of the flag pole. The top point of the maple leaf should be pointing outward from the building, and its stem toward the building.