There is now a new command live that I hinted at earlier.
You can now use SHIP FLAG on your ship. If you're not the Captain, this only displays which flag the captain is flying. The Captain has to go to the Crow's nest to use this command.
This flag is for mechanical use only.

White flag 20% chance.
No Flag: 30% chance.
Black flag: 40% Chance.

White flag 5 minute encounter immunity after sinking an enemy ship.
No Flag 4 minute encounter immunity after sinking an enemy ship.
Black Flag 3 minute encounter immunity after sinking an enemy ship.


The command has a 15 minute cooldown per use.

Retser, SGM