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International Maritime Signal Flags
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There are various methods that the flags can be used as signals:
  • each flag spells out a letter of an alphabetic message.

  • individual flags have specific and standard meanings; for example, Diving Support Vessel s raise the "A flag" indicating their inability to move from their current location because they have a diver underwater.

  • one or more flags form a code word whose meaning can be looked up in a code book held by both parties. An example is the Popham Numeric Code used at the Battle Of Trafalgar .

  • in Yacht Racing and Dinghy Racing , flags have other meanings; for example, the P flag is used as the "preparatory" flag to indicate an imminent start, and the S flag means "shortened course" (for more details see Racing Rules Of Sailing#Race Signal ).


NATO uses an extra set of flags to communicate specific types of messages.


LETTERS



  Image:ICS Bravosvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''B'''</div>I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods (Originally used by the Royal Navy specifically for military explosives)
  Image:ICS Charliesvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''C'''</div>Affirmative With three numerals, course
  Image:ICS Deltasvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''D'''</div>Keep clear of me I am maneuvering with difficulty With two, four, or six numerals, date
  Image:ICS Echosvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''E'''</div>I am altering my course to Starboard
  Image:ICS Foxtrotsvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''F'''</div>I am disabled communicate with me
  Image:ICS Golfsvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''G'''</div>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)
  Image:ICS Hotelsvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''H'''</div>I have a pilot on board
  Image:ICS Indiasvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''I'''</div>I am altering my course to Port
  Image:ICS Juliettsvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''J'''</div>I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me, or I am leaking dangerous cargo
  Image:ICS Kilosvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''K'''</div>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
  Image:ICS Limasvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''L'''</div>''In harbor:'' The ship is under Quarantine <br>''At sea:'' You should stop your vessel instantly With four numerals, latitude (The first two denote degrees and the rest minutes)
  Image:ICS Mikesvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''M'''</div>My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water
  Image:ICS Novembersvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''N'''</div>Negative
  Image:ICS Oscarsvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''O'''</div> Man Overboard (often attached to the ''man overboard pole'' on boats) With a sinister hoist, the Semaphore flag
  Image:ICS Papasvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''P'''</div>The ''Blue Peter''<br/>''In harbor:'' All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea<br/>''At sea:'' It may be used by fishing vessels to mean: "My nets have come fast upon an obstruction"
  Image:ICS Quebecsvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''Q'''</div>My vessel is "healthy" and I request free Pratique
  Image:ICS Romeosvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''R'''</div> The way is off my ship With one or more numerals, distance in nautical miles
  Image:ICS Sierrasvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''S'''</div> I am operating astern propulsion With one or more numerals, speed in knots
  Image:ICS Tangosvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''T'''</div> Keep clear of me I am engaged in Pair Trawling With four numerals, local time (The first two denote hours and the rest minutes)
  Image:ICS Uniformsvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''U'''</div> You are running into danger
  Image:ICS Victorsvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''V'''</div> I require assistance With one or more numerals, speed in kilometres per hour
  Image:ICS Whiskeysvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''W'''</div> I require medical assistance
  Image:ICS X-raysvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''X'''</div> Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals
  Image:ICS Yankeesvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''Y'''</div> I am experiencing a Dip
  Image:ICS Zulusvg<div Style "font-size: 200%">'''Z'''</div> I require a ')