Signal Flags - Sailing Communication Theory

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Signal Flags

Theory

Flags to represent individual letters of the alphabet to aid in signalling to or from sailing vessels

International maritime signal flags is an Internation Code of Signals (ICS) system that uses flags to represent individual letters of the alphabet to aid in signalling to or from sailing vessels.

Below is a list of letters and their representing flag and meaning.

  • Signal Flags - A - Alpha
    A

    I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed. With three numerals, azimuth or bearing.

  • Signal Flags - B - Bravo
    B

    I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods. (Originally used by the Royal Navy specifically for military explosives.)

  • Signal Flags - C - Charlie
    C

    Affirmative. With three numerals, course in degrees magnetic.

  • Signal Flags - D - Delta
    D

    Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty. With two, four, or six numerals, date.

  • Signal Flags - E - Echo
    E

    I am altering my course to starboard.

  • Signal Flags - F - Foxtrot
    F

    I am disabled; communicate with me.

  • Signal Flags - G - Golf
    G

    I require a pilot. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: 'I am hauling nets'. With four or five numerals, longitude. (The last two numerals denote minutes and the rest degrees.)

  • Signal Flags - H - Hotel
    H

    I have a pilot on board.

  • Signal Flags - I - India
    I

    I am altering my course to port.

  • Signal Flags - J - Juliet
    J

    I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me, or I am leaking dangerous cargo.

  • Signal Flags - K - Kilo
    K

    I wish to communicate with you. With one numeral, I wish to communicate with you by; 1) Morse signalling by hand-flags or arms; 2) Loud hailer (megaphone); 3) Morse signalling lamp; 4) Sound signals.

  • Signal Flags - L - Lima
    L

    In harbor: The ship is under Quarantine. At sea: You should stop your vessel instantly. With four numerals, latitude. (The first two denote degrees and the rest minutes.)

  • Signal Flags - M - Mike
    M

    My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.

  • Signal Flags - N - November
    N

    Negative.

  • Signal Flags - O - Oscar
    O

    Man overboard. (often attached to the man overboard pole on boats). With a sinister hoist, the semaphore flag.

  • Signal Flags - P - Papa
    P

    The Blue Peter. In harbor: All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea. At sea: It may be used by fishing vessels to mean: 'My nets have come fast upon an obstruction'.

  • Signal Flags - Q - Quebec
    Q

    My vessel is 'healthy' and I request free pratique.

  • Signal Flags - R - Romeo
    R

    The way is off my ship. With one or more numerals, distance in nautical miles.

  • Signal Flags - S - Sierra
    S

    I am operating astern propulsion. With one or more numerals, speed in knots.

  • Signal Flags - T - Tango
    T

    Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling. With four numerals, local time. (The first two denote hours and the rest minutes.)

  • Signal Flags - U - Uniform
    U

    You are running into danger.

  • Signal Flags - V - Victor
    V

    I require assistance. With one or more numerals, speed in kilometres per hour.

  • Signal Flags - W - Whiskey
    W

    I require medical assistance.

  • Signal Flags - X - XRay
    X

    Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.

  • Signal Flags - Y - Yankee
    Y

    I am dragging my anchor.

  • Signal Flags - Z - Zulu
    Z

    I require a tug. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: 'I am shooting nets'. With one or more numerals, time (UTC). (The first two denote hours and the rest minutes.)