INTERNATIONAL FLAGS AND PENNANTS

ALFA I have a diver down Keep well clear at slow speed

BRAVO I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.

CHARLIE Yes (affirmative or “The significance of the previous group should be read in the affirmative”).

DELTA Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.

ECHO I am altering my course to starboard.

FOXTROT I am disabled; communicate with me.

GOLF I require a pilot. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: “I am hauling nets”.

HOTEL I have a pilot on board.

INDIA I am altering my course to port.

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

KILO I wish to communicate with you.

LIMA You should stop your vessel instantly.

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

NOVEMBER No (negative or “The significance of the previous group should be read in the negative”). This signal may be given only visually or by sound. For voice or radio transmission the signal should be “NO”.

OSCAR Man overboard.

PAPA 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”. It may also be used as a sound to mean: “I require a pilot”.

QUEBEC My vessel is “healthy” and I request free pratique.

ROMEO

SIERRA I am operating astern propulsion.

TANGO Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling.

UNIFORM You are running into danger.

VICTOR I require assistance.

WHISKY I require medical assistance.

X RAY Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.

YANKEE I am dragging my anchor.

ZULU I require a tug. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: “I am shooting nets”.

NUMERALS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

SUBSTITUTE FLAGS

FIRST SUBSTITUTE

SECOND SUBSTITUTE

THIRD SUBSTITUTE

THE USE OF SUBSTITUTE

alphabetical flag or numeral pennant, to be repeated one or more times FOR same signal flag, alphabetical flag or numeral pennant, to be repeated one or more times

EXAMPLE CALL SIGN S S T X 4

EXAMPLE CALL SIGN S A A X 4

EXAMPLE CALL SIGN S A X X 4

How to raise the ship’s flags

Mast poopdeck

How to lower the ship’s flags

Mast poopdeck

Red Cross

Red Crescent