The flag consists of a British red ensign with the coat of arms of Jersey surmounted by a Plantagenet crown.

This lack of a unique civil ensign for Jersey — and the fact that fellow Channel Island Guernsey had one[3][4] — led Jersey's maritime authorities to request a unique Jersey red ensign be created,[2] and a proposal was produced after discussions with the Garter King of Arms and the British College of Arms.

[5] The Queen granted consent for the design in April 2010[4] and the States of Jersey opened a public consultation for the new ensign.

The Economic Development Minister, Alan Maclean, stated that adoption of the new Jersey Red Ensign would be voluntary and Jersey registered vessels could continue to fly the British red ensign if they wished to.

[6] Owners of unregistered ships would be obliged to register them should they wish to use the new Jersey Red Ensign.