The international maritime signal flags represent an internationally, worldwide-accepted, system of representing individual alphabet letters in signals to, or from, ships. The international maritime signal flags are component of INTERCO (International Code of Signals). Continued below; scroll down for maritime flag meanings

The flags are used by ships while at sea. A ship can use the flags to spellout messages, and, if used in combinations, the flags have special meanings (see the flags below).

Generally, flags can be used as signals through several methods, as follows: a) Each flag stands out for an alphabetic message; b) Individual flags have specific meanings; c) One or more flags can form a code

The alphabet is the same used by NATO: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, Xray, Yankee, Zulu. Actually, the alphabet was developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - and it was subsequently adopted by many other international and national organizations, some of which are NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), IMO (International Maritime Organization), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).

Meanings of International Maritime Signal Flags

  A Alpha = Diver below (when stationary); I am undergoing a speed trial

  B Bravo = I am taking on or discharging explosives

  C Charlie = (affirmative)

  D Delta = keep clear of me, I am manoevering with difficulty

  E Echo = I am altering my course to starboard

  F Foxtrot = I am disabled, communicate with me

  G Golf = I require a pilot

  H Hotel = I have a pilot on board

  I India = I am altering my course to port

  J Juliet = I am going to send a message by semaphore

  K Kilo = you should stop your vessel instantly

  Lima = you should stop, I have something important to communicate

  M Mike = I have a doctor on board

  N November = no (negative)

  O Oscar = man overboard

  P Papa = the Blue Peter - all aboard, vessel is about to proceed sea. (At sea) your lights are out or burning badly

  Q Quebec = my vessel is healthy and I request free practique

  R Romeo = the way is off my ship. You may feel you way past me

  S Sierra = my engines are going full speed astern

  T Tango = do not pass ahead of me

  U Uniform = you are standing into danger

  V Victor = I require assistance (not distress)

  W Whiskey = I require medical assistance

  X Xray = stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals

  Y Yankee = I am carrying mails

  Z Zulu = to be used to address or call shore stations