There are 39 flags:- 26 letters - 10 numerals - 3 substitute flags
They are used to indicate different conditions of the ship and any activities they may be engaged in
The Answering pennant is used to indicate that the signal has been received.
Substitute Flags are used in a situation where you need to show more than one of the flags that you've already used.
e.g. a ship displaying the flags - A - B - C - B -
could display them using - A - B - C - second subst' -
the second substitute flag indicating - repeat second flag.
There are also several special flags that are used.
| Phonetic Alphabet | Single-letter Signal | ||
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| A | ALPHA pronounced AL FAH |
 |
I have a diver down Keep clear |
| B | BRAVO pronounced BRA VOH |
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I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous goods |
| C | CHARLIE pronounced CHAR LEE |
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Yes, affirmative or 'The significance of the previous group should be read in the affirmative' |
| D | DELTA pronounced DELL TAH |
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Keep clear of me, I am manoeuvring with difficulty |
| E | ECHO pronounced ECK OH |
 |
I am altering my course to starboard |
| F | FOXTROT pronounced FOKS TROT |
 |
I am disabled. Communicate with me |
| G | GOLF pronounced GOLF |
 |
I require a pilot, When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: I am hauling nets |
| H | HOTEL pronounced HOH TELL |
 |
I have a pilot on board |
| I | INDIA pronounced IN DEE AH |
 |
I am altering my course to port |
| J | JULIET pronounced JEW LEE ET |
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I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board, keep well clear of me |
| K | KILO pronounced KEE LOH |
 |
I wish to communicate with you |
| L | LIMA pronounced LEE MAH |
 |
You should stop your vessel instantly. |
| M | MIKE pronounced MIKE |
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My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water |
| N | NOVEMBER pronounced NO VEM BER |
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No, negative or 'The significance of the previous group should be read in the negative'. This signal may only be given visually or by sound |
| O | OSCAR pronounced OSS CAH |
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Man overboard |
| P | PAPA pronounced PAH PAH |
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In harbour: 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' |
| Q | QUEBEC pronounced KEH BECK |
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My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique Pratique is the permission to enter port, given to an overseas vessel, even though the vessel remains under quarantine control. |
| R | ROMEO pronounced ROW ME OH |
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(no single letter meaning) |
| S | SIERRA pronounced SEE AIR RAH |
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I am operating astern propulsion. The significance of this signal is as likely to be "I am slowing down" as it is to be "I am about to gather sternway". |
| T | TANGO pronounced TANG GO |
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Keep clear - I am engaged in pair trawling |
| U | UNIFORM pronounced YOU NEE FORM |
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You are running into danger |
| V | VICTOR pronounced VIK TAH |
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I require assistance |
| W | WHISKEY pronounced WISS KEY |
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I require medical assistance |
| X | X-RAY pronounced ECKS RAY |
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Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals |
| Y | YANKEE pronounced YANG KEY |
 |
I am dragging my anchor |
| Z | ZULU pronounced ZOO LOO |
 |
I require a tug. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: 'I am shooting nets' |
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| 1 | pronounced WUN |  |
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| 2 | pronounced TOO |  |
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| 3 | pronounced TREE |  |
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| 4 | pronounced FOWER |  |
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| 5 | pronounced FIVE |  |
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| 6 | pronounced SIX |  |
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| 7 | pronounced SEVEN |  |
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| 8 | pronounced AIT |  |
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| 9 | pronounced NINER |  |
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| 0 | pronounced ZERO |  |
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| First Substitute |  |
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| Second Substitute |  |
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| Third Substitute |  |
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| Answering |  |
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| Emergency |  |
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| Port |  |
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| Starboard |  |
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| Church |  |
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| Preparative |  |
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| Interrogative |  |
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| Negative |  |
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