International Code of Signals - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.

org/wiki/International_Code_of_Signals

Letter/
Meaning when used with
Phonetic Flag ICS Meaning as Single Flag
Numeric Complements
Name

A "I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow

Azimuth or bearing
Alfa speed."

"I am taking in or discharging or carrying

B
dangerous goods." (Originally used by the Royal
Bravo
Navy specifically for military explosives.)

C
"Affirmative."[a][b] Course in degrees magnetic
Charlie

D "Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with

Date
Delta difficulty."

E
"I am altering my course to starboard."[b]
Echo

F
"I am disabled; communicate with me."
Foxtrot

"I require a pilot." Longitude (The first 2 or 3 digits

G
By fishing vessels near fishing grounds: "I am denote degrees; the last 2 denote
Golf
hauling nets." minutes.)

H
"I have a pilot on board."
Hotel

I
"I am altering my course to port."[b]
India

"I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board:

J keep well clear of me."
Juliet or
"I am leaking dangerous cargo."
"I wish to communicate with
you by...":
1) Morse signaling by hand-flags
K
"I wish to communicate with you." or arms;
Kilo
2) Loud hailer (megaphone);
3) Morse signaling lamp;
4) Sound signals.
Latitude (The first 2 digits
L In harbour: "The ship is quarantined."
denote degrees; the last 2 denote
Lima At sea: "You should stop your vessel instantly."
minutes.)

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International Code of Signals - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Code_of_Signals

M "My vessel is stopped and making no way through

Mike the water."[b]

N
"Negative."[a]
November

"Man overboard."[b] (often attached to the man

O
overboard pole on boats).
Oscar
With a sinister hoist, the semaphore flag.
The Blue Peter.
In harbour: All persons should report on board as
P
the vessel is about to proceed to sea.
Papa
At sea: It may be used by fishing vessels to mean:
"My nets have come fast upon an obstruction."

Q "My vessel is 'healthy' and I request free

Quebec pratique."

R Distance (range) in nautical

(No ICS meaning as a single flag)
Romeo miles.

S
"I am operating astern propulsion."[b] Speed (velocity) in knots
Sierra

Local time. (The first 2 digits

T
"Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling." denote hours; the last 2 denote
Tango
minutes.)

U
"You are running into danger."
Uniform

V
"I require assistance." Speed in kilometres per hour.
Victor

W
"I require medical assistance."
Whiskey

X "Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for

Xray my signals."

Y
"I am dragging my anchor."
Yankee

"I require a tug." Time (UTC). (The first 2 digits

Z
By fishing vessels near fishing grounds: "I am denote hours; the last 2 denote
Zulu
shooting nets."[c] minutes.)

Notes

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