International Code of Signals

The International Code of Signals were first published in 1931 and have been used every since. Each flag has a specific meaning and by flying a sequence of flags together you can send a very specific message. These flags are a great means of communication when the sender and receiver do not speak the same language.

A Alpha - I have a diver down. Keep clear and pass at low speed.
B Bravo - I am loading or unloading or carrying dangerous goods.
C Charlie - Yes-confirming a preceding signal.
D Delta - Keep clear. I am maneuvering with difficulty.
E Echo - I am altering course to starboard.
F Foxtrot - I am disabled communicate with me.
G Golf - I require a pilot. On a fishing vessel I am hauling in nets.
H Hotel - I have a pilot on board.
I India - I am altering course to port.
J Juliet - I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep clear.
K Kilo - I wish to communicate with you.
L Lima- You should stop your vessel immediately.
M Mike- My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
N November - No or negative- in response to a preceding signal.
O Oscar - Man overboard.
P Papa - I am about to put to sea.
Q Quebec - My vessel is healthy and I request clearance to come into port.
R Romeo - Single letter code R has no allocated meaning.
S Sierra - I am moving astern under power.
T Tango - Keep clear. I am engaged in trawling.
U Uniform - You are running into danger.
V Victor - I require assistance.
W Whisky - I require medical assistance.
X X-ray - Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.
Y Yankee - I am dragging my anchor.
Z Zulu - O require a tug. On a fishing vessel I am laying nets.

AP-CF - Answering Pennant-Code Flag. Flown to the end or acknowledge a message and show that the international code flags are being used.
0 to 9 - Pennants indicating numerals.
FS - First substitute- for the first flag in the hoist.
SS - Second substitute- for the second flag in the hoist.
TS - Third substitute- for the third flag in the hoist.

The information provided here has been reproduced courtesy of Online Store Inc. Wholesale Marine reproduced this information 07/27/2009.