| Flag |
Letter |
Meaning |
 |
Alfa |
|
 |
Bravo |
 |
I am taking on, discharging, or carrying dangerous cargo |
|
 |
Charlie |
|
"Yes" or "affirmative" |
|
 |
Delta |
|
I am maneuvering with difficulty; keep clear |
|
 |
Echo |
|
I am altering my course to starboard |
|
 |
Foxtrot |
|
I am disabled, communicate with me |
|
 |
Golf |
|
I require a pilot |
|
 |
Hotel |
|
I have a pilot on board |
|
 |
India |
|
I am altering my course to port |
|
 |
Juliet |
|
I am on fire and have dangerous cargo; keep clear |
|
 |
Kilo |
|
I wish to communicate with you |
|
 |
Lima |
|
You should stop your vessel immediately |
|
 |
Mike |
|
My vessel is stopped (Not international but commonly used: Doctor on board) |
|
 |
November |
|
"No" or "negative" |
|
 |
Oscar |
|
Man overboard |
|
 |
Papa |
|
All personnel return to ship; about to sail - the Blue Peter |
|
 |
Quebec |
|
Ship meets health regs; request clearance into port |
|
 |
Romeo |
|
None (previous meaning: The way is off my ship. You may feel your way past me) |
|
 |
Sierra |
|
I am moving astern |
|
 |
Tango |
|
Keep clear (Not international but commonly used: Request for club launch) |
|
 |
Uniform |
|
You are standing into danger |
|
 |
Victor |
|
I require assistance (not distress) |
|
 |
Whiskey |
|
I require medical assistance |
|
 |
Xray |
|
Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals |
|
 |
Yankee |
|
I am dragging anchor |
|
 |
Zulu |
|
I require a tug |
|
|
 |
N + C |
|
There are many flag combinations with additional meanings. Here's one that we hope you won't have to use:I am in distress |
|
|
 |
Diver
Down |
|
The red flag with white diagonal stripe, while not international, is commonly used to indicate a diver in the water. Many states now require this flag. It is usually exhibited on a float to mark the diver's approximate location whereas the "A" flag should be used on the vessel. |
|
